Clinark’s Biography Clinark became the known as 'The Reggae Torch' after a line in his song 'Inspirational Prayer' which goes: 'I just re-ignited the torch as one of your soldiers Though many trials and tribulations, I've been through.' © 2005 Clinarke Dill & Juliet L Edwards Clinark ‘s story has all the hallmarks of the usual struggles for success and triumph over adversity. Clinark describes his childhood growing up in '70s 'on the Caribbean island of Bermuda, as 'happy with a great community spirit'. As a child Clinark was heavily influenced by his Seventh Day Adventist upbringing and his love of reggae music, particularly, Bob Marley and the UK reggae group 'Aswad.' Clinark says his childhood was a happy time for him and his mother & father and sister as they would regularly spend time singing and playing hymns. Clinark said he loved Bob Marley so much he would dream of Marley and that the dream often set the two of them sitting on a mountain top conversing. Clinark's late father, Wesley Jr, a lecturer in electronics and piano teacher, taught him to play the piano and encouraged him to sing. YOUTH CREATION BAND 1982 - 1990 When he was 15 years old, Clinark and six other friends created a band called 'Youth Creation ' which rehearsed in his yard. Clinark sang and played keyboards. They practiced a couple of times a week for months. The band later merged with another band. In 1984 'Youth Creation' played a small set on The Labor Day concert, the response was overwhelming. By now, Clinark played keyboards and shared lead vocals. This was when Clinark's gift of song first came to prominence. Whilst in the band, Clinark also found time for other activities and reached the heights of Bermuda's top football league as a left winger and striker in Bermuda's Southampton Rangers. The band continued and was successful in Bermuda; they regularly opened concerts with crowds of over a thousand people. This led to touring overseas and a single was released called 'Come in de land'(1985) culminating in an album in 1987 called 'Jah is on our side.' Clinark wrote and sang lead vocals and backing vocals, played key boards drums on 4 of the 8 tracks: 'The love that I feel', 'We must fight against apartheid', World wide problems',' Drug Population.' Youth Creation toured in the US twice yearly, whilst in Bermuda. They opened for major acts like Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley Carlene Davis, Dennis Brown, Judy Mowatt, Peter Metro, Tenor Saw and Yellow Man. The bands line up changed several times over the next 3 years. Clinark was also conscripted into the Bermuda Army part time for 3 years from 1987 to 1990.Clinark say's it was one day a week and some weekends but he said he was still able to carry on with the band. STUDIO SIX BAND 1990 - 1993 In 1990, Clinark decided to quit the band to form another group called 'Studio Six'. It was a 9 pieceband also made up of a couple of the ex 'Youth Creation' members. Clinark shared lead vocals and played the keyboard. Studio Six continued to be successful and they did the full circuit of clubs and hotels in Bermuda, with a broader spectrum of music, including soda, soul etc. The band broke up in 1993. JAHSTICE BAND 1995 - 1999 Clinark joined a new reggae band called 'Jahstice' in 1995. He shared lead vocals. They opened for most of the visiting reggae acts including, Beenie Man. The band also played in Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide Showcase in Salt Lake City in North Carolina in 1996 and 1997. They also represented Bermuda at the Caribbean Song Festival in Barbados. In 1997, the band began work on an album. Clinark wrote some of the songs 'Strugglin,' 'Give Thanks & Praises' and ' More and More.' A couple of other songs 'One Love One Destiny, (which became an anthem for the band) and 'Can't Let Go' also had a DJ contribution written by 'Runksie.' Unfortunately, the album remains unfinished as the other lead vocalist/songwriter left the band shortly after the recording. By then, Clinark's previous back injury had become