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Thievery Corporation
Wednesday, July 25, 2001
2 p.m. EDT
Working out of their Eighteenth Street Lounge headquarters, Eric Hilton and Rob Garza are dance music producers who have gained worldwide acclaim for their cool and entrancing beats and remixes. The Washington D.C.-based pair are better known as Thievery Corporation, the name under which they've released three CDs including last year's heralded "The Mirror Conspiracy."
Mining everything from reggae and samba to jazz and hip-hop, Hilton and Garza have created a unique international lounge sound and with it developed a reputation as dance music trendsetters. The duo has just returned from a European tour and will headline at the 9:30 Club on Friday, July 27. They will also be on the bill for Radiohead's two sold-out shows August 11-12 at Bull Run Regional Park.
A transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Thievery Corporation:
Hey this is Rob and Eric from Thievery Corporation we are here to do our first online chat ever.
dc fan:
what time will you be on stage on friday? around midnight? do you have anyone opening?
Thievery Corporation: Don't miss Blue States they will be opening for us. They go on at 9:30. Their debut album "Nothing Changes Under the Sun" is out now and available at all fine record stores. This will be their first US appearance.
Atlanta, GA:
I respect your music and style. Did you guys decide what tracks that the Dockers commercials used and are you planning an extensive North American tour, including a stop in Atlanta, any time soon.
Thievery Corporation: When companies use our stuff, they are always the one who chooses.
Atlanta is certainly on the list for the next full US tour, but we are waiting for offers - we'll keep you posted.
EH
Boston, MA:
I've been a Desmond Williams fan since his early days with The Scientist and love the track he cut for "Modular Systems", when can we expect a full-length record from him, and what other collaborations has he been working on?
Thievery Corporation: Desmond's music is something special and I think his full length CD will do extremely well. Lately, he's been engineering some of the Thievery sessions and working with a See-I solo project.
Scientist drinks his own urine and that really creeps me out!
EH
Baltimore, MD :
I have been a fan of thievory corporation for
years and I am very happy to see the success
of ESL records on a national level. With the
advent of Farid and Desmond Williams putting
out music what new artists will be added to
an already stellar lineup.
Thievery Corporation: We've just signied a guy from England who works under the name Broadway Project. His debut is dark, emotional and very beautiful. It should be out later this year,
Also, the new Thunderball record(to be released in September) is creating a big buzz with reviewers.
EH
kendra in manhattan, nyc:
how did you get hooked up with the gigs to open up for radiohead? are you big fans of theirs?
Thievery Corporation: Rob likes them and I, believe it or not, have only heard one song. To be entirely honest, our live performance manager is the guy who owns the concert promotion company. A nice hook up.
EH
boston, ma:
can you beat mix? What you think of DJing
styles out there? Do you think a good DJ
has to beatmix?
Also whats the latest in remixes from you
guys? What have you been remixed this
year? and how can we get it...
Thievery Corporation: Yes I can beat mix, but I don't think it's necessary to beat mix to be a good deejay. Rob cant mix a cake, but his selection is first rate. Giles Peterson doesn't beat mix and he may be the best deejay that I know.
Remixes in general seem to be drying up. Perhaps record companies are cutting back.
EH
Andover, MA:
The instruments on your records are always so varied, especially on "The Mirror Conspiracy" what, if any, instruments do you two personally play?
Thievery Corporation: Rob is pretty acomplished musically. I'm a bit like an idiot savant that manages to hit a good chord here and there. We do play some of the stuff you here, but we do work with some great players who bring a lot to the sound. And yes, samples help from time to time.
EH
Dapper Dan from USA:
What do you guys think of the current state of popular music and are there any hip-hop artists you groove to?
Thievery Corporation: I don't think much of the current state of music in general. This may the biggest draught that I've seen. We listen primarily to old music - reggae, bossa nova, soundtracks, etc...
I really don't understand the appeal in any commercial hip-hop. It seems that the art of cutting up beats and using samples is almost gone. I miss Eric B and Rakim, early Geto Boys and Jungle Brothers. The fact that guys like Jay Z sell records confounds me.
EH
boston:
your top 5 records of the month?
