Reggae singer-songwriter Colin “Iley Dread” Levy is making waves with his latest single, ‘So Many Reasons,’ which is being hailed as one of his best works to date. Inspired by the love of his life, Empress Michele, the song is a heartfelt tribute to the power and resilience of true love.
“There are so many reasons why I am grateful for her and will always love and cherish her,” Iley Dread shares. “The message this song conveys is that true love can weather any storm.” The single is set for release on all digital music platforms on February 14th, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day anthem.
Born in Hanover, Jamaica, Iley Dread was immersed in music from an early age. His father’s sound system provided an introduction to the world of rhythm and melody, while his mother’s singing left a lasting impression on his artistic sensibilities. Although he initially explored painting, music soon became his true passion.
Encouraged by reggae legends like Bob Andy and Dennis Brown, Iley Dread honed his songwriting skills, laying the foundation for a successful career in the industry. In 1992, he relocated to Canada, where he seamlessly integrated into Montreal’s reggae scene. While developing his craft, he also played an integral role in his family’s restaurant business and mentored emerging talent.
Iley Dread draws inspiration from diverse sources, including his dreams, melodies that come to him naturally, and his observations of life’s highs and lows. He finds his creativity flourishes most when he is in a tranquil and peaceful environment.
His sound is deeply influenced by some of the greatest artists in music history, including Sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, Patti LaBelle, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Whitney Houston, and Dennis Brown. The latter played a pivotal role in his journey by introducing him to a recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica, and providing him with his first voice lesson, which boosted his confidence as a singer.
Iley Dread’s career has been filled with rewarding moments, but one of the most profound was learning that his song ‘Carry the Cross’ saved a woman’s life. “A female was driving home from work one night and fell asleep behind the wheel. The late radio DJ Delroy Sterling on CHRY 105.5 FM was playing my song, and it woke her up just seconds before she would have driven over a cliff,” he recounts.
Over the years, he has collaborated with some of reggae’s top artists, including Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, Richie Spice, Norris Man, and Louie Culture. He hopes his music continues to inspire and motivate listeners in a positive way.
As Iley Dread continues his musical journey, his primary goal is to record and release all his unpublished songs. For aspiring artists, his advice is clear: study the business of music.
If given the chance, he would change the gatekeeping nature of the industry, making it more accessible for talented artists to thrive. With the release of So Many Reasons, Iley Dread reaffirms his commitment to creating music that touches the heart and soul.
