River Glen was born at home in Dubuque, Iowa, homeschooled by his mom, and raised in a family band. His original music playfully blends elements of folk, pop, and rock. His songwriting strikes a delicate balance of pop-appeal and lyrical substance; from wonderings about love, family, and belonging, to the celebration of death and loss as a natural part of life. River critiques modern pop-culture through the lens of familiar, traditional folk themes, always with tasty grooves and clever rhymes. In 2017, River was named Fellow by the Iowa Arts Council for his original music.