What has influenced your music most?

All those acts I have mentioned above, along with many more modern ones and genres of music like Blues, Soul, R&B, Folk, Rock 'n' Roll, Jazz, Experimental and anything else that I've spent time listening too. My inspiration for songs though is very varied and just reflects my life I think.

Music And Internet Marketing

How has Internet effected you as a musician? In a big way: I used to be heavily involved in music networking via snail mail with all fanzines and small press and casssette culture which gave way to CDs, but I seem to have phased most of that out because Internet is a lot easier, cheaper and faster to use. Also, I have made very many good friends, whom I have met via OMDs and at bbs, and discovered so much excellent music. As well as these things it has given me a means of collaborating with people all over world. When did you start marketing your music on Internet?

In about 1997 when I first began to understand IT and to have access to computers.

What has been most effective way to market your music on Internet?

Via OMDs and Bulletin Boards. My favorite OMD was mp3.com and I haven't seen any other site which has offered so much. The stations it gave acts option of creating was a great way to promote your music and that of other acts you enjoyed, as well as finding new music.

Musicians And The Future

What does future hold for you?

More collaborations, more festivals...but as to where my music will take me I really don't know! I have just written my first song in Spanish and am learning language, so who knows where my path will lead?

Finally, is there anything else you want to say about yourself? I prefer to hear what others think of me and my work so I'll let my good friends Laura J Bollé and Chris Kalessin have their say: Words can barely describe amazing, multi-talented, multi-faceted and multi-media phenomenon that is Bard of Ely!!! Part eco-warrior, poet, Arthurian Druid, master of herblore, techno-folk fusion pioneer, MC, songwriter, singer, actor, writer and performer, Bard has assumed cult status and is featured in many counter-culture books and articles ... a genuinely iconic figure!

His solo work, many collaborations (most recently with Funender stalwart Ed Drury) and remixes represent a wonderfully eclectic body of writing and performance, work that that does justice to traditions of acoustic music, yet with modernity, political relevance, and some great melodies! :)

And something else that distinguishes this talented artist is his enthusiastic and positive support for music and musicians, and his friendly, universally-respected presence across online music community. We are proud to know him and highly recommend his music to all - Steve, Bard of Ely!!!

Check him out TODAY!!! http://www.bardofely.com

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Some encouraging news did come from Commerce Department's report.

About fifty-two percent of African American married couples had an income of at least $50,000, twenty-seven percent had incomes of $75,000 or more, and according to a report by Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 259, 000 African American households had incomes above $100,000.

African Americans currently make up almost thirteen percent of US population and over ten percent of workforce.

Drachir Semaj