Thievery Corporation's two members, Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, describe their music as "outernational," with an "appreciation and empathy for all people around the globe." It's a fitting credo for a band that imagines the music of Jamaica, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East as the root its electronic music. On the pair's latest record, Radio Retaliation, Thievery Corporation speeds up the tempo of its internationally influenced beats and offers some fiery political commentary.
Radio Retaliation includes a number of guest singers from around the world, including Brazil's Seu Jorge, Nigeria's Femi Kuti and Chuck Brown, the godfather of go-go, representing Thievery Corporation's hometown of Washington, D.C. They all complement the duo's funkiest and most eclectic album yet.
In an interview with host David Dye, Garza and Hilton talk about the process behind making a Thievery Corporation album when so many elements are involved. The duo also expresses an admiration for dub legend Augustus Pablo, as well as the influence of the album King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
