‘Under The Influence’ is a soulful new release from Manchester-based artist Mike Dignam. The tune is built on an insistent drum rhythm and solid block piano chords, with his soulful vocals delivering addictive melodies above. Self-producing the track allowed for further control over its sound, placing his vulnerability and emotionality front-and-centre. Speaking on the release, Dignam says “the song is about the idea of heartbreak having control over you, like alcohol or substance abuse, a drug and asking to be excused for out of character actions because this feeling has completely taken over”. The (entirely self-produced) new album from which this track comes will be dropping in early 2020, so be on the lookout for a set of beautiful raw pieces. - Dan Peeke