After studying clarinet and music theory at the NSW Conservatorium of Music, Steve started his professional life as a saxophonist, playing modern jazz, be-bop, and avant garde in the 70's jazz revival scene in Sydney.  These were 'heady' days, jamming, sitting in, performing at several clubs a night, and living like there was no tomorrow.  Personal reflections finally took Steve on a spiritual quest and the next phase of his life was spent in studying religion, theology, and working on the streets with marginalized youth and adults.
 

With more than 15 years experience in the music business in Australia and internationally, and 25 years as a pastor, theologian,  writer, and social justice advocate, Steve brings a unique combination of talent and expertise to his role as President of BEMG. Following his career as a musician in the 70’s, he went on to earn four degrees and worked as a social justice advocate, pastor, and University lecturer, specializing in religion, cultural anthropology, ethnomusicology, and philosophy. He has a particular interest in the relationship between spirituality, culture and the arts. After leaving academia he freelanced in organizational renewal, entrepreneurship and change management, conducting seminars and consultancies around the world, particularly with indigenous communities. He is a noted conference speaker, writer, lecturer, and workshop facilitator. Steve has also spent many years in partnership with Australian Aboriginal communities, working together with indigenous leaders in community development, advocacy, and the challenges of bi-culturalism. He is known in the Wongkatha community as 'Kyupi-Kyupi' - the desert whirlwind.  Widely tavelled, Steve has lived in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.  He has worked in SE Asia, the Pacific Islands, Nth America, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
 

In 2001 Steve founded the Blue Empress Music Group, a unique management, recording, and consultancy service for emerging and established blues performers. His clients include artists who have gone on to win the International Blues Challenge, WC Handy Blues Music Awards and nominations, and more than 20 Australian peak music performance and recording awards. He is a highly experienced manager, agent, festival booker, executive producer, consultant, entrepreneur, and promoter. Steve has worked with some of the world's finest blues artists, including Hubert Sumlin, Alvin 'Youngblood' Hart, Bob Margolin, Fiona Boyes, Rich DelGrosso, Mookie Brill, Duke Robillard, and Robert 'Wolfman' Belfour. He looks forward to serving the musicians, club owners, Festivals, and audiences who are keeping the blues alive.

Steve is a member of the Music Managers Forum (Int'l), The Blues Foundation, and the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR).  He is a judge at the International Blues Challenge held every February in Memphis.  Currently residing in  the beautiful Clare Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions, he is the Ministry Development Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Willochra, and a member of the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law, and Theology at Flinders University.  Steve is married to international blues and recording artist Fiona Boyes, and has five children and five grandchildren.
 

‘In my opinion Steve Clarke is one of the most influential music business people operating between our two countries and cultures …. He has distinguished himself as an entrepreneur and is quite clearly recognized as a specialist manager, agent, and adviser by the international and national markets’ - Chip Eagle, owner and publisher, Visionation, Blues Revue/Blues Wax/Dirty Linen magazines; Vice-President, The Blues Foundation