Phil Reynolds leads the Local Vocals Rochdale/Littleborough community choir and has lived and worked in Rochdale for two decades. His love for his community and his craft runs deep, and Local Vocals has performed in some iconic venues including Manchester Cathedral and Manchester Monastery, and even live on Heart Radio twice!
Having helped raise money for a plethora of great causes in his community, and with over 40 Local Vocals choirs spread across the North, Phil is just one part of a large picture of soul, music, and joy.
We got to ask about his involvement in Rochdale Music Stories, where Local Vocals is joining forces with Rochdalian rapper Micah Stalgic to take on Joy Division’s iconic song Atmosphere.
Here’s what Phil said:
- Can you tell us a bit about your own creative journey - how did you get started in music?
I trained as a bass player at the Royal Academy of Music (graduating in 1995), and worked in over 70 West End and touring theatre shows (including names such as Hugh Jackman, Elaine Paige and Michael Ball). I also always worked in orchestras, jazz and pop groups, and have performed at venues from Bridgewater Hall to Wembley Stadium, and recorded at studios including Abbey Road. I have also worked as a music teacher in schools and colleges and led community choirs for over 15 years.
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?
As well as providing me with students and choir members for over 20 years, it has allowed me to make many colleagues and friends from the local area.
[Some local venues and organisations that have been important are] Touchstones, the Town Hall, Voltalab and most recently the JAMM (Johnny Alfrey Music Memorial) charity (Johnny was a former student of mine). Oh, and multiple gigs with Sue Devaney!
- How would you describe Rochdale’s creative scene right now?
From everything I’ve seen over the past year, it does seem as though there is a much greater focus on all things Rochdale in terms of music and the arts. This is a very welcome improvement over much of the past 2 decades I’ve lived here!
- Which song are you covering for the Rochdale Music Stories project? Does this song have any personal significance to you?
Atmosphere (Joy Division). Although I’m not from the area originally, I have lived in Rochdale now for 20 years (longer than anywhere else!) and spent several recording sessions with choirs and students at Voltalab in the past. Plus, I’ve worked with/alongside several former Cargo Studios artists, and Peter Hook was one of my heroes as a young bass player!
- What has been your favourite experience in being part of the Rochdale Music Stories project?
We are yet to record (this week!) but it’s been fascinating meeting our partnered artist (Micah Stalgic) and working on the choir harmonies ready to record.
- What’s been a standout moment for you as a musician or performer in Rochdale?
Multiple local events and performances, as well as taking local choirs to perform at Bridgewater Hall and the Manchester ‘With One Voice’ memorial event.
- What advice would you give to emerging artists in the borough?
Keep your ears, eyes and mind open to EVERYTHING, and have a clear set of goals in place.
- This year, Rochdale is Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26! What does this title mean to you as a creative?
It means more exposure, investment and opportunity for performers and musicians and a chance to showcase what Rochdale has to offer musically (both past and present).
- What are you most excited about during this year with Rochdale as Town of Culture?
From a personal point of view – the Rochdale Music Stories project (and the launch event in March!). I also love my new (signed) Cargo Studios book!
- What would you love to see more of in Rochdale’s music or arts community moving forward?
We desperately need more performance spaces (not just pubs!) for up-and-coming bands, as well as a better theatre space (for community and touring groups). This has been an issue for many years (speaking as someone who has worked in professional theatre and education for 30 years).
- And finally, what’s next for you - any exciting projects or performances coming up, aside from Rochdale Music Stories?
Local Vocals (formerly Sing Littleborough) is only in its first term under a new name, but we will have plenty of performances in 2026. Personally, I will also be performing (on double bass/bass guitar) in the concert tour of ‘The Holiday’ in December (film with live orchestra at Bridgewater Hall amongst others).
- Is your music available online for people to listen? If so, where?
At the moment, mainly on our social media pages!
Keep up with the journey of Local Vocals choirs across the North by following their Instagram @_LocalVocals, as well as their Website, Facebook and Youtube.
Grab your ticket to the Rochdale Music Stories launch here.
To keep up to date with Rochdale’s fast-paced arts and culture scene, follow us on Instagram @Rochdale.Creates.