Lauren Murphy

Freelance journalist and broadcaster, writing about music and the arts.

5 books to read while you're waiting for Sally Rooney's new one

If you're impatiently awaiting the publication of Rooney's third novel Beautiful World, Where Are You this September, here are five other books in a somewhat similar vein...

Books • 27 Mar 21

5 Essential Irish Podcasts to Listen To

No matter what your tastes or inclinations are, there's a podcast for pretty much everything out there these days – from farming to football to food, as well as those that plumb the murkier depths of humanity.

Podcasts • 16 Mar 21

5 Best Animated Shows for Kids on Netflix

It's been a trying year for us all, but it's been even more of a hardship for the parents of small children who simply cannot stand another second of Peppa Pig...

Netflix • 07 Sep 20

5 of the best Irish hip-hop acts right now

Irish hip-hop is having what you might call 'a moment'; some of the most exciting and most relevant music of any genre is being made by rap and hip-hop artists right now.

Music • 10 Jul 20

Normal People: 5 of the best Irish acts from the soundtrack

The soundtrack to the TV event of the year was heavily weighted in favour of independent Irish artists – so we've chosen five that warrant further investigation...

Normal People • 20 Jun 20

Listen: 10 feel-good songs to lift your mood in hard times

In times of crisis, we need musical pick-me-ups more than ever – so here are ten of the most euphoric feel-good tunes to add to your playlist.

Music • 22 Apr 20

Once you've seen 'Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened', you will never forget this man.

Loved Tiger King? 5 more crazy documentaries on Netflix

If you loved Tiger King, there are other documentaries available on Netflix to sate your appetite for off-the-wall stories that take you to unexpected places..

Documentaries • 10 Jun 21

Who knew that Groundhog Day was a documentary about the pandemic?

It's Groundhog Day! 5 uplifting films to make you feel better

The constant barrage of negative news out there at the moment would wear any sane-minded person down...

Film • 02 Feb 21

8 ways you can support artists & musicians during the lockdown

We've put together some suggestions for you to lend a hand to the bands and artists who need it right now...

Music • 20 Mar 20

5 films to watch when you're staying at home

These are strange times that we're living through, when scrolling through Twitter is more of a horror show than usual, and the evening news seems like it's being directed by Eli Roth. So with that in mind, why not watch a decent movie to escape the trials

Culture Recommends • 25 Mar 20