A new compilation album celebrating Rochdale’s influential contribution to British music is set to be released this week, bringing together emerging local artists to reinterpret songs originally recorded at the town’s historic Cargo and Suite 16 Studios.
Titled Kenion Street, the project will be released on 7 August via Alcopop Records as a limited-edition orange vinyl and across digital platforms. Ahead of the launch, two preview tracks have been unveiled, while a series of free listening events at Rough Trade stores across the UK is scheduled for the weekend.
The initiative forms part of the wider Rochdale Music Stories programme, developed during Rochdale’s tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025/26, highlighting the borough’s longstanding influence on the UK’s music industry.
Standout Covers Released Ahead of Album Launch
Happy Mondays and Gang of Four classics receive modern reinterpretations
Ahead of the album’s release, listeners can hear two of the compilation’s featured tracks.
Desyfer and Emma Konnanov have reimagined Happy Mondays’ “Twenty Four Hour Party People”, transforming the original into an electronic-driven interpretation, while K-Estate delivers a synth-pop version of Gang of Four’s influential “Damaged Goods.”
The tracks provide an early preview of an album that revisits recordings associated with some of Britain’s most influential alternative and post-punk acts.
A Tribute to Rochdale’s Historic Recording Studios
Cargo and Suite 16 shaped generations of British artists
Between 1977 and 2001, Cargo Studios and Suite 16 Studios on Kenion Street became significant recording destinations for emerging and established artists alike. During that period, bands including Joy Division, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, The Fall, New Order, OMD, The Chameleons, Inspiral Carpets and A Certain Ratio recorded music that would later become central to the UK’s independent music movement.
The new compilation features contemporary Rochdale artists performing fresh interpretations of songs associated with those sessions, preserving the town’s musical heritage while introducing it to new audiences.
The project has been developed through a collaboration between Rochdale Development Agency, The Stockport Music Story, Voltalab Sound Studios and Alcopop Records, with funding provided by Arts Council England, Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council.
Free Rough Trade Events Planned Across the UK
‘Rochdale Hour’ heads to four cities
To coincide with the album’s release, Rochdale Hour listening events will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 8 August, at Rough Trade stores in London, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham.
Visitors will be able to hear the album in full while enjoying complimentary beer supplied by Heywood-based Phoenix Brewery. Limited-edition Rochdale-themed gift bags will also be available while supplies last.
Speaking about the album and the launch events, Jack Clothier of Alcopop Records said:
“The album sounds incredible, and you NEED to hear it, so we’re linking up with our good friends at Rough Trade to bring ROCHDALE HOUR to London (Rough Trade East), Bristol, Nottingham and Liverpool. From 3pm on Saturday 8th August, we’d like to invite you to come listen to our first Rochdale Music Stories album, Kenion Street, have a couple of beautifully brewed beers from Heywood’s own Phoenix Brewery (on us of course) – and take home a gift bag of lovely Rochdale based things (limited stock).”
Admission to all four events is free, although advance registration is required because ticket numbers are limited.
Major Concert Marks Album Release
Veteran bands return to celebrate Rochdale’s music heritage
The album launch also coincides with a major live concert in Rochdale on 7 August.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), Peter Hook & The Light and A Certain Ratio are scheduled to perform in celebration of the town where important parts of their recording careers began. The concert is intended both as a tribute to Rochdale’s musical legacy and as the official launch event for Kenion Street.
Album Showcases New Talent Alongside Classic Material
Recorded and produced by Jamie Alsop at Voltalab Sound Studios, Kenion Street combines established musical history with contemporary local talent.
The compilation features reinterpretations of songs originally recorded by artists including Joy Division, Gang of Four, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, The Chameleons, OMD, New Order, A Certain Ratio, Nico, The Fall and The Stone Roses.
Among the contributors are Micah Stalgic featuring Local Vocals, K-Estate, Desyfer & Emma Konnanov, P*STARR, Leo HC, PoolEra, Medley, Blvckout, The Velvet Shadow featuring Maisie Thompson, Jennifer Reid, and From The Ground Up featuring Bloom Music Community.
Celebrating Rochdale’s Lasting Influence
Rochdale has produced an extensive list of influential musicians spanning multiple generations, from Gracie Fields and Lisa Stansfield to Autechre and The Courteeners. Through Kenion Street, organisers aim to celebrate not only the town’s recording history but also the next generation of artists inspired by that legacy.
With the album’s release, nationwide listening events and a high-profile concert taking place this week, the project highlights Rochdale’s continuing role as an important contributor to the UK’s cultural and musical landscape.
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.
