Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
Getting my two boys out the door to school/nursery pretty much dominates the early part of the morning. After that, every day is different but usually evolves around a studio; either my own or someone else's in which I'll be working on songs, songs and more songs.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
Coffee.
Lunch?
A sandwich – preferably a bagel involving jalapenos in some way. And more coffee.
Evening meal?
It really depends what's in the fridge. I love spicy food but my wife doesn't, so whatever I eat normally gets doused in hot sauce.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
Initially, I had a little set-up in the spare room which was a bit cramped but I made it work. I had a track sent to me for which I recorded some session vocals and, as I was listening to them, I was thinking how I recorded those vocals in my wardrobe.
I missed playing live gigs very much, but again I tried to make the most of situation by setting up a weekly Saturday night online Facebook gig called Cocoons with my friend Matt McGinn.
We invited some guest singer songwriters to join us virtually each week and we did that for over 60 weeks in a row. I also created an event every Friday at 5.30pm called 'One Drink-One Song-Home', where, as the name suggests, I played a song, drank a different alcoholic beverage every week and had a chat with people who were missing that 'get outta work' pint when the pubs were all closed up.
Luckily, I was able to get an actual studio built over lockdown in my back garden and that has really changed everything.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
Steak and chips and Nigel Slater's spaghetti alla puttanesca are two handy and very tasty meals. I also make pretty decent chorizo baked beans… but I wing it every time, so sometimes I get a bit carried away with the chilli and cayenne pepper.
Weekend treat?
During lockdown, it was definitely frozen Margaritas. I also took full advantage of the Hatfield Guinness van whenever possible; that was always a surreal experience, getting pints of Guinness delivered to your door.
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
This actually surprises people, but I run 20k a week, which I realise isn't exactly a marathon but definitely helps keep the lungs pumping. I also find getting out for run helps with my head as well; it allows me to let off a bit of steam and think about stuff.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
The running is normally condensed into two days, but I find playing football with my two boys and their seemingly endless requests for 'twirly whirlies' and piggy-backs helps build up a daily sweat.
How do you relax?
I sound like a loner, but I love going to watch a Liverpool match on my own in the pub. I love to just switch off and watch the Reds do their thing – although, sometimes watching Liverpool play can be pretty stressful...
Teetotal or tipple?
I think my pretty steady stream of alcohol references answers that one for you.
What book are you currently reading?
You Are Already Free by Ryan Doherty.
Best Netflix?
Narcos is hard to beat.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
I can play a two-hour show with just my acoustic guitar and my songs to fall back on. I don't think I would have been able to do that before lockdown. I've spent a large part of my career fronting a rock band and sharing that experience and responsibility with the guys in The Answer, so to be able to get up on my own and do my thing feels pretty good.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
Since I got my studio in shape I actually don't leave the house that much, so I'm kind of happy inside. Thankfully, I've been able to temper those hermit instincts with some beautiful gigs since restrictions eased, so I feel like I now have a decent balance.
I probably hit about 'five' at certain points along the way, but I'm low on the scale now.
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Football, pubs and gigs in no particular order.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
I do look forward to touring at some point again.
Biggest gripe?
Ronaldo going back to United.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
I think I'm more comfortable in my own skin for sure and more mindful when it comes to shared experiences and feeling free.
Any new skills or hobbies?
Thanks to my two boys, my first touch is vastly improved. I can also switch a computer on and off and assign people to Zoom break-out rooms with ease.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
People undervaluing musicians and taking live music and music in general for granted.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
I've always very much appreciated being alive. If coronavirus has done anything for me, I suppose it has helped me appreciate and view with more clarity the people and the things in my life that really make it worth living for.
Cormac Neeson's lockdown single Precious Cargo is available on digital platforms, with new EP, Up There Somewhere due for release in March.
