Teddy Swims has announced his new album UGLY, with the record set to arrive on 22 January, alongside a major UK tour scheduled for spring 2027.
The Lose Control singer says the album was shaped by a period of major personal change, including becoming a father and reflecting on the expectations he places on himself as an artist, partner and parent.
UGLY will be led by “Perfect Man”, a soul-pop track centred on self-forgiveness and the pressure to live up to an unrealistic idea of perfection.
Teddy Swims opens up about fatherhood on UGLY
Swims says becoming a father has influenced the themes running through UGLY, particularly his thoughts about responsibility, vulnerability and the standards people set for themselves.
The singer has a son with his former partner Raiche Wright, and says fatherhood has made him think more deeply about the person he wants to be.
That perspective is central to “Perfect Man”, which tackles the gap between trying to be perfect and accepting the flaws that make people human.
“Perfect Man is a song about self-forgiveness.
“In my life, I’ve held myself to a standard that is completely unrealistic. I’ve been too hard on myself as a partner, as a father, and in feeling the responsibility that comes with knowing there are people who rely and look up to me. I truly believe our insecurities and our quirks are signs of strength rather than weakness.”
For Swims, the song is about recognising those imperfections rather than trying to hide them.
“My hope with this song, and with the work and conversations around it, is that people can find some relief and try to lean into our shortcomings rather than hide them. The beauty of chasing perfection is knowing we will never reach it.”
Teddy Swims releases “Perfect Man”
“Perfect Man” serves as the first introduction to UGLY and establishes the personal tone Swims wants to explore across the album.
The brooding soul-pop track focuses on self-criticism and the difficulty of accepting that perfection is unattainable.
A live performance clip of “Perfect Man” is also available, giving fans an early look at how the new material could translate to the stage.
Suggested embed: Teddy Swims’ live performance of “Perfect Man”.
Teddy Swims announces 2027 UK tour
Alongside the album announcement, Swims has confirmed a major UK tour for spring 2027.
The run includes three nights in Manchester and three nights in London, making it one of his biggest UK headline tours to date.
Full venue and date information is available through Teddy Swims’ official website, with fans directed to teddyswims.com for ticket and tour details.
The UK shows will arrive shortly after UGLY’s January release, giving fans the chance to hear the new album live alongside songs from Swims’ existing catalogue.
