Rochdale Music Stories: Spotlight on Medley

Hamza Medley, known musically as Medley, is a multi‑talented Rochdalian artist whose creative practice spans award‑winning acting, filmmaking, sound recording, and independent music. With years of experience performing and producing across projects of all scales, Medley has carved out a distinctive place in both the screen and music worlds, supported by representation from North Star Management.

Alongside his artistic work, Medley is deeply embedded in Rochdale’s cultural landscape. As a cultural pioneer with the Culture Co‑Op, he has contributed to community arts initiatives including the Merhaba Halal Food Festival and creative outreach in local schools, driven by a belief that Rochdale is full of untapped creative potential. Born and raised in the borough, he champions the importance of accessible artistic opportunities and the value of nurturing local talent.

We spoke to Medley about his creative journey, his multidisciplinary practice, and his experience contributing to Rochdale Music Stories during the Town of Culture year, where he’s bringing his unique style to a cover of “Dreams Never End” by New Order.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your own creative journey - how did you get started in music?

Music is something I've always had a lot of love for. A lot of the music I heard was with my uncles, grandparents and cousins at my grandma’s house on Medley Street. I had been writing for a number of years, but I was actually too scared to get involved and try to release music. Until after my grandmother passed away – it kind of flipped a switch for me. I realised always trying to make things perfect before doing them isn't realistic, I had to just do it, flaws and all. But the truth is, nobody treated me like a musician until I said I was, and I believed I was. I released music with no foundations, then just through the process, began to learn and develop my artistry.

2. How has Rochdale shaped or supported your career as an artist? Are there any local venues, events, or people who’ve been especially important to your journey?

If I'm being honest, outside of my years in high school, I had no support for my artistic career up until recently. In my high school days, I was a breakdancer, and because I was at a performing arts high school, we were able to showcase our skills quite a bit. 

Outside of being a musician, I'm also an actor, and within that career path all of my opportunities came from outside the town, and it’s the same with my musical endeavours up until recently. However, in early 2024, I connected with the Culture-Co-op, and through their time and effort, I have had the opportunity to perform, as well as co-produce events. I've also met and collaborated with some amazing people! Knowing that there are now people who can support creatives right here in my town is a big reassurance to me. I know that there will be creatives who need it as much as I did in my formative years of my career!

Absolutely [there are local people and venues that have been especially important to my journey], there are so many to name, so sorry if a do miss a few. I can tell you why they are important too:

Sam Malik - This man was my music mentor for a brief period, I was taught a lot in a very short time before his sudden passing.

Waheed Iqbal - Waheed was the first director to give me a chance as a lead on his feature film 'Of God's Men'. The faith he put in me paid off, we won awards at MCR film festival and beyond!

My parents - Although they didn't understand my creative journey at the start, they supported me fully through it. It made the journey a lot easier.

My grandma - My grandma never got to see what I've become. But I would never have been who I am, nor have the perspective of the world that I have, without her unconditional love, kindness, and countless lessons she could teach me in one simple sentence.

My teachers - Mainly my high school teachers, Mrs Uddin, Mr Facchinello, Mr Mavula, Mrs Wystonowah (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong) & my college drama teacher, Miss Ainscow. All of these teachers gave me the confidence in myself and my ability that I was severely lacking. I have never forgotten that kindness and encouragement. 

Bushra, Beatriz & Greg at the Culture Co-Op - Without these guys, I would never have had the chance to do any creative stuff in my hometown! They champion me, and they trust in me as a person, and my ability. 

Karen Boardman - Out of everyone, I've known Karen for the least amount of time, but her passion to champion local artists is second to none. Whether its sharing opportunities or inviting me to places that she knows will be good for me, her help has been such a blessing!

3. How would you describe Rochdale’s creative scene right now?

I think Rochdale's creative scene is beginning to find its feet. I believe we as collectives, individuals and entities, are making ourselves known in places beyond our town now, and it isn't an overnight process. But with the abundance of brilliant talents and minds, it was only a matter of time before we came into our own. Rochdale's creative scene is seriously exciting. 

