If you’ve been anywhere near a Spotify playlist in the last year, you’ve heard them. That deep, baritone rumble that feels like velvet and mahogany? That’s Giveon. The gritty, soul-piercing wail that sounds like it was forged in a Georgia furnace? That’s Teddy Swims.
Individually, they are powerhouses. But when news broke that they were finally hopping on a track together, the R&B world basically had a collective heart attack. The song, "Are You Even Real," isn't just another industry-mandated feature. Honestly, it feels like a genuine moment between two guys who actually respect each other's craft.
Most people think these two are rivals because they both dominate the "sad boy soul" niche. That couldn't be further from the truth.
The Unexpected Bromance Behind the Music
Teddy Swims (born Jaten Dimsdale) has been very vocal about his admiration for Giveon. During the rollout for his latest project, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), Swims didn't hold back. He called Giveon a "once-in-a-generation talent."
That’s high praise coming from a man who spent years grinding out covers in an Atlanta garage.
The collaboration happened naturally. No forced label meetings or stiff studio sessions. Swims was in a head space where he felt like his life was "too good to be true"—specifically regarding his relationship. He needed a voice that could ground that ethereal feeling. He needed Giveon.
💡 You might also like: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
Giveon, for his part, saw the "magic" in Teddy’s world. He’s gone on record saying the song came together in a way that just showed. You can hear it in the mix. They aren't fighting for the spotlight; they’re decorating the same house.
Why "Are You Even Real" Hits Different
- Vocal Contrast: Giveon’s low-end frequency acts as the anchor.
- The Emotional Peak: Teddy takes the high road, literally. His rasp adds the "hurt" even when the lyrics are happy.
- Production: It’s sultry, stripped back, and lets the voices breathe.
Giveon and Teddy Swims: Comparing the Vocal Titans
People love to compare them. It's human nature. But trying to pick a "better" singer here is like choosing between a vintage whiskey and a perfectly charred steak. They both satisfy, but the texture is totally different.
Giveon is the king of the contemporary baritone. He brought back a sound that felt lost since the days of 90s R&B. His voice is incredibly stable. It’s "expensive" sounding. When he sings, it feels like he’s whispering a secret directly into your ear, even if he’s performing at the O2 Arena.
Then you have Teddy.
Teddy Swims is a force of nature. He’s got that "vocal fry" and a range that defies his physical stature. He can jump from a country-tinged growl to a gospel falsetto in three seconds. If Giveon is the calm before the storm, Teddy is the actual thunderstorm.
📖 Related: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
Current Career Trajectories in 2026
As of early 2026, both artists are at the absolute peak of their powers.
Teddy Swims is currently basking in the massive success of I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), which dropped in January 2025. He’s a regular on the festival circuit now. You can catch him headlining Coachella and Stagecoach this year—a rare crossover feat that proves his "genre-less" appeal.
Giveon is currently in the middle of his "Dear Beloved" world tour. He’s hitting Seoul, Berlin, London, and Manchester throughout the first half of 2026. He’s moved beyond the "breakout" phase and is now firmly an R&B statesman.
What Fans Get Wrong About the "Rivalry"
Social media loves a good versus battle. You'll see threads on X or TikTok debating who has better runs or who carries the "soul" of the 2020s.
The reality? They are actually friends.
👉 See also: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
Swims has joked about wanting to do a "whole record" with Giveon. That’s the dream, right? A full-length collaborative LP. While nothing is officially on the 2026 release calendar yet beyond their single, the chemistry is clearly there. They represent two different sides of the same coin: one polished and cinematic, the other raw and vulnerable.
How to Experience Their Music Right Now
If you're just catching up, don't just hit "shuffle." You need a plan.
- Start with "Are You Even Real": Listen to the way the harmonies stack in the final chorus. It’s a masterclass in vocal arrangement.
- Watch the Live Sessions: Both artists shine when the autotune is off. Find Teddy’s "Village Sessions" and Giveon’s "Tiny Desk."
- Check the Tour Dates: Teddy is doing the festival run (Bonnaroo, Isle of Wight) while Giveon is doing the arena/theater route. If you’re in Europe this March, you’ve got plenty of chances to see Giveon live in cities like Stockholm or Dublin.
The 2026 music landscape is crowded, but these two have carved out a space that feels timeless. They aren't chasing trends. They are just singing. And sometimes, that's more than enough.
Actionable Insight: If you want to dive deeper into the technical side of their collaboration, look up vocal coach breakdowns of their "Are You Even Real" riffs. It’ll give you a whole new appreciation for the precision Giveon brings to his "lazy" delivery and the sheer power Teddy exerts without blowing out his chords.