Window Seat – Erykah Badu (Video)

Over the weekend, the video for Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" premiered on her Web site and immediately caused a stir.

With an explicit nod to Matt and Kim's "Lesson Learned" video — in which the duo strip in the middle of Times Square — Badu sheds her clothing while walking through downtown Dallas in her clip. Almost as soon as she is totally nude, Badu is shot in the head, falling near the same grassy knoll near where President Kennedy was shot in 1963. Instead of blood, animated words that spell out "groupthink" leak from her head on the sidewalk.

"They who play it safe, are quick to assassinate what they don't understand," she speaks, off camera. "They move in packs, ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another. They feel more comfortable in groups, less guilt to swallow. They are us. This is what we have become, afraid to respect the individual."

On Sunday night, the singer was active on Twitter, explaining the video, which was directed by Coodie. "We only had 1 shot to get it right," she wrote. "We didn't plan the shot. Coodie and I just went raw dog. Too busy looking for cops and being petrified."

The singer also explained that the entire scene of her walking and stripping down took just a couple of minutes. They got their footage and ran like hell.

"The people caught in the shot were trying hard to ignore me," Badu tweeted. "Lol, [except] one guy grabbing [my] clothes. ... He disappeared. Didn't have time to look for him or clothes. We ran. It was the peeps off camera yelling.

Despite people who shouted at her, she said, "I held my head up and kept moving. ... There were children there. I prayed they wouldn't be traumatized."

Source/MTV.com

Valleys Of Neptune – Jimi Hendrix (Video)

I just downloaded the new Jimi Hendrix CD, Valleys Of Neptune, tonight and am quite enjoying it.

While I’ve been a Hendrix fan since the late 70s (I was born too late, and didn’t have hippie parents that dragged their infant son along to Woodstock, so I was too young to appreciate his music while he was still alive) it’s still nice to occasionally throw on one of his tunes and reminisce a bit about the hippie phase my friends and I went through back then. ;)

Kind regards

Sorry For The Delays!

Old photo of me recovering from a Cold last year.

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay in uploading my most recent photosets and responding to emails. However, I’ve been recovering from a Cold for the last few days and had to slow things way down for a bit.

I’m feeling quite a bit better now and will probably upload some stuff tonight.

Kind regards

Glow – Orbient (Audio)

 

Play Orbient - Glow

DJ Kentaro (Japan) @ Bacca Room Photoset Preview

Please keep an eye out for more photos from the DJ Kentaro set at the Bacca Room as well as other rather wild and crazy partygoer shots. ;)

Upcoming – DJ Kentaro (Japan) @ Bacca Room (Video)

Friday26 March

The Turnaround ft Manuel Bundy, Submariner, Cian + DJ Kentaro (Japan)

at Toto Bacco Room, 53 Nelson Street, CBD 11pm $20

GENRES: funk, hip hop, latin, soul

About Manuel Bundy: NZ king of jazzy, abstract hip-hop. Has been DJing since 1989. He has played just about every club in New Zealand, entertained audiences around the world, and contributed to an impressive catalog of original recordings. Produces under the name Solephonic for Sugarlicks Records, and is 1/3 of the Turnaround DJs. Also a founding member of this here Mukuna Gig Guide.

About Submariner: DJ, one of the most respected producers in NZ. Has worked with Che Fu, Token Village, Ermehn, King Kapisi, Bic Runga, Salmonella Dub, Rhombus, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Dam Native, Sola Rosa, Dimmer, Solephonic. Longtime show host on 95bFM, GeorgeFM, Base FM. 1/3 of the Turnaround. Runs Creative Orchard recording studio.

About Cian: A DJ's DJ. Co-owner of Conch Records. Co-founder of one of Auckland's best monthly club nights, the Turnaround. Well respected in the NZ music scene. Has supported Thievery Corporation DJs, Kenny Dope, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Slum Village, Gilles Peterson, Derrick May, Kid Loco, Blackalicious, Norman Jay. Has played in clubs around the world. Looking for a chiropractor and/or acupuncturist that specialises in treating DJs.

promoter says...

Auckland's favourite monthly follows up from last month's killer Gilles Peterson set with another international guest — DJ Kentaro from Japan.

