A&R Factory

NYC artist Micky impresses on new trap track ‘Northstar’

Posted on 6 September 2020

US emcee Micky is back with the trap filled new single for ‘Northstar‘.

Michael Persall, better known by his artist name Micky is a regular name in the vibrant New York City’s live music scene. His latest single and video ‘Northstar’ impresses highly by taking us on a unique journey that reminds us all of the value of hope, resilience and hard work. This is such an inspirational tale and I love the beat here.

When asked to describe the inspiration behind the track, Michael tells us that;

“Northstar is about my journey these past few years living as an artist and entrepreneur in music tech. The line in the song ‘Northstar never lost sight through the movement’ speaks to the challenges building a company and career as an artist, and developing the patience to learn from failure and stay focused on moving forward despite the setbacks.”

The visuals to ‘Northstar’, cleverly echo Micky’s sentiments of building oneself from the ground up with his choice of a VHS-Esque, home-video style treatment that gives off an organic, rough and ready feel. The video is filled with seemingly self-shot footage of the artist followed by flashing, glitch-like lyric overlay, which further adds to the grittiness of the self-made entrepreneur’s song and its meaning. This type of style is taking off as artists have learnt new skills in lockdown while gigs were unavailable due to the tragic pandemic.

‘Northstar’ is the cool, synthy, trap-pop number that’ll act as the lead single for Micky’s upcoming six-track mixtape of the same title. This will also mark the launch of Micky’s, Northstar Records, an independent label and management company that works with cause-driven talent. With lots on the go, you can see this artist going all the way in the game. You have to have grit.

This is a fantastic song with lots of new school energy and Micky is a new name to watch.

Click here for the Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A&R Factory Present: MICKY

Posted on 24 January 2017

Micky is the recently acquired moniker of singer-songwriter-stageman Michael Persall who makes melodically engaging pop music with the historical footnotes of classic rock and motown. New single “Candid”, co-produced with Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers, Wet, Man & Ghost), is the latest example of MICKY’s modern take on ‘60s/’70s pop, rock and soul. Sounding like a halfway house between Bruno Mars and Leon Bridges, the NYC-via-California musician confidently croons his way through the retro-ish instrumentation.

You can hear the natural performer in Persall’s voice, whilst the actual delivery of these catchy words subtly hints towards the R&B that he grew up on. “Candid” also marks the first of many developments in MICKY’s ever-expanding musical landscape, one that he wishes the audience to be an intrinsic part of.

“With the first release as MICKY, I really wanted to set the tone for the direction I’m taking my songs and have “Candid” serving as a bold introduction to myself. The live instrumentation and overall arrangements, as well as my energetic performance on the song, really align with how I perform live. One thing I wanted moving forward was to have consistency with the live show and the records. The song incorporates a lot of my older 60s/70s classic rock and Motown influences, as well as my affinity for hip-hop and R&B. On the lyrical front, the song is based on my personal attitude to life. A lot of people seem to waste time putting up a front rather than being themselves and actually talking about things. “Candid,” is just the ideal alternative in my mind.”

Prior to changing his stage name from Michael Persall to MICKY, he released “Waiting For”, a song praised by the likes of Clash, I Heart Moosiq, Vinyl Noise, Baeble and several others. Another notable accomplishment was the completion of his New Year’s resolution to perform 400 shows in 2015, a feat that in fact took him to 408. Throughout this journey, MICKY had the opportunity to assert himself as a front man, to relay his music to many different listeners, and to further explore where he wanted his sound to go next. Following this achievement, Persall landed shows at renowned music venues Mercury Lounge and Webster Hall.

Before the New York shows, the blog posts and even his four-year-long education at NYU, MICKY had a humble start performing in a family-run Bed & Breakfast, where he often played songs by his favourite artist, Elvis. There’s few better stage masters to learn from, but others that Persall has been inspired by are James Brown, Otis Redding, Jim Morrison, Robert Plant and The Beach Boys. His influences don’t stop there – the singer also credits ‘90s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B as significant contributors to his current sound.

Bringing it up to the present, MICKY has recently been working as co-producer on Taylor Bennett’s first single from his upcoming project, “New York Nights”. The NYC artist will also be stepping out of the studio for a couple of live residencies throughout January with Sofar Sounds, and February at Rockwood Music Hall (Saturdays 10pm).