In 2004, River formed his own band, River and the Tributaries. What started as a group of high school buddies quickly evolved into something of a phenomenon: Riv and the Tribs became a sensation from the banks of the Mississippi, winning the VEISHA Battle of the Bands, appearing on various Iowa Public Radio programs, touring nationally, and recording two albums between 2004-2009.

River, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, makes lyrically driven music that blends elements of Folk, Pop, Rock, and Hip-Hop. His performances are extremely honest, heartfelt, humble, and inclusive. His talent and professionalism are serious, yet River is playful to the point that not even he knows where the music will go in any given show. River has published two albums and an EP (Nothing is Too Little, Pull My Hair, The Raleigh EP) since 2012, and is laying the ground work for his third studio album.