Mitch Dodge
Liverpool-based producer Candidate continues his upward momentum with ‘Midnight Dream’, a new collaborative single with Saigon (UK), out now via IN / ROTATION, the offshoot imprint of Insomniac. The release marks Candidate’s debut on the label and signals a confident shift toward a more euphoric, high-energy expression of his sound.
Sleek and club-ready, ‘Midnight Dream’ showcases a brighter, more uplifting side of Candidate’s production. Anchored by a spring-loaded drum groove, the track unfolds with precision, layering glossy synth stabs, hip-house-leaning rap vocal loops, and subtle textural flourishes. The arrangement remains hypnotic and minimal at its core, allowing momentum to build naturally rather than relying on abrupt shifts or oversized breakdowns.
As the track progresses, familiar club references begin to surface. Old-school elements flicker through the modern framework, culminating in a piano-led finale that nods to early rave energy without slipping into nostalgia for its own sake. The result is a track that feels contemporary and functional, yet emotionally resonant, built for moments when the room begins to lift.
‘Midnight Dream’ is the latest chapter in an increasingly prolific partnership between Candidate and Saigon (UK), who have been steadily refining their shared language since 2024. Across a growing catalogue of collaborations, they have developed a sound rooted in groove, energy, and clarity, earning support from key tastemakers including Arielle Free, Danny Howard, Curtis Jay, Sarah Story, Jaguar, and Leftwing : Kody.
For Candidate, the release lands during a period of sustained growth. Since launching the project in 2023, he has built a strong reputation for hip-house-infused club records, with releases on Hottrax, Nexup, Three Six Zero, and Belief, alongside a Beatport Number One with his ‘Bass Revolution’ EP. Alongside increasing demand behind the decks at venues such as Lab 11 and Depot Cardiff, ‘Midnight Dream’ reinforces his trajectory toward larger stages and international platforms.
‘Midnight Dream’ is out now!