Kentaro came 3rd in the Technics DMC World DJ Final in 2001 and won it in 2002 at the age of 20. In doing so, he became one of the first Asians to ever win the DMC World DJ Final, receiving the highest score in DMC history in the process.

He was signed to Ninja Tune independent record label and released a Solid Steel DJ mix album in September 2005, entitled On The Wheels of Solid Steel. The tracks on the album come exclusively from Ninja Tune's back catalogue. The Turnaround DJs Cian, Submariner & Manuel Bundy are very excited to have Kentaro as their guest this month. He has promised to play a banging club set for the crowd.

Source/Makuna.co.nz

Coming Back Around – Pete Simpson (Video)

Just a little bit of Brit-soul that I’m enjoying at the moment. ;)

The song is taken from the album Domu Presents Pete Simpson: Look A Little Further.

Pictorials - Haiti 70 Days Later

People wait in line to get bottled water and plastic sheeting at an aid distribution operation set up outside of a camp for homeless earthquake survivors in Port-au-Prince, Friday, Feb. 26, 2010.

Shots Of The Day – MTron Bomb @ Proud Mary

Just some shots of a DJ friend of mine, MTron Bomb, taken during her set at Proud Mary.

Shots Of The Day – Massive Attack @ Vector Arena

Just some shots taken by a friend at 25 March Massive Attack concert in Auckland.

Someone Finds This Blog’s Content ‘Objectionable’

Hi all,

As some of you may have noticed upon entering my blog, there’s now a warning from Google regarding objectionable content. While this was not implemented by me initially, upon reviewing it myself, I do feel it’s a good idea and, as such, I’ve decided to implement the Adult Content feature in the blog’s settings.

The tone and content of this blog is indeed very adult and some of it will be NOT SAFE FOR WORK for those readers that are unfortunate enough to be employed by conservative firms.

Now that the Adult Content warning serves as a preamble to this blog, please be on the lookout for my going full force into a world of outrageous behaviour and foul, coarse language. ;)

Kind fucking regards

Shots Of The Day - Miss Leda Petit @ Proud Mary

Hi all,

Please enjoy the above shots of burlesque dancer Miss Leda Petit performing at Proud Mary that I took on Friday night.

Had I known beforehand that such an event was going to take place, I’d have been front and centre with the camera. However, it took me totally by surprise.

I did manage to capture some video of Leda’s performance which I’ll upload later on.

Kind regards

Shots Of The Day - Jillionaire (Trinidad & Tobago) w/Music!

Aroha Festival - Proud Mary @ Rising Sun Photoset Preview

Burlesque dancer Miss Leda Petit performing during Proud Mary night at Rising Sun.

Hi all,

Last night I had the pleasure of accompanying a DJ friend of mine to the opening of Proud Mary night at Rising Sun and what fun I had!

The opening was part of the ongoing Aroha Festival which has been happening all over Auckland throughout the week and closes tonight with the finale at Galatos. 

Please be on the lookout for more photos from the night which I’ll upload later!

Kind regards

Do It Now feat. Busta Rhymes – Mos Def (Video)

This is from Mos Def’s 1999 solo debut release Black on Both Sides.

I’m feeling a little Black militant this morning so I thought I’d feature it. Don’t let my mood freak you out though, since I’m about a third Western European hating white people would be like hating a part of myself. I don’t! ;)

Kind regards

Shot Of The Day – Hollie Smith (NZ) @ The Longroom

Hi all,

Last night, after the runway shows were over at the New Zealand Fashion Festival, I happened to bump into soul singing sensation Hollie Smith in the crowd.

I had met Hollie once before, while she was hiding out under a tree at New Zealand Fashion Week last year, but it was so brief and so long ago that she didn’t really remember. Not to worry though as my casual manner tends to reacquaint me with people rather quickly. ;)

I was invited down to The Longroom by her and, once there, we spent a couple hours chatting about everything under the Sun it seemed: American cities, Native American heritage and spirituality (something we both share with her being part Apache and my being part Cherokee and Blackfoot), soul music and, of course, fun!

Kind regards

Upcoming – DJ Kutz (UK) @ FuZen!

