Untold River debut single Sleeping City Cowboy full review
UNPUBLISHED
9 Lounges Team
8/4/2025
From the Sidelines to the Spotlight
Egan’s musical journey began years before Untold River was born. He was the pen behind the curtain, composing for his previous band while others took center stage. But when the pandemic struck and the world slowed down, something shifted. With commutes paused and creative energy bubbling, Egan found himself writing again — this time for his own voice.
Motivated by encouragement on TikTok, where his music began gaining quiet momentum, and a close creative partnership with producer Jamie Platt, Egan decided to give his solo aspirations a name: Untold River. The name itself evokes both movement and mystery — much like his sound.
Emerging from behind the scenes and into center stage, Untold River is the evocative solo project of Ciaran Egan, a seasoned songwriter who has quietly shaped melodies and lyrics from the wings. Having spent seven years crafting music as a key member of a former band, Egan was known for his behind-the-scenes role. But with time, solitude, and a spark of courage born from lockdown days, his voice has finally taken the lead.
The result? "Sleeping City Cowboy", Untold River’s debut single — a track rooted in nostalgia, rediscovery, and timeless storytelling.
The Influence of Home and Heritage
Raised in an Irish family, Egan naturally gravitated toward sounds grounded in tradition. That folk sensibility — honest, earthy, and emotionally resonant — is deeply embedded in his songwriting. Untold River feels like a bridge between heritage and modernity, where old-world influences meet the quiet introspection of today’s indie-folk movement.
The authenticity of Untold River is what makes it stand out. Rather than chasing trends, Egan digs into timeless songwriting — songs that feel like they’ve always existed, just waiting for the right time to be heard.
Sleeping City Cowboy: A Song Worth the Wait
The debut single “Sleeping City Cowboy” is a track nearly a decade in the making. Originally started in 2016, it was a half-finished idea that lingered in the background — until lockdown gave Egan the chance to revisit it.
The song carries a rustic heart, influenced by Egan’s Irish roots and deep love for folk and country music. While no specific names are listed, it’s easy to imagine influences like Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, or Johnny Cash echoing through its warm acoustic textures and heartfelt lyrics.
Built around a second-hand Martin guitar, which has become a symbolic companion on his solo journey, “Sleeping City Cowboy” weaves personal storytelling with an atmosphere that feels both cinematic and intimate.
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TikTok Confidence and DIY Spirit
Social media, especially TikTok, played a quiet but important role in Egan’s transformation. Sharing snippets of songs and connecting with a growing audience helped him find the confidence to step out as Untold River.
The DIY nature of the project — from songwriting to self-releasing — echoes the ethos of modern indie-folk artists who let authenticity lead. And with the guidance of producer Jamie Platt, Egan was able to turn his bedroom demos into fully realized, emotive works of art.