About Thievery Corporation
Independence is one of the main factors why Thievery Corporation have had such a long and creative lifespan. While co-founders Rob Garza and Eric Hilton bonded over their love of Brazilian music in Washington DC in 1995, it was the local punk scene that became their North Star. Hilton says: "Ian MacKaye and his DIY philosophy are our heroes. We modeled ESL Music after Dischord Records in the way we ran our label and signed deals." Garza agrees: "Being independent has allowed us to be here for 25 years. We never had a boss and never needed anyone's approval, we always said what we had to say, without filters."
Live, Thievery Corporation eschew all the tropes of electronic dance music. Yes, you'll be dancing, sweating and throwing your hands in the air... but their concerts are real performances, with a great band and a range of singers from different cultures around the world. No two shows feel the same. "Our shows are VERY live, with lots of energy, a combination of multiple instruments and singers that take you on a musical journey," says Garza. "We have a sitar player, the songs are in different languages - it's a multicultural experience, people connect with the band and with each other, it's beautiful."
Looking back on their careers, Rob Garza and Eric Hilton admit that what drives each of them may be different, but the mix of personalities, sounds, cultures and experiences has created something quite unique. "We love all kinds of music, and that's why Thievery Corporation sounds the way it does," the founding partners agree. "We can't possibly incorporate all of our preferences into the music, but we do it more than most." By not following trends or the whims of major labels and embracing the cultural diversity that makes the world such a wondrous place, Thievery Corporation has created a legacy that reaches far and continues to grow.
"In 25 years, we have left no stone unturned. We have far exceeded what we envisioned," Hilton and Garza agree. And the music of Thievery Corporation will continue to resound and influence the next generation of listeners with an open ear for a global musical experience.
Photo Credit: Cory Llewellyn