Dub Militia Presents:

DJ Kutz (UK)

Start Time:    Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:00pm
End Time:    Friday, May 21, 2010 at 4:00am
Location:    Fu Bar
Street:    4 Wolfe Street
City/Town:    Auckland, New Zealand

With support from local bass heavy D.J's:

Vice
Ms Curious
DJVJ
Jason Howson

DJ Kutz is set to show New Zealand how the Croydon mob do it, bass heavy and ruthless!!

A bit about Kutz for those of you that don't know!!:

Over what seemed like an eternity DJ Kutz, has risen to prominence following a string of successful releases on seminal labels such as Soul Jazz, Wheel & Deal and Sub Freq. His rise is similar to that of his peers; growing up in sunny Croydon, first getting decks at 13 playing a blend of the darker side of jungle and garage, which eventually forged the way for the early days of dubstep.

Regular visits to Hatcha at the legendary Big Apple Records meant that he was always stocked up with all the latest white labels and test pressings, which provided the original impetus for Kutz to try his own hand at production. After several years and 3 hard-drive failures,Kutz’ music had began to take shape and was gaining DJ support from other artists like Skream, Benga, Chef and Hatcha.

Alongside Kutz’ undeniable talent for production, he has also built a reputation for providing energetic and flawless DJ sets, having played major venues and festivals the world over. With tours of USA, Australia and New Zealand all set for 2010, Kutz is set to take his unique brand of bass music to the furthest corners of the globe.

In the studio, Kutz is putting the finishing touches to his debut album, set for release on Soul Jazz in summer 2010, as well otherreleases including his debut on Skream’s, Disfigured Dubz and his much publicised collaborations with Benga set for release on Digital Soundboy.

Dub Militia Resident D.J Vice will be attendance and the system at Fu will be tuned to perfection if he has anything to say about it!

Limited $15.00 Earlybirds available at Beat Merchants, Real Groovy and online at I-Ticket available from the 20th of march...
More on the door!!

DJ Kutz and Dread MC  by  DJ Kutz

Shots Of The Day – The Longroom

Hi all,

These are just a few stray photos I had laying around that I took one night at The Longroom.

Some of the people you’ll recognize as they’re quite well known around Auckland and some of them are just friends of mine.

Kind regards

Upcoming – Aroha Day

Set in iconic Beresford Square, this FREE whānau afternoon and evening of fun and entertainment is a major fundraiser for the Auckland City Mission and Mika Haka Foundation GLBT Youth Programmes.

Chill-out space available with St Johns First Aid on site. Drink lots of water to avoid raised body temperature and dehydration. Bring sun block and a hat.

Rise The Temperature feat. Doctor – Cotti (Video)

Cotti

Get Up (Guido Mix) - Pinch feat. Yolanda (Video)

Just a tune I’m diggin’ on right now. Holla! ;)

PINCH 'GET UP' FEAT YOLANDA

Pinch's massive vocal anthem 'Get Up', featuring Massive Attack collaborator Yolanda, gets a long awaited single release on 30th November. Supported by such luminaries as Skream, Kode 9 and Mary Anne Hobbs; the single is backed with top draw remixes by RSD, Guido, Jack Sparrow and L.V, along with an extended instrumental dub mix.

Pinch runs the internationally renowned Bristol dubstep label Tectonic, home to releases from Skream, Benga, Martyn, Joker, 2562, Loefah, Distance and many other top name producers. It is also home to his own groundbreaking work including the genre defining LP 'Underwater Dancehall'. Bristol is also the base for Subloaded - longest standing dedicated dubstep night in the town, with regular parties in London and an annual room at BLOC Weekender.

International diva Yolanda provides the stunning vocals on 'Get Up'. She has toured the world with Massive Attack as lead vocalist, recorded tracks for their forthcoming LP and worked with numerous dance acts over the years - either as Yolanda or as her alter ego Koko. She has a quite simply amazing voice and a pair of lungs that could blow out a candle a mile away.

Source/altsounds.com

Shots Of The Day - HavocNdeeD (USA) @ Rising Sun

Here they are, all those photos I took at the HavocNdeeD gig at the Rising Sun on Wednesday night.

Enjoy!

Above The Clouds – Gang Starr (Video)

Hi all,

I’m just sitting here editing some photos and listening to music, as I always do, when the above tracked queued up on the smartphone’s music player.

