Proper Micro NV
Rory Hall (born 1994) is an Irish singer/songwriter, electronic music producer and radio presenter best known under the alias Proper Micro NV.[1]
Proper Micro NV | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rory Hall |
| Born | 15 November 1994 |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, record producer, radio presenter |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Labels | Strange Brew |
Biography
2015-2017: First, Second & Third EP
Hall was signed by German record label plasmapool in 2015 and his debut singles 'Closure' and 'We Must Go Now' were released in late 2015 and early 2016 respectively to positive reviews following on from mainly focusing on uploading snippets and soundscapes to soundcloud.[2] On the day of his second singles release DanceTop40.com named it as one of the hottest tracks of January 2016.[3] It peaked at number 18 in the Irish Dance Charts.[4]
In May 2016, Hall announced the news of his debut EP titled 'EP1' - a two track collective that was released on Plasmapool records on 23 June 2016. On 10 June 2016, Irish music website 'The Point of everything' reviewed the first single off the EP 'Revive'.[5]
"This is a beauty of a track, a shy couple of piano keys mixing with little else but the deft voice of 21-year-old Limerick-based producer Rory Hall aka Proper Micro NV. “I bring this all back to your feet, I’m trying to revive this,” Hall urges, with a hint of desperation. I certainly can’t resist"
The track 'Revive' received its first play on Dublin's 98FM on 12 June 2016. On 22 June 2016, Irish blogger Nialler9 reviewed the first single off the EP 'Revive'.
"21 year-old Limerick electronic producer Rory Hall AKA Proper Micro NV has recently hit a stride with song-lead atmospheric electronic music that recalls Mount Kimbie and James Blake. A two-track EP is released tonight and features ‘Revive’ a track that is bright neo-soul electronica with Hall’s own expressive voice lilting in the breeze of the production"[6]
EP1 was released on 23 June 2016.
On 7 July 2016, Jim Carroll of the Irish Times reviewed 'EP1'.
One of the most interesting new voices on the Irish scene in some time, Limerick dude Rory Hall’s new EP is a great showcase for his distinctive, soulful, bittersweet vocals and off-kilter electronica. “Revive”, in particular, is a keeper, an enthralling tune which demonstrates the Spin South West DJ’s great sense of musical place and direction.[7]
Niall Byrne of The Irish Times reviewed the second single taken from EP1 - 'Erase'.
"Taking his cues from ambient and electronic music in the vein of James Blake, Limerick producer Rory Hall keeps things hushed and reverbed on a song that Hall sings “take my soul away” and “clear my memory” in a way, that leaves no doubt, a bad relationship has ended."[8]
In an interview with the Limerick Leader in July 2016, Hall revealed that a second Proper Micro NV EP was in the works, and will be released before the year ends. On 14 September 2016, Hall announced via his personal Facebook page that he is releasing a second EP titled 'It's always raining'.
On 3 November 2016, Hall released 'Flaws', the first single from the new EP. The track received positive reviews. Niall Byrne of Nialler9 called it "a minimal hushed highlight" and that Flaws was a "sporadically arranged song built on soulful mantric vocals and minimal textures to support it, that is more than the sum of its parts".
The Limerick Magazine complimented his new material, saying that Rory Hall prides himself on reinvention, and with his new EP It's always raining he does just that.
The EP received generally positive reviews, with Hot Press calling it a gorgeous blast of ambient electropop.
In April 2017, Hall was asked about the main differences between the two EP's by Hot Press.
I suppose the main difference between the two is that the first one was mostly focused on my voice, and there was more production in this one. They’re both very down-tempo, but I feel as though the second one has a bit more of a kick to it. It was really an evolving process.
In April 2017, Hall announced that a six track third EP titled 'Colours' was in production. Hall was quoted to have said that the EP would be a lot more shiny than anything he's released to date. On 23 June 2017, Hall released 'Colours'. TLM reviewed the EP on 29 June 2017.
"Through one of the most popular and complex genres in modern culture, Hall sets out to explore the depths of human emotion. ‘Colours’’ sullen beats and often haunting vocals serve as a fitting canvas for this new endeavour throughout the album. Tracks like ‘Handwriting’ showcase Hall’s musical versatility as he blends the traditional piano with distorted vocals and a running backing track of waterfalls. Innovation shines through in the opening track, ‘All About Me’ with its flawless, ambient arrangements. These are just some of the key tracks in the EP. ‘Colours’ offers a unique perspective on the electronic genre for both avid fans and newcomers". - TLM
On 10 July 2017, Joe.ie chose the song 'Do What You Do' as song of the day.
Music website REMY called Colours easily one of the best Irish EP's to be released this year, in any genre whilst giving the collection a positive review.
With an alarming immediacy, the opening track of his latest EP Colours, 'Do What You Do' stops you in your tracks. The droning synths bellow a thick cloud of black smoke everywhere, leaving you deprived of all senses bar your ears, the beat is incredibly simple but highly hypnotic, and Hall's vocals are more of an incantation than anything else, it's a powerful piece.
Even despite how well that magic worked, the second track is decidedly different yet has no less of an impact. 'All About Me' is equally as mesmeric as its predecessor, it's a rare thing to find an electronic act so fully in control of how they manage the transference of their sound to the listener, you almost feel that Proper Micro NV isn't creating music for our enjoyment, but to control us, and we will happily submit.
Final track 'Commotion' opens with a slight 80's OST vibe, and while many have remarked positively on his vocals before, I do feel it's necessary to commend them here once more, they are such an integral part of how the whole EP behaves and works so well. Colours is electronic composition at its absolute finest, it reminds me of a much much better version of London's Ghost Culture matched with the natural talent of Cork's Bantum, and it's easily one of the best Irish EP's to be released this year, in any genre.
