Proper Micro NV

Proper Micro NV
Background information
Birth name	Rory Hall
Born	(1994-11-15) 15 November 1994
Genres	Electronic Experimental Ambient Minimal Industrial neo-soul dance-pop art pop Alternative R&B art pop avant-garde pop House
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, record producer, radio presenter
Years active	2012–present
Labels	Plasmapool

Rory Hall (born 1994) is an Irish singer/songwriter, electronic music producer and radio presenter best known under the alias Proper Micro NV.^[1] In October 2015, Hall was signed by German electronic music label Plasmapool. He released his first single 'We Must Go Now' on 8 January 2016.^[2] On the day of its 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 and currently stands at number 21.^[4] In April 2016, Hall shared new material via his official soundcloud. The track 'Natural Born Forgiver' was compared to James Blake and Mount Kimbie by Irish music blogger Nialler9 just days after its reveal.^[5] On 1 July 2016, Hall was announced by RTÉ 2fm as one of 30 acts shortlisted by an expert judging panel to perform at Electric Picnic.^[6]

Biography

Debut EP - EP1

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'.^[7]

"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"^[8]

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.^[9]

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.^[10]

Second EP - It's always raining

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.

Third EP - Colours

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 the 23rd of June 2017, Hall released 'Colours'. TLM reviewed the EP on the 29th of 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 the 10th of 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.

Live shows

In late 2016, Hall announced that plans were in place to create a live show. On the 22nd of March 2017, Proper Micro NV along with his band members - Evan McDonagh (keyboards) and David Wallace (Launchpad, Kaosspad), 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 the 24th of June 2017, Hall played Body & Soul festival.

Radio

Hall is currently a presenter with iRadio. He previously worked for Spin South West.

Extended Plays

Singles

References