You know I just had to share it, being a generous guy and all. ;)

It seems like I’m on an oldschool East Coast Hip-Hop trip tonight as some older Mos Def and A Tribe Called Quest just rolled through my playlist and past my eardrums minutes ago.

Kind regards

Shots Of The Day – Bill Gray and Wolverine

Bill Gray aka me (l) and Wolverine (r) at the Rising Sun.

Hi all,

Last night while I was at the Rising Sun for the HavocNDeeD gig this guy wanted to have his photo taken with me. I have no idea why really as it’s not like I’m famous, yet. ;)

Anyway, of course, I agreed as he seemed harmless and friendly enough.

What I didn’t really notice though, until I was looking at the photos this afternoon, was how much the guy resembled Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine character from the X Men movies. LOL! :)

Kind regards

P.S. Please take note that this is one of the few times you’ll ever see me wearing black in public! ;)

HavocNdeeD (USA) @ Rising Sun Photoset Preview

DJs OB-One (l) and J. Paul (r) of HavocNdeeD.

Hi peeps,

I just returned moments ago from the HavocNdeeD gig at the Rising Sun and above is a photo to prove it! ;)

OB-One and J. Paul put on a very righteous, dubby, bass heavy performance – so bass heavy I almost lost my dinner – and as I was to discover, after I rounded them up for some intimate photos, they’re both very nice guys. Also, it was good to talk to some fellow Americans as it’s been awhile since I’ve done so. However, don’t think I’m getting all patriotic and homesick, because I’m not! ;)

The guys were telling me that this was their first trip to Oceania and that they really quite liked the whole relaxed vibe down here. I happen to agree with them, by the way.

Please be on the lookup for more photos from the gig later.

Kind regards

Update: I thought I’d embed one of HavocNdeeD’s tracks below so you can hear what you missed if you didn’t attend last night’s gig. ;)

Headspin (Vocal Version ft. Skaught Parry) - HavocNdeeD

Boom Monk Ben (UK) ‘Here Come The Dumbstepper’ Mini Mix

Boom Monk Ben recorded this mix for Melbourne’s Alchemy Radio while on the ‘Reels of Solid Steel Tour’ across Australia & New Zealand with Cheeba. It’s 30 minutes of summer dubwise vibes that’s bound to get your cabin skank on…

Boom Monk Ben ‘Here Come The Dumbstepper’ Mix (Direct Link)

1. Pinch & Yolanda – Get Up (Guido Remix) (Tectonic)
2. L-Wiz - Girl From Codeine City (Dub Thief’s)
3. EVS – Let It Go (Studio Rockers)
4. G31 – Champion Sound (Unreleased)
5. Cotti - Rise The Temperature feat Doctor (Insanity)
6. Taz Buckfaster – 20 Red (Rwina Records)
7. Emalkay – My Story (Boka Records)
8. Fletcher – Dreadlox Dub (African Dope)
9. Basement Freaks – Jam In The Jungle (Parker Remix) (Forthcoming Breakbeat Paradise)
10. Fat Freddy's Drop – The Raft (Mix n Blend & SFR Remix) (Unreleased)

Source/mixedbizness.co.uk

Hi all,

I just got through listening to this and just had to let you all know about it. It’s a great mix!

I understand that Boom Monk Ben and DJ Cheeba will be here in Auckland on March 13th.

More news as I come by it.

Kind regards

Sometime Sad Day – Rufige Kru/Goldie (Video)

Hi all,

I just happened to pick up Goldie’s newest album, Memoirs Of An Afterlife, yesterday and even though it’s about 8 months old by now I’m really enjoying it. I feel it’s a glimpse into the future of DnB by none other than one the genre’s chief founders and architects.

The album was released under Goldie’s Rufige Kru moniker. However, regardless of the name Goldie uses, we all know it’s still the man himself. ;)

Anyway, I was just sitting here doing the social media thing and the above track popped up on my smartphone/media player.

I was so moved by it that I just had to share it with you all. If you give it a good listen I think you’ll understand why.

Kind regards

Upcoming - HavocNdeeD (USA) @ Rising Sun! (Video)

HavocNdeeD performing at Beauty Bar in Las Vegas in 2009.

Dub Militia and Rising Sun Present:

HAVOCNDEED (USA)

LIVE DUBSTEP AND DNB REMIXES WILL BE DONE IN HAVOCNDEEDS SETS.

