Untold River is a brand new artist on the music scene, currently based in Manchester (although he is moving to the USA next month). I felt that his track Sleeping City Cowboy was really impressive, especially for such a new artist! It’s a rock song with more than a hint of Americana, perfect for those into either genre. You can find a full stream at the end of this interview if you missed it first time around.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Sleeping City Cowboy. What can you tell us about the track?
It’s the debut track for Untold River, a song I had in the back pocket for a while and it felt right to release it first as part of this project. I worked on this track with my good pal Jamie Platt during and shortly after lockdown.
The story is a fallout between two cowboys, after one of the two has been acting up. Musically it’s a statement of things to come for Untold River, I love that classic country sound but it’s done in a modern way!
How has the reception to Sleeping City Cowboy been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
To be honest I’m elated with the response. The feedback has been really positive and I have managed to get on a few Spotify playlists and I’ve had a number of reviews, which is always nice.
It can be purchased from all the usual spots like iTunes or streamed on most platforms.
It’s your debut single! How was the writing and recording process?
The writing process was kind of different for this one. It was an old song that I never quite finished and during the pandemic, I was afforded time to revisit this and work on many other songs.
As for the recording process – this was interesting. We recorded a bunch of drum tracks at Manchester’s Pinhole with my good friend Adam Smith on drums. Then the rest of the track was built up here and there with myself and producer Jamie Platt getting the rest down where we can.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I have a bunch of songs up my sleeve so I intend to release about 4 more singles over the course of the year. Really excited about that. I do music part time so it’s just a case of getting them finished when I can.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
I’m hoping to have a record out by the end of the year. There are 10 tunes including SCC that are all but ready. I have to say, I’m so proud to be able to put out a body of work. There’s a range of songs to come and something for everyone, which is always nice!
Your music has an alt-country/folk sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Honestly I love the power couple that is Kevin Morby and Waxahatchee. They’re both great artists but I have to say Charley Crockett is my ultimate favourite in this moment. I love his story, his approach to writing and of course his voice. There’s an unbelievable amount of soul in his songs and records.
Also I have to mention my friends BadLuck. They’re a gothic folk duo from Manchester and have always inspired my along my journey.
Why did you decide to release your music under the Untold River name as a solo artist?
This is kind of a simple answer but my real name is Ciarán Egan and people often struggle to pronounce it correctly. The name came from a conversation with my sister in law as we were coming up with random names and this one really stuck!
Where are you based? What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
I’m based in Manchester and in all honestly, the scene up here is great. There has always been a strong indie scene for obvious reasons, but I really feel the interest in folk and Americana is growing.
Funnily enough, I am actually moving to Seattle in April, so I’m about to embark on a new adventure over there. I’d like to think my stuff will fit in well in Seattle.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Unfortunately not! With my move abroad I am looking to get some shows in Seattle but that is all TBC at the moment.
Any last words for the fans?
Stay tuned for some more songs and eventually an album which I’m so excited to share with you all! Keep supporting your favourite artists and watch out for my first purchase in Seattle (a pair of cowboy boots!)