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Rochdale Music Stories
Rochdale boasts a rich and diverse musical legacy: from Gracie Fields to The Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield to Autechre. It’s also the town where Joy Division recorded their seminal track Atmosphere, and where ground-breaking music continues to thrive.
So now, as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025, local artists are being invited to record new versions of classic tracks, reinterpreting and reimagining tracks that were recorded at Cargo Studios and Suite 16.
Rochdale Development Agency, in collaboration with The Stockport Music Story and Voltalab Sound Studios, are behind Rochdale Music Stories - celebrating the borough’s musical heritage through a studio-recorded compilation album, a one-off live performance and much more. Funded by Arts Council England, this project will celebrate the borough’s rich musical history while spotlighting today’s artists, venues and voices.
Rochdale’s Biggest Summer Gig Friday August 7th 2026
Join OMD, Peter Hook & The Light, and A Certain Ratio for a night of iconic music at Rochdale Town Hall Square.
BOOK TICKETS NOWFeatured Projects
Legends Reborn - Celebrating Our Musical History
Rochdale’s rich musical heritage takes centre stage in this bold, collaborative project celebrating past icons and rising local talent. Produced in partnership with Voltalab Sound Studios, Legends Reborn invites today’s artists to reinterpret seminal tracks originally recorded at Rochdale’s iconic Cargo Studios and Suite 16. The result is a powerful blend of history and innovation—connecting generations, showcasing local creativity, and proving that Rochdale’s music scene is very much alive and kicking.
Blvckout
Blvckout bring a darker edge to A Certain Ratio’s funk-infused classic, reimagining "All Night Party" with a brooding energy that pulses with modern urgency.
A Certain Ratio
All Night Party
Desyfer & Emma Konnanov
This explosive collaboration fuses Emma Konnanov’s raw vocals with Desyfer’s bold production, capturing the chaos and charisma of the Mondays’ ultimate anthem.
Happy Mondays
24 Hour Party People
From The Ground Up ft Bloom Music Community
With shimmering guitars and dreamlike textures, From The Ground Up pay homage to the Roses with a fresh, euphoric take on "Elephant Stone."
The Stone Roses
Elephant Stone
Jennifer Reid
This bold reinterpretation of "Totally Wired" – with Jennifer’s distinctive voice and the Bloom community injects new grit into The Fall’s jagged energy.
The Fall
Totally Wired
K-Estate
K-Estate strip Gang of Four’s political punch back to its raw essentials, layering fierce electronics over the angular bones of "Damaged Goods."
Gang of Four
Damaged Goods
Leo HC
Leo HC gives this cult classic from The Chameleons a cinematic rework, blending post-punk nostalgia with sweeping modern soundscapes.
The Chameleons
Up The Down Escalator
Medley
Medley channels New Order’s melodic melancholy into a lush, shimmering version of "Dreams Never End" that walks the line between past and future.
New Order
Dreams Never End
P*STARR
P*STARR rework this indie anthem with swagger and soul — twisting “Keep the Circle Around” into a warped electro-rock stomper that fuses ‘90s baggy with future-facing beats.
Inspiral Carpets
Keep The Circle Around
Micah Stalgic ft Local Vocals
A haunting, heartfelt tribute – Micah Stalgic and Local Vocals reimagine "Atmosphere" with cinematic stillness and delicate power.
Joy Division
Atmosphere
PoolEra
Injecting glitchy beats and neon sheen, PoolEra recharges OMD’s electro-pop breakthrough for a new generation of synth lovers.
OMD
Electricity
The Velvet Shadow ft Maisie Thompson
Maisie Thompson’s ethereal delivery floats over The Velvet Shadow’s ambient textures in this hypnotic homage to Nico’s haunting original.
Nico
All Tomorrow's Parties
Rochdale Legends
Our Music Hall of Fame
From global stars to underground innovators, Rochdale has shaped music and culture across generations. This Hall of Fame honours the artists, venues and voices whose influence continues to inspire creativity, celebrate identity and shape culture far beyond the town.
Gracie Fields
Rochdale’s own “Our Gracie” rose from the town’s theatres to become a global superstar, adored for her powerful voice and warmth. She remains one of Britain’s most celebrated entertainers.
Cargo Studios
In the late 1970s, Cargo Studios on Kenion Street became a launchpad for post-punk, recording Joy Division, The Fall and many more — cementing Rochdale’s place in music history.