They are gonna do a partial live set using live synths (which we will bring) and they will be live remixing

DJs OB-One & J. Paul are HavocNDeeD. Their dancefloor friendly yet bass ripping tracks are already in heavy rotation with Z-Trip, Drop The Lime, Nextmen, Shortee & Reid Speed, to name but a few. Play Me Recordings is now releasing their first AA side single, out Nov 2, with the already heavily-supported “BFYF” and the hauntingly original “Vindicta” which features a mindblowingly beautiful melody by violinist Theresa Paul.

And now the two man team for the United States are hitting Auckland for the first time ever!! With their unique style of production seeing them span across many different genres including Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Dub and Hip Hop for bass heavy inspired tracks that have been dropped all over the world the Auckland masses are in for a treat when the two touch down for a one off show on the 10th OF MARCH 2010!!

Touring Australia at the moment HavocNdeeD have already set the tone for their two Zealand gigs in Christchurch and Auckland.
People that have made it to their live show have ranted about their sets with so much enthusiasm that they are playing to packed clubs in Australia and now they want to hit up the Auckland Massive to show y'all what they got.

BLANK 10:00PM - 10:45PM
MYRRHMA 10:45PM - 11:30PM
HAVOCNDEED 11:30PM - 1:00AM
VICE 1:00AM – CLOSING

Rising Sun, 373 Karangahape Road, Newton

$5.00 Traverse and heaps more drink specials all night long

$10.00 DOOR CHARGE!!
For two international producers/D.J's from USA? Madness!

All of the members from Dub Militia will be in attendance including resident sound system, DEMOLITION SOUNDSYSTEM and resident D.J's VICE and BLANK as well support from the heavy weights of the local Dubstep/DnB scene!!

Source/Makuna.co.nz

Bass Music Sessions - I.D. & Baobinga (Video)

Hi all,

It’s just come to my attention that the good people over at Bass Music, a Bristol U.K. based DJ/producer collective, have released a donation album entitled Bass Music Sessions.  It features tracks from I.D. and Baobinga.

The album is in support of the Dove House Hospice and all the proceeds, with the exception of a tiny amount that Paypal will take as processing fees, will go directly to them without Bass Music taking a cut.

I’ve embedded the promotional video for the album below just to give you a taste of things to come.

Kind regards

Breakin’ Glass – Goldie (Video)

Hi all,

This is one of my favourite songs from DnB pioneer Goldie’s 2008 released album Sine Tempus. Yeah, it’s a little old now. However, I understand that the album just became available on iTunes a couple of months ago – not that I’d ever use iTunes or buy anything from it’s store which would put money in Steve Jobs’ pockets! ;)

You’re always breakin’ my glass. You’re always fuckin’ with shit in my past. Wake up! Smell the fuckin’ roses!

Kind regards

Shots Of The Day - Dan Aux @ Sponge Bar

Here they are people! Photos of my man, Dan Aux, doing his thing at Sponge Bar last Thursday night. ;)

Inside Out ft. Dan Aux @ Sponge Bar Photoset Preview

Hi all,

Just a little something, something to whet your appetites until I can get the remainder of the photos I took edited and uploaded.

Dan Aux put on a rather good showing to small, intimate crowd at the Sponge Bar, although I’m pretty sure he would have liked to have spun to a larger audience, and it was pleasure to see him again.

Dan was telling me that he may be working with producers Tommy Sunshine and Chris Lake as both had contacted him and expressed an interest in his work. I do hope it goes well for him because it could mean quite a boost to his fledgling career.

In case you’d like to hear some of Dan’s work I’ve embedded one of his party mixes below for your review.

Kind regards

Party Edit #2 by Dan Aux

Upcoming - BrazilBeat Sound System @ Khuja! (Video)

DJ Mara (l) and Negro Beto (r) of BrazilBeat Sound System.

BrazilBeat Sound System was formed in San Francisco in 2000 and is a live drumming, DJ collective. It’s members include Brazilian percussionist Negro Beto and DJ Mara. The BBSS groove is a mash up of funk, house, breaks, dub, roots, dnb.

Negro Beto has been producing and teaching for over 20 years, on five continents. And, has toured with The Wailers, the OE:Brazil project and has worked for MTV Brazil.

