Rochdale’s musicians invited to reimagine iconic tracks from the town’s rich music past

Friday, 25 July 2025 09:35

By David Murphy

A new recording project is giving today’s Rochdale artists the chance to rework legendary tracks made in the borough’s historic studios, with the results set for vinyl release and a live concert next year

Rochdale musicians are being called on to reinterpret some of the most influential songs ever recorded in the town as part of a landmark cultural project celebrating its musical heritage.

The initiative, dubbed Rochdale Music Stories, is part of the borough’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture and aims to reconnect the town’s current talent with its legacy of music pioneers.

From the haunting tones of Atmosphere by Joy Division, recorded at Cargo Studios, to the chart-topping pop of Lisa Stansfield, Rochdale’s contribution to British music spans genres and generations. Now, local artists have the chance to take tracks originally recorded at Cargo Studios and Suite 16 and breathe new life into them, under the guidance of Voltalab Sound Studios.

The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency in collaboration with Voltalab and The Stockport Music Story, who say they want artists of all styles and backgrounds to apply. Each successful musician will work with Voltalab to create their own version of a classic track from the archive, with the process culminating in a paid recording opportunity and a unique compilation vinyl release.

A special live performance will follow at Champness Hall on Saturday 14 March 2026, where participating musicians will debut their versions of the reworked tracks. Organisers promise special guest appearances and a bold tribute to the town’s musical lineage, from punk and post-industrial to dance and electronica.

Applications are open now, and interested artists have until Thursday 1 August to register their interest at Voltalab’s website https://www.voltalab.co.uk/rochdale-music-stories. Queries can be directed to Laura at musicstories@voltalab.co.uk .

The vinyl release will be limited edition and high quality, designed as both a collector’s item and a sonic time capsule connecting Rochdale’s past with its creative future.