Known for his genre-blending music, including soul, country, and pop, he originally attracted fans through song covers on his YouTube channel in 2019 and 2020.

In 2019, Swims's friend Addy Maxwell invited him to rap over some beats he had made, which earned the pair an opening slot on a U.S. tour with Tyler Carter.

He released several covers in the following months, including "Blinding Lights" in May, "What's Going On" in June (the royalties from which he donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund), and "You're Still The One" (which he had previously posted on YouTube) in July.

[5][9] In February 2021, Swims released his single "My Bad", which he performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and was named an "Artist You Need to Know" by Rolling Stone magazine.

[5][13] In March he released his single "Till I Change Your Mind", followed by "Bed On Fire" in April, which he performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and later re-released as a collaboration with Ingrid Andress.

He performed the song on America's Got Talent alongside season 14 winner Kodi Lee and Journey guitarist Neal Schon.

[28] In 2023, Swims collaborated with Armin van Buuren & Matoma, X Ambassadors, Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, and Elley Duhé.

[29] In March, he announced his I've Tried Everything but Therapy international headline tour, including shows in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and New Zealand in July and August.

[36] The concert promoted mental health awareness and was sponsored by the Tim Bergling Foundation to honor the memory of the Swedish DJ Avicii.