Minnie Driver steers career towards music

Movie actress Minnie Driver's brand of "atmospheric pop" music has landed her a $1.8m (€1.44m) record contract with heavyweight label EMI.

The star, who started singing at the age of 15, will release debut single Everything I've Got In My Pocket in September.

An album will follow in October.

An insider says, "Minnie is so happy with the album - it's like atmospheric pop with a hint of folk. She is heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen and even covers one of his songs.

"She is at a stage in her life where she feels she can have a serious stab at launching a pop career.

"A lot of people will mock her, but it's probably best to wait until you've heard how good it is before you knock it."