BEING a big fish in a small pond was more than enough for Ras Mykkal, 'Bermuda's First Governor', to test uncharted waters via cyberspace.

Since the July 30 launch of his web site www.rasmykkal.com, the fiery dub poet has set his sights on showcasing his talents among an international market.

Not one to shy away from criticism, Ras pointed out that his site would have a Q.&A. page as well as an area for postings for visitors to leave their feedback. While the site will be chock full of information, it will also chronicle the son of the soil's start from small local venues to performing before an international audience.

"My future plan is to tour, and I am working on some new material to release in Jamaica shortly. I'm pushing and my focus is international exposure," Ras explained matter-of-factly.

According to Ras, his site is based around his music, but he has plans to expand the web site's content to include his photography.

"My site will also include copies of the Letters To The Editor, including a copy of Mr. President, Please Reconsider, aka 'Letter to George Bush'.

"That song was my first international chart success when it hit number 2 on the charts in Miami. Now I want to penetrate the Jamaican music market. Early next year I'll be in Jamaica working on my next album. I will release two singles to the Jamaican radio in an attempt to make it on to the charts," Ras said.

This is a teaser to the highly anticipated ten-song album that has been in the works and record executives overseas are also courting Ras, but nothing yet has been etched in stone.

"I'm in the process of confirming a deal with overseas management. I want to open for a major artist. It can't happen here! Everywhere I have performed overseas, people say there is a void for conscious music and I can fill the void.

To do so, I cannot stay here!" Ras equipped. He recalled a past performance in St. Maarten, where those present asked him where his album could be purchased.

Ras did admit that his attempts to make it locally were stymied by a former producer. Undaunted by the apparent setback, Ras decided to forge ahead and will reproduce the tracks for international release.

"During August I was in Jamaica for three weeks, when I received confirmation that when the time is right I will have a backing band complete with three backing vocalists."

A self-described innovator, Ras pointed out that compared to other dub poets, he is one who performs with a live band (whenever possible) and mixes his music with singing and not subjecting his audience to a diatribe or coming off like a constantly angry man.

"I want to do a Canadian and European and West Coast USA tour to promote my album and boost sales. I'm not interested in doing anything locally. The DJs at VSB and Power 95 have been very supportive of myself and other local artists.

"Outside of that there is nothing to be pursued. Bermuda can no longer be my focus. One pleasant surprise I received was that one of my cuts, Mr. Speaker, has hit the Cuban airwaves! I don't know who took it there, but I'm grateful for the exposure!"

Ras said he was not alienating his local fans, but lamented the fact that the island offered little to nothing for the socially inclined. "I think I am ambitious, so why can't my talent earn me a living? I don't want to be somewhere where my talent is just a talent, it makes no sense! I have something that I want not only to be appreciated but will be mutually beneficial to myself and the people."

RAS has scored another artistic coup with inking of a deal to do a photography gig overseas. "I have an all expenses-paid trip to shoot Caribbean calendar projects. It's weird that what you bring to the table (there) is appreciated. I got out of doing calendars locally since locals don't like to pay! The world is a big place and I'm not limiting myself to the frustrations of Bermuda!"

Ras said he had received positive feedback from his site which has received several hundred hits so far. He is optimistic that visitors to his site will not leave disappointed as he expands it with his photography and still images from past performances.