Thievery Corporation Channel Jamaica On ‘The Temple of I & I’

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Before embarking on their current U.S. tour, Washington, DC’s Thievery Corporation hinted that a new studio album is in the works for early 2017. The dub downtempo outfit led by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have released full details about the release titled The Temple of I & I. Due out on February 10, 2017 via their ESL Music, the album draws creative inspiration from Jamaica. It’s a  logical progression from the Jamaican vibes they espoused since their debut EP, Sounds from Thievery Hi-Fi.

“The innovation, spirit and power of Jamaican music is a constant source of creative manna for us,” explains Eric Hilton. “On the musical map, Jamaica is an entire continent. Frankly, we could have spent a year there, soaking up the vibes in the air and the strength and resilience resonating from the people. And for us, the only way to connect with this rich source of inspiration was to work in that environment – to feel the pulse of the place.”

The album features vocalist Racquel Jones. Hilton explains, “I met her on my first trip to Port Antonio and she played some demos at Geejam. She had actually used Thievery Corporation as her demo backing track, and it was a perfect match when I heard it. We’ve been waiting years to find a conscious, brilliant, female Jamaican singer and MC. As a model and former Miss Jamaica contestant, you’d never expect the pure lyrical fire and tough delivery could come out of her. It’s impressive.”

New Thievery Corporation LP Due in February

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There’s finally some good news out of Washington, D.C. to report. The dub-downtempo outfit Thievery Corporation led by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton will kick off a U.S. tour on November 11 at House of Blues in Lake Buena Vista, FL that’ll conclude with three hometown gigs at 9:30 Club finalizing on December 17. The 13-date run sets the stage for a new studio album to be released in February 2017, presumably on their ESL label. There’s no details yet on the forthcoming full-length, but in the meantime check the hot video below featuring Thievery Corporation performing live in KEXP’s studio last month to get a feel where they’re at right now.

Thievery Corporation Tour Dates

11.13 Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
11.14 Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor
11.15 Jacksonville, FL – House of Blues
12.07 Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
12.08 Richmond, VA – The National
12.09 New York City, NY – Terminal 5
12.10 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
12.12 Portland, ME – State Theatre
12.13 Boston, MA House of Blues
12.14 New Haven, CT College St Music Hall
12.15 Washington DC 930 Club
12.16 Washington DC 930 Club
12.17 Washington DC 930 Club

Rob Garza from Thievery Corporation’s 5 Tracks of the Moment

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Downtempo luminary Rob Garza, who has been heading up Washington, D.C.’s Thievery Corporation and ESL Music imprint with musical partner Eric Hilton since the mid ’90s, spent his summer DJing and recently dropped a brilliant remix of ODESZA’s “Say My Name” feat. Zyra. After returning from Burning Man, he presented his fans “Re Mana” feat. Vasuda Sharma, a gorgeous (and free) jam.

We pinned the globetrotting Garza down and got him to share his five favorite tunes of the moment. “Autumn and the changing of the seasons usually inspires a sense of melancholy heading toward the shortening days,” Garza offers. “Here’s some tracks on my fall playlist that are beautiful, introspective melancholic and at the same time driving and danceable.” Continue Reading