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Disco, Opera, Synth: Nirosta Steel's 40-Year Sonic Journey
29 Jul
Summary
- Album compiles music recorded between 1984 and 2025.
- Musician Steven Hall drives for Uber while awaiting release success.
- Critics laud the album as an archival triumph and thrilling release.
Musician Steven Hall, now performing as Nirosta Steel, has achieved unexpected critical success with his double LP 'My Skyscraper,' released last month. This album features material recorded across four decades, from 1984 to 2025, weaving together disco, folk, synth-pop, and even Chinese opera. Hall, a 69-year-old Scottish musician living near Chicago, currently supplements his income by driving for Uber, finding his current acclaim "mind-bending."
The project gained traction when a label head inquired about more music from Hall following his 2014 album 'Cool Fire.' Hall shared dozens of unreleased songs spanning his eclectic career, revealing a life that intersected with figures like Arthur Russell and Allen Ginsberg. Pitchfork lauded 'My Skyscraper' as an "archival triumph" and a "thrilling new release," causing a significant increase in orders for the independent label.
Hall's journey began in Glasgow, with early involvement in church choirs and local theatre. Relocating to the US with his mother, he was drawn to American musicals and the architectural marvel of the Chrysler Building, which shares its name with his stage persona, Nirosta steel. His youth in Delaware saw him connect with poets like Ginsberg, leading him to New York City's vibrant arts scene.
In New York, Hall befriended experimental musician Arthur Russell, with whom he collaborated on projects like the disco outfit Loose Joints. Their joint compositions, including "Go for the Night," are featured on 'My Skyscraper.' Hall also spent significant time in East Asia, absorbing influences that shaped his music, such as Cantonese funeral procession audio found on "Lost in Music."
With renewed success and upcoming performances, Hall aims to explore new collaborations and potentially release a covers album. He remains unfazed by his late-career breakthrough, drawing inspiration from veteran musicians who continue to innovate. Hall emphasizes the authenticity of his process, driven by a genuine passion for creation.