Thievery Corporation: I havent listened to any new records this month. I think the Troublemakers record is the last one that I liked.
EH
The District:
Do you guys still hold jobs outside of ESL and the record label? Is Rob still a counter-intelligence nut?
Thievery Corporation: We make music full-time, which really means part-time.
EH
Philly, PA:
Ive never seen you guys in anything other than hipster suits, si it me or are you always "to-the-nines", and how does that work in the DC heat?
Thievery Corporation:
Well, our Summer outfit is the following: Tie-dyed shirts, teva sandals, cut-off shorts. Robs are really short, I'm worried.
EH
Washington D.C.:
I would like to get started making electronic music as a hobby.What keyboard or synth do you think I should buy? What type of instrument got you started?
Thievery Corporation: A computer with plug-ins is probably the best way to go these days. Rob swears by his Akai MPC 3000. Older keys are nice like a Fender or Wurly. Just don't blow a lot of dough because you don't need to. Our first record was recorded on about $6,000 worth of gear and we could still get by with that if we had to.
EH
Washington, DC:
Can fat people go to 18th Street Lounge?
Thievery Corporation: The door is regulation width. What do you think?
EH
dc:
How did you get hooked up with David Byrne and will you be working with him again in the future?
Thievery Corporation: We were approached by his record label to do a remix. He came down to DC to visit us and check out the club. Hopefully in the future we will collaborate again.
RG
DC :
When are you bringing Gilles Peterson
back in to play at the Lounge?
Thievery Corporation: When he comes back around. It was definitely one of our favorite nights, when he was here at the lounge.
Washington, DC:
Your music seems tailor made for smoking dope. Does either of you partake of the ganja?
Thievery Corporation: We both prefer drinking rather than smoking. My mind becomes very disfunctional for days when I smoke.
RG
wash dc:
any special guests coming to the lounge in the next month or so?
Thievery Corporation: Abdul at the door, night after night!
EH
san d:
coolest place to play at?
Thievery Corporation: Ben's chili Bowl!
RG
dc:
who would you love to work with but didn't
yet?
Thievery Corporation: Busta Rhymes
RG
Chicago, IL:
Getting into Thunderball a lot lately, and read on the site that they had some trouble with making a good live show with electronic format and therefore added a band which really influenced the sound on the forthcoming album (and modular systems track) ... is this a trend? any other thoughts on the matter?
Thievery Corporation: I think alot of electonic artists are using "live" musicians on stage - even if it's just for looks. Live electonic music in general can be like non-alcoholic beer. It's a nice idea - but you never get that kick. Thunderball's live set though is really cool.
DC:
I think you guys are dreamy; is either of you available?
Thievery Corporation: Send a photo , we'll see.
RG
?:
Did you ever taken E? or LSD? Befor
going on LIVE to play?
Thievery Corporation: We take both before every show. That's why we're shrouded in darkness.
RG
dc:
Where did you grow up and what have been the biggest influences on your peronal musical tastes?
Thievery Corporation: We both grew up around dc. I've been affected by any sort of music. Especially Bossa Nova.
RG
Fairfax, VA:
Who is the "Lebanese Blonde" written for?
Thievery Corporation:
Lebanese Blonde was not written for someone, but a substance.
RG
chicago:
Hey
whats your favorite remix of yours? And
why?
thanks
Thievery Corporation: I love the Nicola Conte remix we did of Bossa per Due. I don't know why.
RG
Fan since 97:
I loved the new French vocalist on Mirror Conspiracy. Where did you find her? and will you be using her for future projects?
Thievery Corporation: The female vocalist is Lou Lou, she was introduced to us by her boyfriend Roots who appears on both of our records. She is very talented. Up untill Mirror Con. she had never sang professionally.
RG
DJ Leeds DC:
I think my main slant against a lot of the so called "trip hop" and "chill out" music is that it doesn't play long before it becomes dull. I feel that the music needs to have more "soul" to turn more people on, and to have a . I mean there is a reason why a group like Buena Visit Social Club touches so many (and is still just about as cool as anything). I liked the international taste of you last album, where do you feel "the music" needs to go?
