Singer-songwriter ADMT has released his debut album, From Good To Bad And Then Back Again, and the musician has not held back when opening up about his feelings. The Doncaster-born star, whose real name is Adam Taylor, has amassed over 1.5 million followers across his social platforms and has been recognised by global megastar 50 Cent thanks to his rendition of Best Friend.
A Deeply Personal Album
ADMT admits his music will always focus on his feelings and says it is important to have open, honest conversations with those closest to you. From Good To Bad And Then Back Again does not shy away from the hardest of topics, reflecting on candid mental health admissions, housing issues, and poverty. Speaking about his record, ADMT said he had "so many feelings" initially and questioned his body of work.
"It's been a lot," he said, adding that he was fortunate enough to work with "amazing producers" who made him feel at home and relaxed. "The guys I've written the album with, three groups of people have been incredible embodying what I want as an artist, but also using their knowledge and their skill and their geniuses. It's been a blessing."
Tracks That Tell Stories
On his record, there is a track titled Still Water, in which he found "peace" in writing. He said of the song: "It's about love and a couple of my friends who I introduced, I played Cupid. It wasn't always perfect at the beginning of their relationship but they persevered with it, they didn't just quit. That's what the song's about. It's about how these people are each other's calmness, they're each other's still water, and it's glassy and crystal."
The Door is another track where ADMT speaks about his own battles with his mental health and breaking the walls down to let somebody in. "Giving myself wholly to someone, flaws and all, history with my brain, as a beautiful thing."
Speaking about his writing, ADMT said: "I just don't think I've ever managed to write anything that doesn't feel real. I don't write about nice cars; I don't have that in my life. I write about the issues I've felt. I've had my mental health struggles. I just want to write real stuff. It feels quite freeing to do. If I can get it off my chest by doing it through a song, it's almost easier as a man to do it, especially initially, than having the conversation."
Honest Lyrics About Heartbreak
ADMT's lead single, Turn The Page, is perhaps one of the most honest songs released this year. With lyrics including: "I wish that someone would have told me that loving you would ever cut this deep," ADMT lays bare his entire heart on a completely new level as he shares the brutal reality of heartbreak. "It's one of those things, you can write a song and think 'I've written another one about heartbreak?'. Who's not felt that? When you're writing tunes, if you resonate with a thing, someone somewhere is going to feel it."
He added: "I think it's important to speak about everything. I find it difficult to speak about heartbreak initially, I think being a young man from a working-class town, especially when I was younger." He noted that now he has "found his space" where he can share his emotions. "Certain things hit you harder in life than you expected and it might take a few years to process."
Advocating for Mental Health
For ADMT, it is "important" for people to foster relationships with friends that make you feel comfortable sharing how you really feel. "I think it's important that we utilise that thing that's been in use for thousands of years, we're community-based. It works better when you know you've got someone you can trust to open up to. It's a lonely time when you struggle with your head." Adam is also a huge advocate for talking therapy, admitting it is "eye-opening".
Having a platform comes with responsibility, with Adam saying it is "important" to break the taboo around mental health. "The one thing we should be doing is having open, honest communication and us being able to discuss things," he said. "I think the mental health thing is really important, I don't like seeing people suffering. If we work together, we can do anything. If we're open and trusting, no one wants to be ridiculed for their feelings. Especially lads, I grew up in Donny, so banter is a thing – everyone is giving each other some stick, that's fine as long as it's not an attack."
Tour and Future Plans
ADMT is currently preparing for his own headline tour, which will see him visit cities including Birmingham, London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Berlin. "I don't necessarily think I'm anything that special," Adam said. "I'm just doing what I can with my thing. I can't wait to get out and see the people who've supported me and hopefully some new people. I love the connection. I don't think I ever understood how writing songs about my struggles and my life would help other people."
Most recently, he supported fellow Doncaster musician Louis Tomlinson on the European leg of his How Did We Get Here? tour. He said: "Louis' fans are incredible, so welcoming and so warm and open to hearing new music. It's been insane, it's incredible, my first time in an arena. It has just been magic so far, one of the biggest blessings of my life."
From Good To Bad And Then Back Again, via BMG Records, is available now.