What: Tropicalia ft Brazil Beat Sound System, Bobby Brazuka, Datt DJ, Bruno Baron
When: Saturday, 6 March, 10pm 
Where: The Khuja Lounge, 536 Queen Street, level 3, Newton

 

BrazilBeat Sound System at Rhythm & Vines music festival, Gisborne New Zealand, New Year's Eve 31 Dec 2009, Cellar Stage.

Masterpieces for MASSIVEGOOD – Spike Lee (Video)

Directed by Spike Lee and featuring Mary J. Blige, Samuel L. Jackson, Professor Brian Greene, Susan Sarandon and writer Paul Auster, this film - entitled Masterpieces - explains the simple idea behind the MASSIVEGOOD movement.

http://www.massivegood.org

Guru Issues Statement On Heart Attack!

(AllHipHop News) Revered rapper Guru released a statement to AllHipHop.com today (March 3) as he recovers from surgery after suffering a heart attack over the weekend.

Guru, born Keith Elam, was briefly comatose due to the heart attack. Doctors successfully operated on the 43-year-old MC on Tuesday (March 2).

"I am doing fine and I am recovering! I'm weak though,” Guru told AllHipHop.com in a statement today. “Solar is the only person who has the accurate info on my situation. Any info from anybody else is false! I appreciate your well wishes and all the love!"

Upcoming – Inside Out featuring Dan Aux @ Sponge Bar

 

C4 presenter Shannon Ryan (l) and DJ Dan Aux (r).

Strange Things (High Rankin Remix) – Adam Freeland

DJ Adam Freeland performing.

Hi all,

I thought I’d share a track with you that’s recently been added to my playlist and is seeing some pretty heavy rotation, that being Strange Things (High Rankin Remix) by former Brighton, UK resident, Adam Freeland.

By the way, I had the pleasure of living in Brighton for a bit over three months and just love the place.

The track has got this heavy, menacing electro vibe to it that really appeals to my base instincts and emotions for some reason. I find that a bit odd really as I’m generally a rather peaceful guy. However, I am somewhat familiar with the ways of aggression, so perhaps that’s why the tune appeals to me.

Please do enjoy the track, which I’ve embedded below, and do be on the lookout for more interesting posts from me in the near future.

Kind regards

Strange Things (High Rankin Remix) by Adam Freeland

Gang Starr's Guru In Coma After Heart Attack! (Video)

Keith Elam, aka Guru, of the pioneering New York City Hip Hop group Gang Starr.

Rapper Guru, who rose to fame with pioneering group Gang Starr and later released a series of successful solo albums under the "Jazzmatazz" banner, is in a coma after suffering a heart attack and will undergo surgery today (Mar. 1), according to a Sirius radio interview with his former partner in Gang Starr, DJ Premier.

Guru, whose real name is Keith Elam, has kept a low profile of late. The 43-year-old artist released a solo album, "Lost and Found," in May 2009, which ended a two-year break following his fourth Jazzmatazz album, "The Hip-Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future."

Gang Starr never officially broke up but hasn't been active in more than five years. Its last album was 2003's "Ownerz."  Source/Billboard.com

I’d like to dedicate the above video to Guru and wish him a speedy recovery.

Kind regards

Update: According to a message, which I’ve pasted below, posted from Busta Rhythms verified Twitter account Guru is still alive.

@BusaBusss said: O.k. Even more confirmation 4 yall...@DJSCRATCH just got off the phone with PREMO AND GURU IS ALIVE AND FIGHTIN!!!So continue 2 Pray 4 him tweople's…

Shots of the Day – Mystro (UK) @ The Khuja Lounge

OK, peeps!

Here they are! My best photos from Mystro’s stellar performance at The Khuja Lounge last Saturday night!

As I mentioned previously, Mystro put on one hell of a performance that even got me dancin’! However, what I didn’t mention was that I spent a fair amount of time talking with him, and found him to be a very nice, intelligent and exceptionally talented guy who seems to really appreciate his fans.

He and I chatted about a number of topics, none of which I’ll go into here as we were just doing so casually and I wouldn’t want to betray his trust. However, it was all good though. ;)

If you haven’t heard of Mystro, or his music before, I do highly recommend checking him out because I think he’s one to watch.

Kind regards