ARTIST INFO

 

Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, better known as Thievery Corporation, have traveled one of the most interesting musical odysseys of the past several years. From humble beginnings in their Washington, DC studios, Garza and Hilton have produced electronic music deeply rooted in earlier musical forms. Since then, their music has reached literally every corner of the globe and their latest album, The Richest Man in Babylon established the duo as one of the premier electronic music artists in the world.

In 1996, Thievery Corporation was first recognized for their now classic electronic LP, Sounds From the Thievery Hi-Fi. This record first hinted at their ability to merge seemingly divergent musical styles and create an entirely new genre. This LP led to a string of high profile remixes for David Byrne, Pizzicato Five, Stereolab, Baaba Maal and many other artists of diverse backgrounds. These remixes appeared in collected form in 1998's Abductions and Reconstructions (ESL017). Subsequently, Thievery contributed one of the finest DJ Kicks albums in the !K7 Records series.

Two years later, Thievery Corporation released The Mirror Conspiracy in August 2000. This record represented a significant step forward in both the scope and style of Thievery Corporation's sound. Not only was the record critically acclaimed, but it managed to sell over 350,000 copies world wide without the support of commercial radio, American MTV, or major label backing.

In early 2003, Hilton and Garza were tapped by Verve to select their favorite songs from this seminal jazz label's vaults. Ironically titled, Sounds from the Verve Hi-Fi, this compilation introduced many new listeners to the obscure classics that have been Thievery favorites for years. Thievery were extended the honor of remixing the timeless Astrud Gilberto track, "Who Needs Forever," which appears on the Verve Remixed album.

In October of 2003, Thievery Corporation released The Richest Man In Babylon. Featuring vocal collaborations with Emiliana Torrini, Sleepy Wonder, Shinehead, Notch (from Born Jamericans), and longtime Thievery guests Pam Bricker and Lou Lou, Richest Man marked a distinct evolution in the bands sound and songwriting. Richest Man has sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, a number which grows every week. Thievery Corporation embarked on sold out tours of North America and Europe as a 20 piece live band with shows at the Coachella and Glastonbury festivals leaving crowds speech-less. The tour culminated with an appearance on Late Night With Conan O'Brien where Thievery performed the title track with Notch on vocals.

All the while, Thievery Corporation have become quite notorious as deejays. Their unique approach to mixes and selections has impressed many and most are surprised with the energy level and eclecticism of the sessions. Mixing fluidly between afro-beat, reggae, rock, Brazilian, soul, easy listening, electronic and rare library music, Thievery Corporation create a set that takes the listener on a trip of truly global proportions.

The Outernational Sound is a seamless recording from many nights of sonic exploration with the turntables (and a bottle or two). From warehouse parties in Caracas to elegant soirées in Honolulu, and root downs in Kingston, Garza and Hilton have played a lot of rare wax for a broad spectrum of listeners. Now, in a one-hour mix CD, the sound system has been mashed up and the whole world can share in Thievery Corporation's Outernational Sound.



ESL