Thievery Corporation: I think that people have to stop relying on one sampled groove that "makes" their whole track. The music will have to get more developed and the influences will have to be from more interesting sources.
RG
Max from Italy:
Hi, I've been to your gig in Milan on July, 3rd...WOW that was great!!!...I felt something I can't describe inside of me. If it had been for me, I would have made a 3 hours TC set. Will you ever come back here in Italy or should I take a flight to DC? ehehe...keep on like this guys...you two are the greatest!!
Thievery Corporation: Thanks for the kind words. We've been to Milan a couple of times and we had a good time. That gig was actually not a good one for us because of the sound and start time, but we did our best.
See you in Milan next time.
EH
minneapolis mn:
Anyone ever unhappy with one of your remixes?
Thievery Corporation: Yes, the people from Island didn't like the Baba Maal mix and Courtney Love didn't like our Hole mix. The Baba Maal is one of my favorites.
EH
wash, dc:
i heard one of your mixes on an episode of "sex and the city". how do you guys feel about shows and movies wanting to feature your music?
Thievery Corporation: It's kind of a double-edged sword. The extra income is nice for the label, but you may not always like were the music ends up.
EH
Fresno, CA:
What do you think your music being more accesible to all ages? I'm 21 and have been listening to your stuff for about 2 years and almost everyone I've played it for loves it, regardless of age or musical taste. Do you think that your music speaks to a wider audience? Do you have any target audience in mind?
We listen to all your CD's at work, it helps us get through the day, thanks!
jb
Thievery Corporation: We make our music for ourselves. Thankfully other people like it as well.
One thing that I always enjoyed was a the range in ages of our listeners. I don't know why so many different people can get in to it, but I'm glad they do.
EH
dc:
I just wanted to let you guys know that your music is fantastic. I grew up listening to bossa nova at home and you do a great job of taking something classic, and adding a very fresh, modern twist to it that really complements the soul of the music. Keep it coming!
Thievery Corporation:
Thanks.
EH
Beathead-St.Paul, Minnesota:
Are you planning on expanding ESL in the future, like perhaps opening offices in the UK and/or Japan?
Thievery Corporation: Expanding in that way seems to go against our idea of what a record label should be. I doubt that we'll ever grow enough to require offices elsewhre. We'll leave that for the majors.
EH
syria:
coolest place to visit when you out of the
US?
Thievery Corporation: Greece (Islands), Italy, Portugal and Iceland come to mind. Really, all of the places we've been to have been interesting.
EH
Alexandria, VA:
I'm a new fan and I think it's great that there's a good local band that isn't rap-metal. Two questions: Are either of you fans of Meat Beat Manifesto, and what do you think of electronic artists like Fatboy Slim whose music is better suited for commercials than a dance floor?
Thanks and see you Friday,
Josh
Thievery Corporation: Josh,
Rob grew up listening to Meat Beat Manifesto and My Life with the Thrill Kill Cult. I really necver got into the aggressive electronic stuff because I was into some other things like ska, reggae, and jazz. We both did enjoy the local hardcore scene, especially Minor Threat - one of the best bands of all time.
As for Fat Boy Slim, I can only say that I have enormous repect for Norman Cook and I think that he more than anyone deserves to cash in. And that's exactly what he's doing. But I don't dig Frat Boy Slim.
EH
Somewhere, USA:
Do you have a web site/ e-mail list?
Thievery Corporation: WWW.ESLMUSIC.COM
EH
dc:
Why does the Post do such a lousy job of covering you guys and electronic music
Thievery Corporation: I think there needs to be more people making music. Forget about who covers what. If you persevere, they all eventually come around.
EH
dc:
Bossa per Due is my favorite too. Nicola Conte has the most amazing voice! Any chance you'll be working with her again or she'll be coming to the club to play?
Thievery Corporation:
Nicola is a he. He is a cross dresser, who only sings as a woman.
Just a joke. The voices that you hear are female friends of Nicola - the man - who does the production.
EH
St.Paul, Mn:
Do you have any advice for entrepenuers or aspiring artists who want to put their own music out?
Thievery Corporation: Do it yourself if at all possible.
EH
Eygpt:
hello,
what DJ's you dig? when are yyou coming
to play here?
