Unearthing the sounds of an era
Step into the legendary world of Cargo Recording Studios, the beating heart of post-punk from 1977 to 1985.
The Cargo Studios Book, meticulously chronicles this iconic period, bringing to life the stories behind the music.
The Cargo Studios Book
- This 360-page hardback is a definitive account, featuring over 600 interviews and documenting more than 900 artists who recorded at Cargo, including Joy Division, The Fall, Gang of Four, Scars, Nico, New Order, OMD and hundreds more. It's an essential journey into music history.
- With an introduction by studio owner and producer John Brierley and foreword by Peter Hook. The book comes in a replica tape box and is self published.
- The book is self published and only available from here.
Featured artists & iconic recordings
Cargo Recording Studios was home to a groundbreaking roster of talent. From nascent punk to influential post-punk and beyond, its walls echoed with the sounds that defined a generation. Explore the diverse artists who shaped this era at the Cargo studios website
Joy Division
Their seminal recordings at Cargo include 'Atmophere' and 'Dead Souls' originally released on french label Sordide Sentimental. And 'Digital' and 'Glass' recorded for the Factory Sample.
New Order also used the studio to record demos for their first LP 'Movement' Factory producer Martin hannett produced many bands at Cargo including; Nico, Tunnelvision, Crispy Ambulance, Tora Tora, ACR and more.
The Fall
Known for their prolific output and unique sound, many of their early, influential tracks were recorded at Cargo. 'Rowche Rumble', 'How I wrote Elastic Man', 'Totally Wired' as well as 'Dragnet', 'Grotesque' and 'Room to Live' LP's.
Mark liked the studio and always worked fast, he jokingly referred to Cargo as a 'Heavy Metal Studio' and loved the sound that he got there.
Gang of Four
Their innovative and politically charged sound was first recorded within the walls of Cargo, leaving a lasting impact. their 'Damaged Goods' EP is stated as one of the most inflential post punk singles.
On the track 'Anthrax' the band read out the studio spec list as a counter point vocal. Released on Fast Products, who also brought The Scars to the studio to record 'Adul-tery' at Cargo.
When interviewing people for the book the sound on 'Damaged Goods' was cited as one of the main reasons a lot of bands decided to record at Cargo.
Bands travelled from Greater Manchester and local areas around Lancashire and also; Scotland, London , Bristol, Liverpool, Grimsby, Wales, Birmingham and Germany.
Most independent labels used Cargo including; Factory. New Hormones, Fast, Snotty Snail, 4AD, Beggars Banquet, Statik, Mute, Zoo, 021, Rough Trade and many more.
Chameleons
Local band The Chameleons had all recorded at Cargo in bands prior to forming. Read about; The Cliches, Years and Politicans as well as The Chameleons who recorded their debut LP 'Script of the Bridge' at Cargo along with many demos and singles. Even bringing producer Steve Lillywhite to the studio.
Stories from the archives
We are committed to sharing new insights, interviews, and historical details about Cargo Recording Studios and the vibrant music scene it fostered. Stay updated with the latest about the Cargo Studios here
Abbey Road, Music City and Sun Studios could be classed as 3 of the more well known recording studios where exemplary composers have structured their radiant choral jewels for unsuspecting devotees to devour upon being disclosed.
Rochdale’s 16 track Cargo Studios in certain social circles might not have been on everyone’s radar when it comes to obvious stand out recording havens. That is until Chris Connelly unleashed a beauteous testament simply entitled Cargo Recording Studios 1977-1985. The 360 page strong full colour hardback book encased in a replica tape box stands out just from first glance, when opening this authoritative document it’s clear that hours of devotion, groundwork and research of the highest order have been employed by Connelly.
https://www.gigslutz.co.uk/review-cargo-recording-studios-1977-1985/
Gigslutz review
For those with an interest in music from the punk era and its varied aftermath, Cargo Studios has legendary status. John Peel confided that he would often play a track, having not previously heard it, just because it said “recorded at Cargo” on the label. It started to gain its reputation when ‘Anthrax’ by the Gang of Four was recorded there and went on to be home to some groundbreaking recordings, Joy Division’s ‘Atmosphere’ being probably the most celebrated. Being based in a terraced, corner shop location in Rochdale, a north-west town best known for Gracie Fields and a football club invariably struggling in the lower reaches of what was then Division Four, added to its mythical status. However, there will have been practical benefits to its location outside its more glamorous neighbouring city of Manchester – property and rents will have been cheaper meaning that the rates they could charge for recording time (included a cheaper rate for overnight sessions) were more affordable to new independent bands.
Chris Connelly’s book celebrates the studio’s eight years. It acts as a scrapbook containing details and recollections of hundreds of acts that had formative recording experiences in this backstreet location. The book lists the bands in alphabetical order and is intended for intermittent reading, dipping in and out rather than reading chronologically like a novel or biography. Aptly, it is book in which the bands rather than the author take centre stage as the recollections indicate that studio owner and engineer John Brierley was a helpful figure who enabled bands to best capture their own sound rather than being consumed with developing his own reputation.
Silent Radio review
The esteem in which Brierley is still held can be illustrated by the guests at the book launch which saw a Q&A chaired by Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets) and featuring the author, plus Peter Hook (Joy Division / New Order), Andy McCluskey (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) and Martin Moscrop (A Certain Ratio). With plenty of stories about the studio, plus working with Martin Hammett and Tony Wilson, their chat could easily form the basis for a very entertaining Evening With type tour or a podcast series. What was especially striking was how during those years music offered an accessible outlet for working class kids in the regions who not thrived at school. It contrasts with the current era where the music industry has become more London-centric and difficult to navigate for those without major label or parental support.
In addition to these artists, a dip into the book could bring reminiscences from other storied names such as Dead or Alive, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Fall and The Chameleons but it is as likely to focus on long-forgotten or never known acts including Basczak, Nyam-Nyam and Zyklon B. It unearths some unexpected beginnings: David Gedge’s first pre-Wedding Present demos were at Cargo with Mitosis, and his fellow band member Tim Duncan is now musical director for Disney on Ice; and Lisa Stansfield’s initial recordings were there as part of Oulder Hill Community School.
Mention should be made of the book’s packaging. The hardbacked book is contained in an outer case designed to look like a magnetic tape container but which is decorated with a photo of the studio’s interior. It is a hefty package that would be inadvisable to drop on your foot. The book itself has a plethora of photos, copies of fliers and original letters, a diagram of the studio layout as well as pictures of singles sleeves. John Robb recalls those sleeves decorating the studio walls and compares it to the ‘Welcome to Anfield’ sign in the tunnel at Liverpool Football Club. There is also a map and a list of distances travelled to record at the studio. While most of the acts were from northern England, some came from Bristol, London, Edinburgh and Glasgow but the prize for longest distance travelled goes to DAF who came the 575 miles from Dusseldorf, surely the greatest indication of the studio’s reputation.
Silent Radio review