The path from YouTube covers to worldwide success is one that has become increasingly well-worn in recent years, with some of the biggest stars of the past decade beginning their careers in their bedroom with a guitar. Teddy Swims’ emergence at the top of charts worldwide also began online, and with his popularity now seeing him perform at the biggest arenas in Europe. TPi caught up with his team at Co-op Live to gain an insight into the complex production behind his biggest shows to date…
Meeting TPi at the gate was a familiar face; Production Manager, Rob Bright, who has known the artist for several years. “He is incredibly talented, so I always hoped that he would get to this level,” Bright commented. “Teddy would always say that he would love to bring me out on the road when it was possible for him – and then the call came. It’s great to now be here, doing a production he is worthy of and selling out these venues.”
Aiding Bright and his 36-strong crew were technical suppliers: PRG (lighting and video), TAIT (staging), Clair Global (audio), Pyrotechnico (special effects and pyrotechnics), Co-Pilot (playback), Fly By Nite (trucking), TAWBOX (creative) and MMBand Services (bussing). “I have worked with many of the suppliers on this for a long time and I wanted to bring people onboard who I knew I could trust,” Bright explained. “All our suppliers have a good realisation of it not being just about the gear, but how well it tours, which has been a game changer – especially with Teddy’s, and our, packed schedule over the past year.”
With experience of making quick adjustments to a tour following the rapid rise of an artist from his work with Lizzo, Bright was well equipped to handle the ascent of Teddy Swims, telling TPi it has almost become his ‘niche’ in recent years. He elaborated: “I could not have done it without the expertise of Teddy’s Manager, Luke Conway. He has always listened to me about the logistics of making sure the sheer number of shows can happen, while making sure the crew are looked after and happy,” Bright said.
“The schedule has been slammed, but he checks with me, and the production crew first, asking us if certain things are feasible and that is because he cares about the impact it has across the board,” he added. “I’d like to think that everyone feels that they are part of something special. I’ve been very careful about the people I have brought into the camp because we want that longevity – and the great thing about Teddy is that, as long as he is performing, he wants his crew along with him for the journey. Everybody is here because they want to be here, and I think there is something special about that.”
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Words: Alicia Pollitt
Photos: Timmsy
