Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
I get up at 10am, get breakfast and then take the dogs for a walk. Some days I'll do yoga or leave that until bedtime. Before lockdown, if I didn't have to travel anywhere, I probably would have slept in until about 12, but I've found myself getting up earlier and feeling far better for it. Having that time in the morning to adjust and get ready for the day ahead has been incredible for my mental health.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
Bagel with peanut butter and an Actimel drink.
Lunch?
Some kinda sandwich, usually ham and cheese, a banana and a good cup of tea.
Evening meal?
Whatever is easy to make, haha – probably pasta!
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
Yeah, I've found it hard to be creative, though, so most of my time has been live-streams and practising or learning some new skills. I thought I'd be really bored, but there's always something to look forward to. I'm also getting into production a lot more now and have the time to sit down and properly educate myself. It's been fun finding new challenges to overcome.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Pasta with pesto, broccoli, peas or whatever green veg there is in the house. Such an easy meal and so good.
Weekend treat?
Some kinda takeaway – my favourite is a local food company called Pyke ‘n' Pommes as they do the best cauliflower tacos, but everything they make is just amazing. Also, there's a few really great cafés in Derry like The Coffee Tree or The Green Cat Bakery, so I might treat myself to something there.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
I do yoga/meditation every day which has been so necessary – Yoga by Adrienne on YouTube is wonderful. I do a Joe Wicks workout every so often and I started reading again, something I haven't done in a few years, so it's been nice, getting back into it. My partner and I sometimes go on a long walk in the evenings somewhere for fresh air outside of the house. At the start of lockdown, we played a lot of board and card games with my family too.
What is your daily outdoor exercise?
A walk with the dogs. They get really grumpy if they have to wait too long, so usually it's one of the first things I do every morning.
How do you relax?
Sitting on the sofa watching a good documentary or movie, face mask (the cosmetic kind) and my PJs on – with a cup of tea.
Teetotal or tipple?
Tipple – I love a whiskey at the end of the day.
What book are you currently reading?
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig – it's an unbelievable read and puts a new perspective on things. Lockdown has been really tough, so this book has really helped with my anxiety around the whole thing.
Best Netflix?
I love Schitt's Creek; it's one of the most heartwarming and funny series that I've seen in a while.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
I can bake pretty well – I learned how to make a mean brownie. Also, I've been far stronger throughout lockdown than I thought I would be. I kinda just got on with things and tried to figure out how to keep doing what I love doing from home.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
It's been a 10, but right now probably a five. I'm accepting of the way things are at the moment and know that when the time comes, I'll be ready to gig again.
What are the three things you miss most during lockdown?
I miss physical shows with an actual living audience in front of me. I miss being able to travel to different countries and experience new cultures and I miss a good Guinness without the fear of being in a really busy bar and what that means now.
Where will you go and what will you do when all restrictions are lifted?
We're planning to take the van on a big road trip around the Wild Atlantic Way when the time's right.
Biggest gripe?
Even though it's mandatory, people still aren't wearing face masks in shops or else they are wearing them under their nose/chin and that just might be the most annoying thing to witness! There's a reason why everyone else is wearing them and you not wearing one makes what we do less effective. Just wear a mask properly and don't touch your face.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
My perspective has definitely changed in that I've learnt that I need to make time to do the things I want to do instead of the things I'm supposed to do. I've always wanted to dive into production and I kept putting it off but now is the time that I've started taking that seriously. Another big thing for me is realising that the people around you won't be there forever, so hold them close and tell them that you love them while you still can.
Any new skills or hobbies?
Lockdown has released my inner baker and I'm slowly getting better at piano.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
I hope there's a shift in the way people treat the environment. I'd also love to see more compassion and activism when it comes to real change for the world.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
It's made me more aware of how we're all in this world for a certain amount of time, and what we do with that time is up to us – so we should make it count.
Roe's new EP Things We Don't Talk About is available now to download on limited edition vinyl.
