ADMT in Conversation with FAULT Magazine

ADMT

ADMT, otherwise known as Adam Taylor, is a singer-songwriter from Doncaster in Northern England. His fixation with music has taken him a long way in a short time: from busking in nearby towns during the live music hiatus caused by COVID-19 to selling out gigs across the country and booking slots at major festivals. Adam’s cover of 50 Cent’s ‘Best Friend’ may have brought him to global attention – something for which he’s incredibly grateful – but he’s at his happiest when he’s telling his own stories through his work. His honesty and sincerity defines his work – something that is perhaps best heard in his latest track, ‘Without You’.

We spoke to ADMT about his latest music, his inspirations, and, of course, his FAULTs…

FAULT: Tell us a bit about your background: how did you get into music?

ADMT: To be honest, it kind of happened by accident. I mean, I’ve always played drums but the singing thing came about by accident. The band I played for started to slow down and no one wants to see a drummer on their own….! My friends made me sing at their leaving party and it kind of stemmed from there. I called a friend and said, “I’m gonna write a song,” and I’ve blagged it ever since…!

‘Without You’ is about gratitude – to your fans, supporters and loved ones. They’re obviously a real source of inspiration to you. Talk us through the process of writing that track?

‘Without You’ was the first light after being in the darkest place I’d ever been in. The session where I wrote the track was the first time I felt grateful just to be here. The gratitude came from the people who had been here for me when, in all honesty, I didn’t want to be any more. I remember just sitting there and reflecting on how lucky I was to have those people and the love they give.

For those who haven’t come across ADMT yet: how would you describe your sound?

Honest, both in the stories I tell and the emotion that’s in each song. I really find this question tricky because, first, I dunno how to answer and, second, I’m not sure I should. My sound is just me, each song is a story of something I’ve seen, felt or been through. As much as beauty is in the eye of the beholder I think music is in the ear of the listener and that’s for other people to interpret.

But a producer I once worked with did call it “Donny Swag” so we could always just go with that…!

Which do you prefer: recording or performing live?

I think they’re different energies. I love creating and feeling the energy of knowing something is right in the writing room, but probably more so I love playing live and telling the story to people who connect and appreciate it. There is no feeling like that.

You’re selling out shows left, right and centre at the moment. How does it feel to have gone from busking during the pandemic to this?

I dunno what’s going on…! I’m just a kid from Doncaster. All I know is that I’m beyond grateful.

You recently covered 50 Cent’s track ‘Best Friend’ – and 50 went on to share it on his socials – but do you see yourself collaborating directly with anyone in the near future? Who would you most like to work with?

Yeah that was a random one…! I think, when it comes to collaboration, I want to work with everyone and anyone. With collaboration there’s a never-ending supply of lessons about yourself, life and creating in general… but obviously 50 would be a dream…!

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. I’ve become so fixated on music, I don’t often think about anything else…! Music aside, I’m drawn to travelling and I’d like to experience as many different cultures as possible. It’s always been a dream to help people in general, whether that be through music or something else. There’s a lot of suffering in the world and I’d love to play a part in moving things forward.

Who is overrated/underrated?

I don’t think there’s any such thing as overrated, really Like I say, music is so subjective that if people love someone and that person becomes huge as a result, then that’s amazing. Just as no-one is shit, some people just aren’t to other people’s taste. That doesn’t make them less of an artist, though, y’know?

Beyond your upcoming gigs in London, what can we expect from you in the near future? Anything else you’re particularly looking forward to?

I’m playing Reading and Leeds fest this year and am buzzing for it! Alongside All Points East and Boardmasters. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a festival junkie so these are literal bucket list things for me. Alongside that, expect more music, more good vibes and hopefully a few ADMT parties along the way. On a personal note, I just want to keep growing both as a human and as an artist.

What is your FAULT?

Haha what isn’t my fault…! I’m human: I overthink, get anxious, speak before I process, get defensive and sometimes let my ego win – although I fight it…! I also drink too much… and I’m sure there’s even more I haven’t mentioned…! But, at the end of the day, we’re all learning, right?