troublesome and left him having to perform on stage in a hidden back brace. Sadly, Clinark decided to leave the band at the end of 1999. MILLENIUM SUFFERING The year 2000 was a more desperate time for Clinark. He was suddenly struck down with a mysterious debilitating illness. This left him incapacitated with sudden bouts of nausea & dizziness and inability to walk. He was unable to work for several months. Doctors were baffled. Eventually, in 2002, Clinark was finally diagnosed as suffering with a severe vertigo symptoms. Clinark sought relief from a naturopath and eventually he saw a gradual decline in his symptoms. He was then able to run a small import business called. Riviera Roots Wear which sold wholesale and retail cultural goods and herbal products. AFRICAN DESCENDANTS Meanwhile, Clinark's voice remained in full form. In 2003 he was asked by his life long friend, neighbour and former Jahstice keyboard player and songwriter, Antwon Pitt, to form a duo called African Descendants. The duo created a large catalogue of songs, (some as yet to be released and recorded). Clinark took the stage name of Dill-in-Jah. Offers from producers in Jamaica, and the reggae fraternity in Europe and USA came in, but Clinark was not yet fully recovered. Despite this, Clinark was still able to put out a sell out single in 2004. 'DEM COME' DREAD UNITY LABEL 2004 In November 2004, Clinark released for the hit single ' Dem Come' (10") which he sang under the name of 'Dill-in-jah' on the 'Dread Unity' label. It's a song about world peace. It was a truly modern day cyber production with Clinark writing and voicing tracks in his native home of Bermuda and the production being done by Reuben in the UK. It caused a great stir with sound systems, fans called him the 'The New Garnett Silk.' They also worked on another Track 'Fire Bun' which is to be released as a single at a later date by the Dread Unity Label. New versions of both songs are on the 'Clinark Live'… album. JOURNEY ALBUM A planned trip for the Clinark & Pitt to record in Jamaica was postponed. So Clinark decided to take up an invitation from his new manager, Juliet Edwards to go to London, England. The plan was for Clinark to record a couple of tracks with her brother's drummer and producer, 'Tony 'Technical- T' Edwards and Rob Edwards Jnr. Clinark traveled to the UK in December 2004. Miraculously, Clinark's symptoms reduced further, the cooler climate suited his condition. This team eventually came together to form the independent record label, Nurture Projects. Clinark also reverted back to his real name ' Clinarke' as he was often confused with the reggae singer, ‘Dillinger’ taking the 'e' off the end to help pronunciation. Clinark's visit produced a buzz of excitement in the studio, producers said of his lyrical style and delivery gave the essences of late great legend 'Bob Marley.' To Clinark this was the most fitting accolade. These short sessions in the studio proved that the fire was just been lit on this talented artist. Clinark says ' We just got together and everything just worked. It was something I had been waiting for, for so long and all the ingredients were there.' A plan was hatched to record an album at a later date. Clinark and Juliet immediately got to work on writing songs for the project. Technical –T taught Clinark how to build his tracks on a program By the time Clinark left the UK in January 2004 he had already written a handful of songs. Clinark returned to the UK in spring 2005, the team worked on the project throughout the year. In January 2006, Clinark decided to open up a UK arm of his Bermuda business www.rivierarootswear.com, a sports and casual wear shop in with an online store. Meanwhile the team practiced the songs in north London's Down Beat Studio's in Holloway. They reformed their Highway band with Clinark now acting as lead vocals and keyboard player Technical -T on drums, Rob on bass, Rasta P on guitar. They also practiced weekly in the basement of Juliet's dad's local, The Cricketers pub in Clapton, Hackney. Although it was a supposed to be a closed sessions, local elders and youths drifted in and showed their approval. Naturally, the staff started serving at the bar and Clinark ended up with a captive audience. 