4. Which song are you covering for the Rochdale Music Stories project? What does the song mean to you?

For the 'Rochdale Music Stories' project, I will be covering 'Dreams Never End' by New Order. For me, the title of the song was serendipitous; I am a person who holds my dreams close to me, both my literal dreams, and my aspirations. 

5. What has been your favourite experience of the Rochdale Music Stories project?

My favourite experience within this project has definitely been the challenge of making a rendition of the song in a different genre. How do we honour and keep enough identity of the original track whilst ushering it into a new soundscape? Honestly, I would still be struggling if it wasn't for the incredible expertise of Jamie & Laura over at Volta. Having access to such an amazing studio was the cherry on top, it's allowed us to explore possibilities and deeper details that I couldn't have done by myself.

6. What’s been a standout moment for you as a musician or performer in Rochdale?

A standout moment for me personally, well, there's three. First up is with my work alongside the Culture Co-Op, I had a small role with helping on the recent Halal food festival, it was a proud moment seeing so many people in our town united and celebrating!

The second moment was another event with the Culture Co-Op that I co-produced called 'Frozen Beats'. We got a local ice cream vendor's van, popped a DJ in there and played music in 3 different areas in Rochdale, as well as having local artists come through to perform too! The best part? Ice cream was free!

Finally, A proud moment for me was having the feature film I was in 'Of God's Men' being shown in Rochdale at Reel Cinema in 2024! It gave a chance for family, friends, and others to come and watch it. It was really wholesome.

7. What advice would you give to emerging artists in the borough?

Advice I'd give artists in the borough? First of all, networking is never a bad idea, but at the same time, try to actually get to know people. Collaborating with people you actually connect with is always better than working with someone you know of. Secondly, I'd say to always be a student, when you take every day as a lesson, you grow so much more. And third, learn about yourself, understand who you are, and just lean into it. Don't be afraid to be yourself. 

8.  This year, Rochdale is Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26! What does this title mean to you as creatives?

Rochdale being hailed as the Greater Manchester's Town of Culture means a lot to me personally. Outside of my time in high school (Falinge Park High School), all of my creative opportunities came from outside of the town.

With Rochdale now having access to unique creative opportunities, it gives a chance for so many talented people in our town to represent it on a wider stage. Whilst encouraging them to develop their creativity, something our town has severely needed. Creatively, it gives me a chance to connect with local creatives to potentially collaborate or just appreciate and support their creativity!

9. What are you most excited about during this Town of Culture year?

I'm most excited about seeing the projects that come as a result of being the Town of Culture, I'm excited to discover creatives that I may never have known. I'm excited for our town to be mentioned positively!

11. What would you love to see more of in Rochdale’s music or arts community moving forward?

For Rochdale's arts communities going forward, I want to see a more open network (this is literally why Rochdale Creates is so helpful). I specifically want the arts community of Rochdale to empower and show new creatives that the arts isn't just a part-time hobby, that if you really love it, that it can be done, and you can find success in it. 

12. And finally, what’s next for you - any exciting projects or performances coming up, aside from Rochdale Music Stories?

Outside of Rochdale Music Stories, there are few acting projects coming up that should hopefully be released. (But they're under NDA, so you'll have to check my socials for when they're out!) Aside from those things, there will be a few more projects in and around the Dale coming soon, and of course, new music dropping!

13. You've got some great music out there - where can people find it and support you?

My music is available to listen on streaming platforms, I've been releasing for a few years! You should be able to find my latest tracks 'A.P.E' , 'Satellite', and '+44' ! They will also be up on Bandcamp soon if you want to support directly!

And you can check out Medley by clicking below:

Youtube

Spotify

BANDCAMP

Keep up with Medley’s journey by following him on Instagram @HamzaMedley.

Grab your ticket to the Rochdale Music Stories launch here.
Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street Album Launch Concert - Heywood Civic

To keep up to date with Rochdale’s fast-paced arts and culture scene, follow us on Instagram @Rochdale.Creates.