‘I swapped my camogie boots for knee-high silver ones for the stage’
The 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Londonderry, recently reached the finals of The Voice UK as part of Team Meghan. During her time on the show, Brooke wowed judges with stunning performances of Lewis Capaldi’s Bruises, Stevie Nicks’ Edge of Seventeen and Miley Cyrus’ Nothing Breaks Like A Heart.
Do you take regular exercise and if so, what?
Over the past year I’ve got into going to the gym, and, dare I say, I even enjoy it. I try to get in there three times a week — mornings if I’m feeling extra ready to go but, if not, the evenings. I’m lucky that my brother-in-law has a gym right beside our house which is handy, but also leaves you with little excuse not to train when you can’t be bothered.
I’ve always been pretty athletic and as a child (and still now) I’d be doing backflips and all sorts — I argue I can do handstands better than I can walk.
I was in the local camogie team for a couple of years which meant training three times a week, and this gave me good discipline for when it came to going to the gym more recently. The main thing is having a routine and sticking to it, so that laid a good foundation. Over time that’s changed — becoming busier with work and filming The Voice, I couldn’t commit my time to the team as much, so I had to swap my camogie boots for knee-high silver ones for the stage!
What is the worst illness you’ve had?
Luckily, I’m pretty healthy generally but I’ve had my fair share of accidents and have had quite a few broken bones. I broke my leg skiing whilst doing a backflip. I also cracked my skull from being thrown off my friend’s back… put it like this, I wouldn’t be a great stunt woman.
How healthy is your diet?
I tend to be really healthy whenever I know I have something coming up — if I’m filming or know I’ll be photographed, I’ll plan my meals and avoid snacking. Over Christmas, I didn’t deny myself any treats or count calories.
I became a vegetarian only in the last year, and anyone with a dietary preference will know it’s something you have to work at.
Finding places which cater for that can be difficult, but there’s great local places like Slim’s Kitchen in Magherafelt that have a great offering of fresh snacks and healthy meals.
Any bad habits?
I have quite a sweet tooth and am a really keen baker. Recently between being bored throughout lockdown, the end of The Voice, and my granny’s birthday, there always seems to be something sweet to eat in the house.
Do you drink and smoke, and if so how much?
My voice is super important, so I have to take really good care of it.
I do take a drink, but if I know I have a recording session or live performance coming up I won’t drink for three days before to make sure my voice is in top condition. As far as smoking — smoking and singing don’t mix.
Do you take any supplements?
I take vegan protein when I’m training — it’s great for giving your muscles the time to build and helps them recover quicker.
How do you take time out?
Listening to music is an escape for me. Over lockdown I did a 10k challenge and putting on the headphones and going for a run was a great escape.
It’s really important for your mind to get out into the air and exercise — adding the right music to the mix makes it that
more bearable.
How well do you sleep?
Usually I sleep pretty well but recently I’ve been finding it hard to get off to sleep once I’m in bed.
I’ve a lot of energy, so throughout the day I’m running around and making the most of the day, but at night I’ve been finding it hard to tune out.
Do you worry about getting old?
I turned 21 during lockdown, and this year especially I feel like birthdays don’t count — so in terms of getting older, I’m ignoring that; forever 21!
Your go-to product that keeps you feeling healthy?
Every morning I make my own protein shake smoothies with banana, protein powder and peanut butter.
It’s something I have every day and it gives me a good burst of energy.
During her time on The Voice UK, Brooke released her debut single Attention, recorded during lockdown at Start Together Studios, Belfast. The track debuted on BBC Music Introducing, and was featured on Official Charts News Music Friday, and Spotify’s New Music Friday and New Pop UK Playlists. Before Christmas, she released a folk edition of Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic All I Want for Christmas Is You. Follow the singer on Instagram and Twitter @ Brookescullion
‘Over lockdown I did a 10k challenge and putting on the headphones and going for a run was a great escape’