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'I used to work on a fish stall - now my music has gone viral'

Andrew Barton
BBC News, Yorkshire
BBC Doncaster musician Adam Taylor in white peaked cap, red sunglasses and white jacket, next to fishmonger wearing a flat cap and blue apronBBC
Adam Taylor worked on a fish stall at Doncaster Market before finding success in his music career

A former fishmonger whose music has gone viral says his spell working at a local market inspired him to write the songs that have made his name.

Adam Taylor, known as ADMT, has racked up hundreds of thousands of views on Youtube for tracks such as North, which pays homage to his Yorkshire roots.

Returning to visit former colleagues at Doncaster Market this week, Taylor added that North is about "being proud of the place I'm from, regardless of its flaws".

Staff on the fish stalls say they remember the singer-songwriter as being a hard worker who often sang on shift at Tony's Plaice.

Doncaster musician Adam Taylor in white peaked cap, red sunglasses and white jacket and jeans with a woman wearing black top and spectacles taking a selfie
On a hometown visit former colleagues said they were not suprised by Adam Taylor's musical success

North includes satirical lyrics such as "anything past 15 degrees, yeah, we're calling it a scorcher".

Yet his work carries a serious message about how the region is perceived.

"We get a lot of hate, Doncaster, when you mention it.

"If I go down south people go 'oh Donny'...but you know there are a lot of great people here, there's a lot of good vibes here.

"Maybe people are noticing that there are also things to be proud of even if your town is working-class."

Taylor used to work for fishmonger Tony Baghurst, who says he is "not surprised by his success at all".

"We always knew he was talented, he was always fantastic on the drums and was always a great singer, with that confidence as well. But I'm definitely a better fishmonger!"

'Songs about us'

Former colleague Shiralee Jones recalls: "He was a fine worker, he never stopped singing and he always had that bit of extra.

"I think he's brilliant, absolutely brilliant, couldn't wish for better for him.

"His songs are about us, Doncaster and they make me laugh all the time."

Speaking about his future career, Taylor says he wants to keep making music that resonates with people.

"But also I want to help my town, I want to help the people here and I want to do some things that hopefully will make a difference.

"If that works, not just Donny but then maybe we can move that to other places in Yorkshire as well."

On the success of North, he adds: "I was surprised by how it took off.

"I recorded it over a year ago. I think it just proves that no matter what in life when things are supposed to happen, then they happen. I was pleasantly surprised and I'm grateful."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North