River Matthews is a singer/ songwriter from Surrey, and tours Ireland next week with dates at Fred Zepplins in Cork (Wed); Roisin Dubh, Galway (Thurs); and Whelan’s in Dublin (Fri).

Former Cure drummer Lol Tolhurst talks to Ellie O’Byrne about sorting himself out

Irish film-maker Niall McCann has made a documentary on the Scottish label that gave us such indie heroes as Alex Kapranos and Arab Strap, writes Don O’Mahony.

Looking to plan your week? Here are five things to check out.

Five things from the world of arts and culture to keep you cocuoied this week.

MUSIC NEWS: Quote of the week goes to Tim Commerford, bassist with Rage Against the Machine, who told Rolling Stone: “I do apologise for Limp Bizkit. I really do. I feel really bad that we inspired such bullshit.” 

FILM TIPS: There’s no doubt which film will be filling the cinemas this weekend, with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 already attracting huge crowds since its opening yesterday. Away from the big cinemas, Triskel Christchurch in Cork has Nightcrawler from Sunday, and Irish film Out of Here.

TV BITS:

Contented and writing the best songs of his career, Lloyd Cole really is a merry old soul, says Joe Dermody

As the fallout from Germany’s 7-1 rout of World Cup hosts Brazil continues to sink in, one publican was left counting the cost of the World Cup record scoreline.

MUSIC NEWS:

MUSIC NEWS: Ex Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl has announced the latest of his supergroup projects, the Sound City Players.

MUSIC NEWS: Shane MacGowan has told the Quietus website that some of his best songs were written by ghosts.

Stand-up Stephen Frost and his sidekicks tour the world ad-libbing their jokes. They’re back at the Electric Picnic, says Richard Fitzpatrick

With their fourth studio album due for release this year Franz Ferdinand have announced a whistlestop Irish tour of intimate venues this summer.

Phill Jupitus’s career in stand-up survived a treacherous support slot atthe Royal Albert Hall, writes Richard Fitzpatrick

U2’S the Edge was on hand to announce details of a unique Amnesty International 47 countries, 1,000 concerts event to highlight human rights and environmental issues.

The woman whose body was retrieved from the water near the new Oranmore garda station this afternoon has not yet been formally identified.

Blues musician Nigel Mooney is take part in a short nationwide tour prior to the release of his first album in early May.

Cathy Davey has just announced that she will play an Irish tour in September 2004, including a date in Temple Bar Music Centre on September 19.

The Devlins' Irish tour kicks off tomorrow night in Dolan's Warehouse in Limerick, with the band travelling to Cork's Half Moon Theatre on Saturday night.