This Teddy Swims & Victor Ray “Ordinary People” Duet Will Break Hearts

Some performances feel like a private moment that just happens to be caught on camera. This live cover of “Ordinary People” by Teddy Swims and Victor Ray at Sofar London is exactly that kind of moment.

Before a single note is played, Teddy looks out at the room and laughs, “I’m going to film a little bit of this and just send it to my little brother if that’s okay with you guys.” It feels relaxed, warm, and completely unforced, like friends hanging out rather than a staged show. Then the keys begin, the guitar joins in, and the whole space shifts as the song takes over.

Recorded on January 9th, 2024, at D’Stassi Art for Sofar London, this performance features Teddy Swims and Victor Ray sharing lead vocals, with Jairus Hardge on keys and Jesse Hampton on guitar. Together, they bring John Legend’s classic to life in a stripped, soulful setting that highlights every breath, crack, and run in their voices.

Teddy Swims and Victor Ray come from different paths, but in this room, they sound like they have been singing together for years.

Teddy Swims is known for his huge, raspy voice and emotional delivery. His sound blends soul, R&B, pop, and a little grit, and he often moves from a soft whisper to a full, soaring belt in just a few beats. That range fits “Ordinary People” in a powerful way, and in this video, his voice leads many of the big moments.

Fans who want more of his live sound can watch a full performance on the Sofar channel, where he sings a live version of “Lose Control”. Outside of Sofar, he stays active across social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, where his covers and originals reach a huge global audience.

In the Sofar London clip, his tone is warm and grounded, with slight growls and cracks that fit the raw feel of the song. Every time he leans into a line, the room seems to lean with him.

Victor Ray brings a smooth, clean tone that wraps around Teddy’s grit in a way that feels natural. Known for heartfelt covers and original songs, he has built a strong following online and through intimate live performances. His voice carries a gentle brightness that cuts through the mix without ever fighting for space.

In this duet, he often takes key lines in the verses, then tucks into harmonies on the choruses. The blend is tight, especially on the repeated “take it slow” phrases, where their voices lock together at the top of the melody. For those who want to explore more of his work, Victor shares music and updates on Instagram, longer videos on YouTube, and full tracks on Spotify.

The Sofar setup is simple: no big stage, no flashy lights, just artists and a room full of people sitting in silence, ready to listen. That quiet gives this performance its weight.

Teddy’s opening line to the crowd, about recording the song for his little brother, sets the tone right away. It sounds like something said in a living room, not at a show. The audience laughs softly, the room relaxes, and it feels as if everyone there has been invited into a private memory.

Once the joke lands, there is a small pause, then the keyboard starts to play the gentle opening of “Ordinary People.” Teddy leans forward on his stool, phone in hand, and the mood shifts from playful to focused in a breath. The camera catches that change on his face as he moves from chatter to full attention.

What Makes The Sofar Sounds Setting Special

This performance is also a window into what Sofar Sounds is known for: close, respectful listening in unusual spaces. Sofar hosts shows in living rooms, galleries, shops, and other small venues, bringing artists and audiences together without the usual barriers.

The Sofar team describes itself as a global music community that connects artists and listeners through live shows in unique spaces. On their main site, new listeners can explore upcoming events in many cities around the world. The London branch, shown here, often sets up nights like this in places such as D’Stassi Art, where art on the walls surrounds the performers.

Behind the scenes, Sofar shares highlights and artist news on Sofar Sounds Instagram, local updates on Sofar London on Instagram, and clips across Sofar Sounds on TikTok. Those who enjoy regular performances can keep up with new sessions by using the Sofar email and subscription page to follow along.

In a setting like this, with the crowd seated close and phones mostly put away, moments like Teddy filming for his brother or Victor smiling at a vocal run feel more intimate. The whole night feels less like a concert and more like a shared memory.

Stay Connected With The Artists

For anyone moved by this performance, there is plenty more to explore from everyone involved.

Teddy Swims shares clips from the road, behind-the-scenes moments, and new music across his channels, including his Instagram profile, TikTok account, Twitter feed, and official Facebook page. His work with Sofar also includes the powerful live performance of “Lose Control, which shows another side of his voice in the same type of intimate space.

Victor Ray continues to grow a strong fanbase through stripped-back videos and live sets. Listeners can follow his new releases and covers on his Instagram page, watch longer sessions and visuals on his YouTube channel, and stream his tracks on his artist page on Spotify.

Sofar Sounds itself remains a steady home for performances like this one. Upcoming shows, artist features, and ticket info are all available on the Sofar Sounds homepage, with more visual stories across their main Instagram and Sofar London’s account.

Conclusion

This Sofar London recording captures more than two great singers covering a well-known song. It shows how a simple setup, a small room, and honest vocals can turn ordinary people into a quiet, connected crowd for a few minutes.

From Teddy Swims joking about sending the video to his brother, to Victor Ray matching every line with steady, thoughtful harmonies, the performance feels both relaxed and deeply focused. The keys, guitar, camera work, and sound all stay out of the way so that the voices and the moment can speak for themselves.

For anyone who loves live music that feels close, unpolished, and real, this duet offers a glimpse of what nights at Sofar can be like, and why sessions like this one keep finding new listeners long after the last note fades.