Life

Singer Rebekah Fitch on gyros, porridge with peanut butter and how to pray

Gail Bell asks experts and people in the public eye what keeps them going. This week: Belfast singer-songwriter Rebekah Fitch

Belfast-born singer-songwriter Rebekah Fitch is based in London. Picture: Y-Control Photography
Belfast-born singer-songwriter Rebekah Fitch is based in London. Picture: Y-Control Photography Belfast-born singer-songwriter Rebekah Fitch is based in London. Picture: Y-Control Photography
Singer Rebekah Fitch on gyros, porridge with peanut butter and how to pray
Singer Rebekah Fitch on gyros, porridge with peanut butter and how to pray

Rebekah Fitch, whose single Game Over is out now

1

Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?

My morning routine hasn't changed too much, apart from that fact it's more consistent as I'm not out late gigging these days. I go for a run first thing, making sure I get out of the house. When I come back, I have a quick shower and then have breakfast while reading my Bible. It helps set my perspective for the day and keeps me in a good space, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

2

What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?

Porridge, every day. I add raspberries, honey, cinnamon and peanut butter… what could be better?

Lunch?

Poached eggs are hard to beat.

Evening meal?

If I'm cooking, I'm very likely to make a curry or fajitas – both are definitely my go-to meals.

3

Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?

I've always worked from home, so I've learned how to keep a good balance of discipline, motivation and kindness to myself. I have a great set-up with my studio at home which is amazing. The one tricky thing is that now everyone else is also working from home, I can't blast music out loud or practise all day.

4

Best/easiest lockdown meal?

I started making some Greek food, such as gyros, over lockdown which was something I hadn't done before.

5

Weekend treat?

Before restrictions, hanging out with friends was one of my favourite things – I'm a total extrovert and when you work from home/by yourself every day, it's great to have this to look forward to.

6

How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?

As well as trying to maintain a good – but realistic – exercise routine, I've been working on new musical projects that are challenging me and pushing me creatively. These include designing a lyric and photo book, making a music video with a full cast and crew, and developing a video game – as well as more songwriting.

7

What has been your daily outdoor exercise?

Apart from my morning runs, I'm very blessed to have amazing places to go for walks throughout the day. I'm currently based in central London and love going on walks around Regent's Park, Soho, Hyde Park and South Bank.

8

How do you relax?

If I'm not hanging out with friends, I love watching a good documentary or writing a bit of poetry.

9

Teetotal or tipple?

I didn't drink at all until I was about 22, so I feel it's a bit of both. I love trying interesting cocktails – new flavours, weird flavours…

10

What book are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading How To Pray by Pete Grieg. It's so simple but profound, full of amazing stories, different reasons for why we pray, and the effect it has on our lives and beyond.

11

Best Netflix?

I've been loving Orange is the New Black recently. There's such brutal honesty in the stories and I loved how it gave the women such depth in their humanity.

12

Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?

I've learned that sometimes it can be quite nice to slow down and just be in the 'present'. I've also learned how much I treasure relationships and want to invest in them.

13

On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?

With 10 as the most extreme, I would say about a six. I guess I probably felt cabin fever the most when we weren't able to see friends or family and when all my instruments were stuck in London when I was home in Belfast during lockdown.

14

What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?

Spending quality time with those I love, being able to play music with people, and hugs.

15

Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?

Oh, I'll be out at a different gig every night and I can't wait to travel again too – I would love to go to Tokyo or back to New York. And I will want to hug everyone I meet!

16

Biggest gripe?

I really struggle to be near noisy eaters… or anyone that has an inflated sense of self-importance.

17

Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?

Yes, I have learned to appreciate living more in the present instead of always looking ahead.

18

Any new skills or hobbies?

I've been really enjoying doing graphic design over the past few months. I've been getting into video content creation and editing too. It makes me more self-sufficient as an artist.

19

What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?

I would love to see culture change to a stronger focus on community and a heart for kindness. We live in a world that is often so individualistic and hurried, so I hope this experience will give us a hunger for community living, where everyone looks out for each other.

20

Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?

No, I don't think so – I've always had a strong sense of purpose though my faith and so I had that to hold on to that during all of this uncertainty. I'm not a worrier and I've found so much peace and hope in my faith. I think it's so important for people to ask the bigger questions in life: what do they find meaning in, and why are they here? If it means more people are up for talking about the deeper things in life after all of this, I welcome that.

Rebekah's new single Game Over is out now. More information at @rebekahfitch on twitter.