James Heatley from The Answer: I might catch a glimpse of myself and say, ‘Might need to lay off the chips, big lad’

The Answer are all at home at the minute, so morning routine is quite normal. It’s usually a bit of a rush to be honest and morning coffee is essential. My favourite right now is Nespresso Vivida. I’ll have breakfast with my two boys and then it’s out to school. There are a few days in the week when I start at the studio a bit later and I make sure to use this time for a long walk or to get out running.

When we were in the studio recording the new album, we were all living together on this big old farm in Devon. Micky (Answer bassist) and I did all the cooking for the band and the producer and engineers. It’s a bit of an obsession for us as we’ve travelled all over the world together and have eaten in some amazing places. We would be planning that night’s dinner in between recording takes of songs in the morning. On a normal day, breakfast was something like spinach omelettes.

Salads with home-made sourdough bread.

Pasta with freshly made pesto (and a glass of wine).

Nutrition is important. I eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Variety is key. I really love cooking and would never eat the same thing two days in a row. One day it might be Italian, the next Asian and the next spuds and cabbage. I was a vegetarian for near 20 years (before it was cool). I do take an 'Emergen-C' – it’s a vitamin drink that a doctor in America recommended we take when we (The Answer) all got a bit run down while on tour a few years back.

No, never been on a diet. When you’re on tour and you’re playing for one hour and 30 minutes every night, weight doesn’t be too long dropping off. We’ve had a few years away from touring and been at home, so every so often I might catch a glimpse of myself and say, ‘Might need to lay off the chips, big lad’ and then I’ll do something about it. Life is too short to be on a diet.

Chicken wings and Frank’s RedHot Sauce – but just know when to walk away.

Drumming is actually one of the best things that you can do for your body and your brain and I would recommend to any one of any age to start. It is great for relieving stress. I still love drumming and I look forward to getting behind the kit every day. My wife would say I start to get a bit grumpy if I don’t get to play them and she’ll say, "Just go and play the drums." I also coach a junior football team (Strangford FC), so running around after 20 13-year-olds helps burn up a few calories - although it may add to the stress.

Some of my friends are personal trainers so they will be laughing at this, but I think the best thing is to just get up and get at it. I’m not really one for sitting around on my arse and I don’t have much time for those that do. There’s always something that needs done. If you are busy and always on the move, fitness will sort itself out.

I loved sports in school. I was into running and played Gaelic up until the point that music took over. Then I decided if I wanted to be amazing at drums and needed to dedicate my time to that.

Definitely tipple. I once tried to do ‘dry’ January in 2009. I lasted nine days. We went back out on tour in Canada after Christmas and an old friend from Ardglass came to one of the shows and that was the end of that. I swore never again. As we all know, January in Ireland is long and cold enough without putting yourself through that as well.

Always the stairs. There’s no excuse for being lazy.

Bono’s memoir, Surrender, and a book called The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry.

Modern Family is one of the best shows in years and the American version of The Office is hilarious. We just started a new show on Apple TV with Harrison Ford called Shrinking which is very funny but with a few twists.

I remembered when to put the bin out and that we can get through anything.

Teaching – since The Answer decided to take a break for a year back in 2017, I started teaching music. It was something I never considered and never thought I would be any good at, as I am completely self-taught musician. Turns out I love it and have made a business out of it.

As a family, we sit down and watch something funny every night. It lifts the mood and puts a smile on your face before bed.

We have a big UK and Europe tour coming up this month and in April and lots of festivals during the summer, so we’re getting a set list and show together for that, to include new songs, fans’ favourites and some cool surprises. I also want to write and record more new songs before the end of the year.

While at home, yes, I have a good routine and I do get enough sleep. On tour, it’s the opposite. The first few days usually start off full of good intentions and then we start having too much fun to sleep.

We definitely did our fair share of partying in The Answer when on tour – so, at times, we probably didn’t appreciate some of the amazing sights along the road.

Not really. I always had strong opinions and ideas about how things should be done. Family comes first. My mantra is, work hard but know when to have fun.

Coronavirus has definitely changed us all a bit. I lost both my brother and my mother over the last three years. It has been a hard time. I think keeping a positive attitude is essential. There is so much bad stuff all around us in the world at the minute, so surround yourself with the best people you can find and do what you love. Music always helps too.