Bermuda born reggae artist Clinark has been on the the long road to success. Clinark launched his acclaimed debut his album “Journey to Foreign in 2008, on a beautiful beach (Snorkel Park) in Bermuda with the support of featured artist Gramps Morgan and Peetah Heritage of the world’s top Reggae Band Morgan Heritage serenading the event with the lead collaboration ‘Life in the Ghetto’. Based in the UK, Clinark, (pronounced Klin_Ark) has come a long way in the music industry in a short time. With a new album released in November 2010, entitled a “Tribute to Michael Jackson: A Legend and a Warrior”. Clinark (Clinarke Dill), also sang under the name of Dill-in–Jah and has worked with reggae greats, Richie Spice, Luciano, Maxi Priest, Kofi, Brinsley, Forde (Aswad) and Irie Love, Troy Anthony, Fantan Mojah.
What do you like most about yourself?
I try to be humble and I’m a very giving, kind-hearted person. I would help anyone if I can that’s just my personality.
What do you feel deeply impassioned about?
I am deeply impassioned about the Almighty Father, the plight of the underprivileged in society, prejudice, wars and famine.
Which of your achievements has brought you the greatest satisfaction?
Well, my recent achievement of releasing my debut studio album, 'Journey to Foreign', was the greatest satisfaction because it was such a battle to get the album out. It took nearly four years of song writing and financial hardships to bring the production out, but working with some of the top musicians in the field was awesome. The great satisfaction was to have completed it and to get positive feedback from around the world, from Africa to Jamaica and UK. Another great satisfaction was doing my most recent album, “A Tribute to Michael Jackson: A Legend and a Warrior”, ‘cause Michael and the Jackson Five were a major influence on me even before reggae, ever since I can remember. So when I did “I'll Be There” in May 2009 and received positive feedback, it was awesome. Of course, he sadly passed away on June 25, 2009. I released it as a tribute to his great musical legacy, which was well received. It was a real honour to do it. Then, we did a music video for the song, “I'll Be There”, which was aired worldwide (UK, Jamaica, U.S., TEMPO Television, etc.). When I did my single “Smile” in Dec 2009 and people started asking me to do a full tribute album to Michael, I said no at first ‘cause I felt the timing wasn’t right so I waited until August 2010. So, I went back to the studio (Sting Ray Studio in the UK with Mafia and Fluxy, Stanley Andrew and Carlton Dillie Mcleod) and we produced the album which was just released before Christmas 2010. It’s doing well and another achievement that I’m very happy and proud about as well.
As a youngster, did enjoy going to school?
Yes, I liked school.
As a child, what was your dream profession?
As a child, my dream was to play in a professional football team overseas.
What complaints does your spouse (significant other) have about you?
My partner complains that I don't sleep until the early hours of the morning and that I spend too much time on the internet. (lol lol)
How do you react to failure?
I tend to react to failure by keeping myself busy on another projects and learning from previous mistakes.
Who would you most like to have as a mentor?
I would like to have Quincy Jones as a mentor because I admire all of his music. It’s so well orchestrated. He’s a musical genius.
What business achievement by another do you most admire?
I admire singer, Eddie Grant, because he had the business sense to own all the copyrights to his music while still producing top ten hits.
Where would you most like to own a vacation home?
I think I would like to own a vacation home in Jamaica so I can soak up the vibes.
If you had a magic wand and could make three wishes for Bermuda, what would they be?
1. To end the series of killings on the Island
2. Increase love and respect for one another.
3. A major music academy in Bermuda for Bermudian artists hone the craft
If you had six months to live, how would you spend your time?
Well, this question is timely as my sister, Davon, just passed away suddenly last month. I think if I knew I was going to pass in that short time-span, I would spend more time with my daughter, family and friends and try and visit the wonders of the world.
What do you do on weekends?
My weekends are spent preparing for gigs, chillin with my girlfriend and watching the latest football matches.
What is your biggest worry?
My health as I suffer from vertigo.
What sort of people are your closest friends?
My closest friends are ones who are loyal people I can rely on.