Joe.ie dubbed Hall as a gifted force, whilst choosing Oblivious as song of the day.
In November 2017, Proper received an RTÉ Choice Music Prize long list nomination for Colours.
2018-present: Debut Album
On the 15th of June 2018 after one year of recording and focusing on live performances Proper announced his return with an upcoming new single to be released through Irish label Strange Brew on the 29th of June. With this, he announced a string of live performances including gigs at Electric Picnic, Castlepalooza, The Workmans Club, Roisin Dubh and Dolans.
"I'm delighted to announce the upcoming release of my new single Dot Dot Dot which is out on June 29th through Strange Brew and will form part of a new collective later this year. After a year of focusing on live work and new material, these songs feel right and ready. I think I've written quite an honest electronic record. Here we go again!"
Dot Dot Dot was released on the 29th of June to positive reviews from critics.
Irish writer Niall Byrne of Nialler9 and The Irish Times said that "Dot Dot Dot sounds like a natural progression from Proper Micro NV’s earlier material; the song is refined and mature with subtle soundscapes and airy arps yet it retains the essence of his earlier music in the warped vocoder and drum loops. The music video mirrors this, with slow moving, trance-like visuals of city landscapes and graffitied walls."
London based website Blue Walrus complimented the single saying that it was "bop for the floor that opens up the beat as it meanders ever onwards."
Pause Musicale France also positively spoke of the single calling it "an electro blast with dark underpinnings and melancholy echoes. Proper Micro NV , is at age 23, a raw talent to follow closely and love intensely.""
On the 16th of November 2018, Proper released his debut album Dormant Boy to positive reviews. The Last Mixed Tape praised lead single 'Eyes' calling it "an obscured electronic backdrop filled with pops and clicks melds into a vocal that searches and reaches beyond" whilst Nialler9 complimented 'Call Me What You Want' as "tight and sleek, as is always the case with Hall’s material".
RTÉ 2fm presenter Dan Hegarty praised the album saying that the record is “inventive, captivating, & it has that little extra ingredient that helps it stand out from everything else” whilst REMY applauded the album saying that "Dormant Boy for me strikes the best balance between indulgence and admiration, regardless of whether you are a horrendous music snob, a happy go merry casual music listener, or that elusive Goldilocks in between, if you can't connect somewhere with this album, you may be dead inside".
The album entered the Irish Album Chart at number 31 and was included in Nialler9's Top 20 Albums of The Year, REMY's Top 20 Albums of the Year and was voted in at number 7 in The Last Mixed Tape's Readers Top 20 Albums of The Year.
Hall was nominated for a Hot Press Award in the Best Dance/Electronic category in February 2019. In March 2019, Hall created a new Irish music showcase titled Limerick City ALL IN. The first of which sold out both nights at the Record Room in Limerick. The second series took place in June - experiencing more success.
Live shows
In late 2016, Hall announced that plans were in place to create a live show. On 22 March 2017, Proper Micro NV along with his live band, performed live at Nialler9's Future Proof in Bello, Dublin to a large audience. Hall's debut performance received positive reviews with Kate Brennan Harding of Today FM saying that she loved his voice and his mask!.
On 24 June 2017, Hall played Body & Soul festival. In August 2017, Hall was announced as one of 50 acts to play Hard Working Class Heroes. He played The Grand Social, Dublin as part of the festival to positive reviews. NO ENCORE presenter Dave Hanratty dubbed the performance as theatrical noisewave.
On 24 November 2017, Hall supported British band 'Pumarosa' at the Workmans Club in Dublin.
In early 2018, Hall was announced as one of 50 acts to play Whelan's Ones To Watch Festival 2018, and played on 18 January. This was followed by performances at Electric Picnic, Whelans, Roisin Dubh, The Workmans Club and Castlepalooza.
In the summer of 2019, Hall began a new tour which included a full to capacity show at Body&Soul on the woodlands stage in front of over 1,500 people and a performance at Latitude Festival.
Radio
Hall is currently a presenter with Clare FM. He previously worked for both iRadio and Spin South West.
Albums
Studio albums
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish Dance Charts | UK | Germany | Poland | Belgium | Ukraine | France | |||||||
| Dormant Boy | 2018 | 31 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| "—" denotes a recording has not been released yet. | ||||||||||||||
Extended plays
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| EP1 |
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| It's always raining |
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| Colours |
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Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Irish Dance Charts | UK | Germany | Poland | Belgium | Ukraine | France | |||||||
| "We Must Go Now" | 2016 | 91 | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | - | Non album single | ||||
| "—" denotes a recording has not been released yet. | ||||||||||||||
Awards and honours
Nomination for "Best Dance/Electronic" - Hot Press Award 2019
References
- "NV - 'What Do You Feel?' • Nialler9". Nialler9.com. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
- "We Must Go Now - Single by Proper Micro NV on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
- "New dance releases January 2016". DanceTop40.com. Archived from the original on 1 August 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
- "Irish dance top 40 - dance charts in Ireland". Dancetop40.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
- http://www.thepointofeverything.com/2016/06/10/weekly-roundup-of-new-irish-music-june-3-10/#more-11381. Retrieved 10 June 2016. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - http://nialler9.com/rory-hall-proper-revive/. Retrieved 22 June 2016. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - https://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2016/07/07/new-music-jonen-dekay-cruiser-proper-micro-nv/. Retrieved 7 July 2016. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - "Nialler9's New Irish Music: Windings, Cathy Davey, Rusangano Family and more". The Irish Times. 9 September 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2018.