'He says 'It was a great feeling to get the feedback from the local people; they particularly liked ' Life in the Ghetto' & 'Fire Bun.' By April 2006 Technical -T andClinark had produced a demo of an 18 track album called 'Journey.' It is a contemporary roots reggae and lovers rock album. In April 2006 the demo was taken to London producers Mafia & Fluxy. Clinark’s own independent labelNurture Projects will be releasing this album later in 2008. CLINARK LIVE IN HOLLAND WITH POOR MAN FRIEND BAND (PMF) By now it was February 2006 and Nurture Projects joined a small project with Dutch reggae band 'Poor Man Friend' reggae artist Zema. The remit was to put on a small set of concerts in Holland in April 2006. PMF consist of a 6 piece band with keyboard player, Marcus Leliveld (aka Kila) as band leader and composer. He worked alongside horn arranger and tenor saxophonist, Phillp De Goey, Setish Brandraban - Trumpet and Tobias Dammers on Trombone. The line up of the band was Howard Englebert on lead and rhythm guitar, Fabian on drums, Papa Jan on bass and backing vocals, Billyman andRas Elijah were on percussions and backing vocals. PMF opened the show with their own set of songs. You can find out more of PMF on their website www.poormanfriend.com Meanwhile, Clinark and the team continued to work on the 'Journey' album project and started recording with top producers, Mafia and Fluxy. Check out www.myspace.com/mafiandfluxy.The scheduled clashed with the Journey album recording but they managed a couple of rehearsal and finally they all got together for the Holland concerts. The live recording for the 9 track album was at the prestigious Dutch venue 'Groene Engel ' in Oss, was done by sound engineer Sander Hartman. Miraculously his recording captured the first performance perfectly. It was also the first time a reggae show had taken place at the venue. Clinark also performed to large audiences at LVC Leiden, and Paradox, Tilburg, the following week Back in Bermuda In August 2006 Clinark took a brief trip to Bermuda where he announced on Power 95 radio, the promo release of the CD. It produced a great response from the public and fans. An interview with Clinark in the Bermuda Royal Gazette brought further interest from the rest of the world. Nurture Projects eventually brought forward the release of this album 'Clinark Live in Holland with Poor Man Friend Band.' A live version of the 'Dem Come' is on the outstanding live album. The set opens up with an awesome rendition of Bob Marley's ' Heathen' and includes a memorable version of 'The Lord's Prayer. Clinark takes a longer journey, introducing the band and highlighting his mesmerizing vocal skills. Now as this quality recording, reaches play lists around the world already these tracks are becoming favorites; ' Life in the Ghetto,' 'Runaway', 'Colonised.' Naturally,''Beautiful Island ' is the favorite track of Clinark's fellow Bermudians. Now all of this work is to be rewarded with another powerful reggae release of the ' Journey to Foreign ' album in Sep 2008 ,will definitely light up the 'Reggae Torch' which you cannot fail to miss! Find out more about Clinark at www.clinark.com or www.myspace.com/clinark Album: ‘Journey to Foreign ’ Mini Review Artist: Clinark: Bermudian/UK solo artist, singer/song writer/ producer Also Featuring, Gramps & Peter Morgan (Heritage), Irie Love, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Fantan Mojah, Kofi, & Troy Anthony & Brinsley Forde (Aswad) Style: Reggae – Modern Roots, Culture & Lovers Rock, New Ska Label: Nurture Projects (Indie) Album Release Date: 30 September 2008 Review Editor: Dub Manageress Bermudian Reggae Artist, Clinark, finally arrives with this much heralded debut studio album in tow, Journey to Foreign. This talented solo artist, has come through the perils of the music business , currently remaining independent under his own record label Nurture Projects and despite the world slump, to deliver us this gem of the ‘sure to be a classic’ album. For any fan of Roots & Culture, it has been worth waiting the 4 years it’s taken to get to the decks. This international project brings together the works of Bermuda, UK, Jamaica, & Hawaii. The final production was done at Stingray Studios in London UK with producers Mafia & Fluxy and Dilly as final production engineer and Gussie P. Maxi Priest’s own voice engineer Livingstone Brown giving a new treatment to Clinark’s voice on the track ‘fast becoming collector’s items.’ While Clinark’s unique ‘Garnett -esque’ ( Silk) voice and Marley-esque’ (Bob) delivery can capture any ear that seeks clarity and inspiration, this 20 track album (19 co -writtien songs and 20 riddims, overflows with quality from start to finish. Quality Some of the tracks featured on Clinark Live in Holland (2006) debut album, and so too does the remake of hit single ‘Dem Come’ ’10’’ (2004) (Dread Unity) which Clinark sang under the name of Dillinjah. Listen to Clinark’s plentiful collaborations, from the poignant ‘Life in the Ghetto’ feat. Gramps and Peter Morgan to the street smart message for the youth in ‘No Where TV’ feat. Fantan Mojah where were warned about the doctrines of TV and video games. Bermuda is overflowing with talent as Clinark blesses us again with ‘Sign of the Times’ feat. Troy Anthony. There’s so much more with equally jostling for top ten slots are the collaborations from Richie Spice, Luciano, Maxi Priest, Kofi , Brinsley Forde (Aswad) and Irie Love. Listen out for the heart rendering track, ‘Angel Eyes’ sure to be played at weddings and the like for a lifetime. Enjoy your journey on this top quality album! Journey To Foreign Liner Notes Nurture Projects Music Presents: Journey to Foreign CD & MP3 Clinark - The Reggae Torch Contemporary Roots & Culture & Lovers Rock At Its Best 19 New Riddims, Includes: 'Life in the Ghetto Remix, Feat Gramps Morgan & Peter Heritage 'Angel Eyes' & 'Glorify feat Luciano. More tracks featuring Richie Spice, Fantan Mojah, Maxi Priest, Brinsley Forde, Irie Love, Kofi & Troy Anthony. Journey To Foreign Credits Executive Producer: Clinark (C.Dill) Producers: Leroy ‘Mafia’ Heywood’ & Dave ‘Fluxy’ Heywood Production/Mixing Engineer: Carl ‘Dillie’ McLeod Recorded At Stingray Studios, London, UK Recording Engineer (Tracks): Gussie P, Recorded At Mafia & Fluxy Studios, London, UK Keyboards & Bass Guitar: Leroy ‘Mafia’ Heywood Drums & Percussions: Dave ‘Fluxy’ Heywood Riddim & Lead Guitar: Stanley Andrews Matic Horns: Henry 'Buttons' Tenyue (Trombone) & Brian Edwards (Saxophone) Backing Vocalists: Kofi & Barbara Knapp All Tracks Composed Arranged By Clinark Except For ‘Glorify’ Album Demo Producer & ‘Glorify’ Track Arranged by Tony ‘Tec T’ Edwards (‘As A Man I Weep’) VOCAL PRODUCTION (MAXI): LIVINGSTONE BROWN AT THE BOOGIE LAB MAXI PRIEST & MAX ELLIOTT appear courtesy of LEVEL VIBES RECORDS LTD, Mastered by Mike Caplin, Lion Fox Studio, Washington DC, USA A&R: Juliet L Edwards, Nurture Projects Music Nurture Projects administered by Jack Russell Music Ltd Sleeve Design : Tim Levin at Crewchin Studios Cover Photo: Luthfa at DoF Films Bermudian singer, songwriter, Clinark comes together with a whole wealth of artists on this outstanding production. Gathered together on this collection are the likes Gramps and Peter Morgan, Richie Spice, Brinsley Forde, Maxi Priest, Fantan Mojah Luciano, Irie Love, Troy Anthony and Kofi. Nearly 4 years in the making! Clinark presents an outstanding 20 track album of entirely new riddims and self penned lyrics. Conscious & Lovers vibes for everyone, with unforgettable tracks like 'Angel Eyes' and 'Oh What a Blessing.' don't miss the roots and culture with ‘Life in the Ghetto', ‘Glorify’ & ‘Inspiration Prayer’. Clinark Journey To Foreign Track Listing 1. Life In The Ghetto Remix Clinark Feat. Peter & Gramps Morgan (C.Dill/JL Edwards/R. Morgan/P. Morgan)Nurture Projects BMI/ASCAP/ACOA/Heartical 