Thievery Corporation: When the good people from Egypt come calling, we'll go.
Deejays that I dig. Farid from ESL, Giles, DJ Nasir from Seattle, and Ursula 1000 (Alex Gimeno).
EH
L.A.:
Where did you get the name?
Thievery Corporation: The name is something Rob came up with years ago.
EH
District:
How can I submit a demo?
Thievery Corporation: Just send it to ESL Music
1210 18th Street NW
#200b
Washington, DC 20036
wdc:
what do your parents think of your sound?
Thievery Corporation: My mom says she loves our stuff, but she'd lie to make me feel good. Who knows. . .
EH
Boston:
Scratch or King Tubby? Rockers or The Harder They Come?
Thievery Corporation: Desmond Williams just reminded me that Scratch made music while Tubby just mixed. But both are great. The Harder They Come is the Tops.
EH
Washington,DC:
Hi guys, Sean here- long time no see.
So, what's the latest on your DC clubs? I heard Dragonfly is expanding up... true? It would be nice to have a space there where it wasn't so loud. Any new construction going on at the 'Lounge?
Red?
Thievery Corporation: Hello Sean. I think you'd have to consult Abdul about those plans.
EH
Potomac, Maryland:
All of me friends love your music and insist that we listen to it every time they come over. Do you see your self branching out into different types of music in the near future? When can we expect a new album and are you going to be playing in the Washington area any other dates other then this Friday!
Thievery Corporation: Good to hear.
As far as other music is concerned, we're always trying to incorporate new genres and sounds.
We're deejaying at the Radiohead show.
EH
Lisbon - Portugal:
Hello we are Sebastiao and Ana and we would like to know if you enjoyed your concert at the dance music festival in Portugal, what is your opinion about the portuguese fans? P.S:great show by the way
Thievery Corporation:
No exageration, Potugal has the best fans. The audiences are always the most enthusiastic and the setting on the beach for the last show didn't hurt either.
EH
Dee see:
what's been your best selling disc so far?
Thievery Corporation: Mirror Conspiracy.
EH
Great Falls, VA:
What's up with the door policy at ESL? Seems like the bouncers are looking for a "look" rather than the basic "No jeans, sneakers...etc.".
Should they discriminate like that?
Thievery Corporation: It takes a pulse to get in to the Lounge. That's about it.
EH
DC:
Boxers or briefs?
Thievery Corporation: Thong.
Desmond
Visstlav from Washington, DC:
With the current draught in good new music and bands coming out, who and what will change this and when do you think it will happen?
Thievery Corporation: I think an obscure movement coming out of Waldorf, Maryland will come save music for our children. Who the f*** knows.
EH
DC:
What clubs and/or bars do you guys like
to frequent in DC?
Thievery Corporation: Rumba Cafe, Rumba Cafe, and Rumba Cafe.
RG/EH
Dj Skillz:
what is your favorite thing to drink, when polly'n in your club?
Thievery Corporation: Colt 45.
EH
Wash. DC:
Do you guys have plans to spin at the lounge, do you ever spin at the lounge and do you hang out there on a regular basis? Adul is doing a great job in running the place, keep up the good work!
Thievery Corporation:
I especially like when Abdul throws bottles at the walls and does the airplane dance.
No we don't spin here. The regular deejays are to much competition for us.
EH
dc:
I really like Covert Operations. Do you have any other similar compilations in the works?
Thievery Corporation: Modular Systems just came out. That's the most recent installment.
EH
Arlington, VA:
If you didn't own 18th St Lounge, would you be
cool enough to get in?
Thievery Corporation: I don't own the Lounge and they won't let me in.
RG
nyc:
totally dig your stuff and started listening to some other ESL artists as a result - is there a release date on the new album from Ursula?
and did the masters from your second album really get stolen? (sorry if this is a sensitive subject..)
Thievery Corporation: The new Ursula album is alsmost finsihed. We shoudl have a release date early next year.
The master for Abductions and Reconstructions were stolen when I was mugged in Adams Morgan.
This is all the time we have today, we have to get into the studio and work on the next record. We hope to finish soon and have it release next Spring. See you on Friday.
Thanks
Rob and Eric
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