A Little Chat with John Adams

So a while back (about march time just before everything became mad and serious due to exams) I was listening to music on youtube and stumbled across John Adam's audition for The X factor in 2011. I remember watching this guy and listening to how different his voice was to many of the others that auditioned that year. I was gutted when he didn't make it to judges houses but it looks like he's done better on his own! 

I caught up with John to find out what it was like to appear on a show like The X Factor, what's happened since and where he sees himself in the future! 

Hi John! So a few years ago you were on the X factor (watch his audition here), what made you sign up?

I was a big fan of the show and I was really interested to see what went on behind the scenes. I had never sang before so it was completely for fun, I had no idea I'd end up with a career in music. My girlfriend was quite encouraging at the time and I've never been one to turn down a dare lol

Sadly you only made it to bootcamp, how did you feel about that? 

Initially I was over the moon to get such amazing comments from the judges and was just happy to be there but as time went on it gave me a glimpse of the possibilities and I started to take the competition a lot more seriously. Being sent home at the bootcamp stage then came as a massive blow and with no other musical opportunities in my life it actually felt like the end of the road. I also felt a little hard done by and that I possibly deserved to go a little further. It was a long lonely train journey home after what felt like a whirlwind of emotions and going back to the day job after a glimmer of being successful in something I enjoyed was really difficult. This feeling continued for quite some time until the show was aired but the public response was overwhelming and the chance of having a musical career started to be an option again so I decided to resign! Thank you public!!! :)

Would you say it was a positive experience which encouraged you to continue with music? 

Despite the emotional turmoil I don't think I would have ever taken the leap of faith to pursue my dream. My X Factor appearance give me the ability to go from on full time career to another with not as much risk as if I had to start from scratch. I also gained an amazing fanbase and some fabulous opportunities I had only dreamt of. However a few years down the line and a lot of experience later the X Factor label has been a bit of a negative stigma in the music industry. I feel I have just started to be taken seriously as an artist since the release of my album and recognition is now based on my talents and not the TV appearance :)

At any point did you ever consider going back to teaching?

As of yet no regrets. It's been very hard work but if you find a job you love you'll never work again! :) I would encourage people to get an education first because music is so unpredictable. It's reassuring to know I can go back when I'm older.

Your debut album is called 'The Pavement is my Stage' - what's the story behind the title?

After I resigned as a teacher I had no idea how to get gigs or people to hear my music so busking seemed a good option. I busked in different cities every weekend and it turned out to be very successful. I got to gain lots of experience, met all the fans I made on the show and even raised enough funds to record my debut album hence the name. :)

What song is your favourite on the album?

My favourite song on the album is "The Last Song" (one of mine too!).The music industry is full of setbacks and false promises but this song recognises the continuous support of fans, family, friends and most of all my girlfriend. Despite my constant desire to be a successful musician I already have everything I would ever wish for and I think this was an important realisation to deal with the way the industry works. Plus its quite catchy! :)

What can we expect in the future from you?  

The future is completely unpredictable. I will continue performing and taking every opportunity hoping one day I'll be in the right place at the right time. I have started writing my next album which already sounds so much better than the last :) We also have some great festivals and busks lined up. Head over to our social network sites to find out where we'll be.

If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? 

I absolutely adore the writing of Passenger so I would love to create a song together but I think our voices would be very similar if we were to perform so I'd like to perform the song with Ellie Goulding :)

And lastly, there are the Directioners, the Beliebers, the Mixers etc…but what are your fans called?

The Adams FanMily 

You can find out more about John here, like him on facebook, follow him on twitter or listen to more of his music over on his youtube channel!

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Thank you so much to John for this lovely little chat and all the best for the future :)

Esmee x

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