2. Nowhere TV (Clinark Feat. Fantan Mojah) (C.Dill/JLEdwards/O.Moncrieffe)Nurture/BMI 3. Aint That Something (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards)Nurture/BMI 4. Living In Concrete Jungle (Clinark & Richie Spice) (C.Dill/JLEdwards/ R.Bonner/M.Bonner)Nurture/Universal 5. Journey To Foreign (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards)Nurture/BMI 6. Choices (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards)Nurture/BMI 7. Angel Eyes (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards/L.Heywood/D.Heywood) Nuture/BMI/Mafflux Songs 8. As A Man I Weep (Clinark Feat. Maxi Priest) MAXI PRIEST & MAX ELLIOTT appear Courtesy Of Level Vibes Records Ltd. (C.Dill/JLEdwards) Nurture/BMI/ Level Vibes Records Ltd. (COSCAP) Vocal Production (Maxi): Livingstone Brown at The Boogie Lab 9. Beautiful Island Remix (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards) Nurture/BMI 10. Sign Of The Times (Clinark Feat Troy Anthony) (C.Dill/JLEdwards) Nurture/BMI 11. Colonized Remix (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards)Nurture/BMI 12. Vision (Clinark) (C.Dill/JL Edwards)Nurture/BMI 13. Oh What A Blessing (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards) Nurture/BMI 14. Brown Eyes (Clinark Feat Kofi) (C.Dill/JL Edwards) Nurture/BMI/Mafflux 15. Runaway Remix (Clinark) (C.Dill/JLEdwards)Nurture/BMI 16. Dem Come Remix 2008(Clinark) (C.Dill) Nurture/BMI 17. Glorify (Clinark Feat. Luciano) (C.Dill/JLEdwards/ J.W. McClymont)Nurture/BMI/Jahmessenjah 18. Its True (Clinark Feat. Irie Love) (C.Dill/JLEdwards/I.Richards)Nurture /BMI/ ASCAP/Irielove Music 19. Inspiration Prayer Remix (Clinark Feat. Brinsley Forde) (C.Dill/JLEdwards/B.Forde)Nurture /BMI/ASCAP 20. Lord’s Prayer Remix (Clinark)Trad/Music Arranged by C.Dill) Nurture/BMI Clinark's Journey to Foreign TRACK LISTING & Guide to Songs 1. Life in the Ghetto Remix (Clinark feat Peter and Gramps Morgan) A fantastic rework of Clinark's original track. 2. No Where TV (Clinark Feat Fantan Mojah) A message for the youth. 3. Aint that Something (Clinark) Original Riddim and song which also inspired Richie Spices Collaboration on Concrete Jungle. 4. Living in a Concrete Jungle (Clinark and Richie Spice) As it says on the pack. 5. Journey to Foreign (Clinark) New Ska, commemorating the arrival of immigrants from the Windrush to the UK. 6. Choices (Clinark) A message for a fallen relationship 7. Angel Eyes (Clinark) -A modern Lovers Rock dedication. 8. As a Man I Weep (Clinark feat. Maxi Priest) A message for all, ‘Fathers & Sons should stick together’. 9. Beautiful Island (Clinark) Dedicated to Bermuda 10. .Sign of the Times (Clinark feat Troy Anthony) Commemorating the Tsunami, Clinark teams up with fellow Bermudian. 11. Colonized Remix (Clinark) Culture at its best - remixed from the 'Live album. 12. Vision (Clinark) Inspired words. 13. Oh What a Blessing (Clinark) Lovers Rock 14. Brown Eyes (Clinark feat Kofi) Lovers Rock. 15. Runaway (Clinark) Cultural remix first featured on the ‘Live‘Album. 16. Dem Come (Clinark) Roots and Culture remix at its best. 17. Glorify (Clinark feat Luciano) Massive Dub with a message. 18. Its True (Clinark feat Irie Love) Sweet Lovers Rock/Reggae Gospel duet with the Hawaiian Songstress. 19. Inspiration Prayer Remix (Clinark feat Brinsley Forde) Massive Collaboration - do not miss. 20. Lords Prayer (Clinark/Trad) Clinark brings us his composition of the Lord’s Prayer Find out more at www.Clinark.com Press & enquires email: info@Clinark.com Bermudian roots & culture artist is ready is covering new ground on on the reggae road map . He is best known for the hit single 'Dem Come', which he sang under the name of ‘Dillinjah’ on the Dread Unity label in 2004 and more recently 'Clinark Live in Holland' (2006)Nurture Projects. For Bookings, Dubplates & Distribution & Press Enquires Contact: Juliet Edwards Email: info@clinark.com Nurture Projects Music Mobile: +441 07908 122 410 Business Tel + 441 0208 804 2367 Website: www.clinark.com www.myspace.com/clinarkmusic