WHEN Bermuda singer Clinark Dill first set upon the journey to record his new album he had no idea where the path would lead. The album Journey to Foreign was released in early October, 2008 and Mr. Dill has just finished a new music video for his chart-topping hit song Life in the Ghetto which features internationally renowned reggae superstars Gramps Morgan and Peter Heritage.

Journey to Foreign was recorded in London, England and was produced by legendary reggae music producers Mafia and Fluxy, Dillie at Stingray Studios and Nurture Projects. It features a who's who of top reggae music names including Gramps Morgan & Peter Heritage (of Morgan Heritage), Richie Spice, Irie Love, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Fantan Mojah, Kofi, & Troy Anthony & Brinsley Forde (Aswad).

Mr. Dill spoke with the Mid-Ocean News this week about his new music video for the song Life in the Ghetto, the success of his new album and the fact it is now a fixture in the Top 10 on reggae music charts in the United Kingdom and in the United States.

Since Journey to Foreign was released last fall, the album has received unanimously glowing reviews in the international reggae press and has been selling extremely well.

"The response to the album has been great," said Mr. Dill. "There has been a lot of positive feedback worldwide. In Bermuda, Europe and North America a lot of radio stations have picked up on it.

"The United States, Canada, England, France, Holland and Germany have really taken to it."

Mr Dill has been described as a perfomer who has the stage presence reminiscent of the great Bob Marley's and a melodic voice akin to that of legendary reggae artist Garnett Silk.

Mr. Dill's hard work and dedication to music has paid off in ways the soft-spoken Bermudian entertainer never imagined possible.

"Journey to Foreign was recently top album of the month coming into January," said Mr. Dill. "In Europe on reggaevibes.com, one of the biggest websites for reggae music around the world, as of January 9 Journey to Foreign was number five on the top 50 reggae albums. In the United States Journey to Foreign is in the top 10 as well.

"In California at ireggae.com, another huge website for reggae music, the album is at number five currently. It's a great feeling of accomplishment with the response it's been getting."

Mr. Dill said he is looking forward to a busy 2009 in terms of pursuing his music career.

"As soon as I return to England I am going to finalise my tour dates," he said. "I hope to be touring around Europe and the United States.

"Right now I am talking with an agency which will have me on tour for July.

"It looks to be a big tour with superstar reggae names such as Freddie McGregor and Richie Spice on the bill. I'm hoping to get that confirmed in the next few weeks."

Journey to Foreign and the new music video for Life in the Ghetto feature collaborations between Mr. Dill and Gramps Morgan and Peter Heritage from the internationally acclaimed reggae band Morgan Heritage.

Speaking of his working relationship with the two reggae superstars and the new music video, Mr. Dill said: "Working with Gramps Morgan and Peter Heritage was really great.

"They are really down to earth guys and we became really close and more like brethren. It's more of a family type of vibe. When I go on tour they will be there.

"We filmed the music video in England. Most of it was shot in London in different ghetto areas and outside the studio.

"Some of the footage we used from Bermuda was courtesy of Court Street music store Dub City owner Donovan McKoy. The video will be on youtube and on my website Clinark.com.

"It will also be on a number of television stations and will be featured on a number of popular reggae websites."

Mr. Dill has some words of advice for aspiring Bermuda singers and musicians.

"Music is not an easy game," he said. "You have to have a love for it and strive to succeed.

"Do everything to the best of your ability and learn about music. Don't just think you can go to a studio and do a song. There's much more to it than that.

"Try to learn the business and put your best foot forward and do the best you can."

Journey to Foreign is available now at music stores across Bermuda.

For more information go to www.clinark.com People wishing to purchase a copy online or who want to purchase a digital mp3 copy of the album can go to www.amazon.comwww.napster.comwww.itunes.com or go to www.cdbaby.com

The music video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew44lVq3I7M