Autechre
Autechre pushed electronic music into new dimensions. Their experimental soundscapes influenced artists worldwide, making them pioneers of IDM and legends of boundary-breaking production.
Joy Division
Though associated with Manchester, Joy Division’s connection to Cargo Studios in Rochdale was pivotal. Their recordings here helped define post-punk and laid the foundation for New Order’s global success.
Lisa Stansfield
With her soulful voice and chart-topping hits, Lisa Stansfield became one of the UK’s most successful solo artists of the 1990s. She proudly hails from Rochdale and remains an international icon.
Kaliphz
Rochdale’s Kaliphz fused hip-hop with British street culture in the 1990s. Their work brought northern rap to a wider audience, influencing the UK’s growing urban music scene.
“Rochdale has always led with its sound — from Gracie Fields to Joy Division, the town’s music has carried its culture onto the world stage.”
Tune in
The Sound of Rochdale
From brass bands to techno beats, Rochdale’s music is alive across the airwaves. Local podcasts keep the stories flowing — celebrating heritage, spotlighting talent, and connecting our culture with audiences today.
The Doves - Music & Collaboration
Andy and Jez from the Doves give a masterclass in Rochdale on music & collaboration.
Rochdale Music Stories
Capturing the spirit of the Rochdale' music scene through short interviews and stories.
What's on
Latest Music Events
From orchestral showcases to underground club nights, Rochdale’s music scene is alive with energy. Explore the latest gigs, concerts, and festivals happening across the town — and discover the sounds shaping today’s culture.
03
Oct
Oct
Shlomo's Beatbox Adventure for Kids
World record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo makes amazing music with a mouth and a mic!
Price from £7.88
Learn More
04
Oct
Oct
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band in Concert with Bloom Music Community A Band
Carlton Main Frickley Band In Concert With Bloom Music Community A & B Band
Price from £12.50
Learn More
04
Oct
Oct
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band in Concert with Bloom Music Community A Band
Carlton Main Frickley Band In Concert With Bloom Music Community A & B Band
Price from £12.50
Learn MoreThe Next Big Thing
Local Musicians & Bands
Our town’s music story has always been built on fresh voices pushing boundaries. Today’s emerging artists carry that same spirit — creating, experimenting, and putting Rochdale firmly on the map for a new generation.
Featured
Greater Manchester
Curtain Theatre Rochdale
Founded in 1925, The Curtain Theatre has entertained Rochdale audiences for over a century.
Learn More
Featured
Greater Manchester
Flat Pack Music
Flat Pack Music makes opera and classical music accessible, creating high-quality performances, community projects and opportunities that bring people together.
Learn More
Featured
UK
Intergenerational Music Making
IMM is an award-winning national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering connection and collaboration through music and creativity.
Learn More
Featured
Online
Retro Recordings
Retrorecordings for affordable conversion and restoration of audio and video.
Learn MoreStay in the loop
Music News & Stories
Stay tuned to what’s happening in Rochdale’s music world — updates, features and stories celebrating the people and places keeping the town on song.
28
Sept
Sept
Report shows boost Greater Manchester Town of Culture brought to town
Rochdale’s year as GM’s Town of Culture generated a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy, according to published impact report.
Learn More
28
Sept
Sept
Offer!!! Un-Convention Music Festival 30% off!
Un-Convention brings key voices together to look at challenges, opportunities and explore ways of making a fairer, accessible, equitable industry.
Learn More
28
Sept
Sept
Rochdale's renaissance: Report shows boost Greater Manchester Town of Culture brought to town
Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture generated a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy.
Learn MoreOne to watch
Atlas getting on the musical map!
Atlas are a Rochdale-based indie rock band turning heads with their high-energy live shows and anthemic sound. With youthful spirit and growing buzz, they’re putting Rochdale firmly back on the musical map.
With a little help from our friends
Our Partners
The organisations below are helping us bring Rochdale’s music stories to life — supporting events, sharing expertise, and championing local talent. Whether it’s shining a light on our musical past or helping shape what comes next, their contributions are vital to this journey.
Voltalab
A legendary recording studio in the heart of Rochdale, Voltalab continues the legacy of Cargo Studios — where bands like Joy Division once recorded — by nurturing new artists and championing creativity across the North West.
The Stockport Music Story
An award-winning music heritage project celebrating Stockport’s iconic studios, sounds, and scenes — from 10cc and Strawberry Studios to Blossoms and beyond — through immersive exhibitions, storytelling, and community-led events.