In conversation with NME, rising singer-songwriter ADMT, real name Adam Taylor, opens up about his journey from Doncaster to the stage at Leeds Festival 2024. He reflects on his music, mental health, and what it means to make it as a Northern artist.
INTERVIEWER: You’ve had quite a year, Adam, with the success of your singles and your viral 50 Cent cover. How are you feeling about everything that’s happening right now?
ADMT: Honestly, I’m feeling quite blessed. I’m just a guy from Donny. For all this mad stuff to be happening is sick – I’m super grateful. This is my dream, and I’m just trying to soak it all in. It’s crazy to think how far I’ve come, but I’m still the same lad who grew up here.
INTERVIEWER: You mentioned Doncaster. What role has your hometown played in shaping you as an artist?
ADMT: I spent my whole youth trying to escape Donny, but now I can appreciate all the great things about it. There are so many great people; it’s a soup of cultures and music that’s influenced my writing. Doncaster’s a working-class town, and I’ve lived so many different experiences because of that. It’s given me stories to tell, for sure. Yungblud is also from Donny, and what he’s done is special. It shows that anything is possible if you put in the work and believe in yourself.
INTERVIEWER: You’ve been very open about your mental health, both in your music and on social media. Why is it so important for you to share that side of your life?
ADMT: I spent a good couple of years suffering with depression. It was hell, and the only way I saw a way to deal with it was by venting through my music. Writing it down helped me, and the more I shared it, the more I realized it was helping others too. I know it sounds cliche, but I’ve had these existential thoughts about what it means to be here. If I can use my music to stop someone from doing something they might regret, then that’s all that matters. We need to show people that they need to stay – it’s the biggest tragedy when someone feels like they don’t belong here anymore.
INTERVIEWER: Your honesty clearly resonates with your fans, especially younger ones. How do you balance being so open while managing your own mental health?
ADMT: It’s a tough balance, but I try to reply to everyone and be there if I can. We’ve even got a Discord with a mental health chat. Some fans were saying they didn’t want to come to my gigs alone, so we created a space for them to connect with others. Loneliness is a huge factor in mental health struggles. If you can build a community where people feel at home, without judgment or fear, then that’s the best thing you can do.
INTERVIEWER: You’re headlining the Festival Republic Stage on the opening night of Leeds Festival. That must be an incredible feeling, especially being from the North. What does this moment mean to you?
ADMT: Leeds has always been the one I wanted to play. Big love to BBC Introducing for giving me that platform last year and Festival Republic for having me back! I love the energy and vibe of the festival. But I won’t lie, I’m pooing my pants a bit! I try not to think about it too much because I put pressure on myself and get anxious. But I’m excited – it’s happening, and I just want to catch a vibe and meet new people. Leeds is like a second home to me. I went to uni there, and it’s where I really found myself musically.
INTERVIEWER: You’ve mentioned that you’re working on your debut album. What can fans expect from it?
ADMT: The album’s got to be my story. I’ve already got some songs written that I’d love to include, but I feel like I need to write with some friends and really bare all. There’s going to be love, loss, pain – the full spectrum. I’m not sure if I should write another mental health song, but honestly, I could do a whole album on that! I’m just taking it one day at a time and letting the music come naturally.
INTERVIEWER: What’s your ultimate dream for this album and where it might take you?
ADMT: This might sound a bit arrogant, but I have to believe that this album is going to take me somewhere amazing. You can’t let doubt creep in. I keep telling myself, “This is going to be everywhere – we’re going to explode into the world.” I have to do this, not just for me, but for everyone who’s been with me on this journey.
Catch ADMT at Leeds Festival 2024, where he’ll headline the Festival Republic Stage on Thursday, August 22. With a debut album on the horizon and a mission to spread a message of hope and resilience, this Doncaster artist is just getting started.