Rob Garza

In 1997, the world of chillout music was forever transformed with the release of 'Sounds From The Thievery Hi-Fi '. This groundbreaking album, infused with the sounds of reggae, Indian music, jazz, and buttery electronics, marked the beginning of a new era. Rob Garza and production partner Eric Hilton's musical mark was immediate, and ten albums later, Thievery Corporation continues to innovate and sell-out shows worldwide. Garza's solo projects and continued touring as Thievery Corporation are a testament to the lasting impact of this album.  

Known for his genre-blending sound and innovative approach to production and live performance, Garza offers a unique and personal perspective on the albums that have influenced his artistic journey.

Before reading, we highly recommend you grab a copy of Sounds From Thievery Hi Fi, find a comfortable place to sit, and have something nice to drink because you are about to enter a whole new chilled-out dimension. Enjoy!

Images of Rob by Lisa Denise Velasquez

1. The Pixies - Surfer Rosa

I remember discovering The Pixies at a friend's record store in Frederick, Maryland. He played me this EP called Come On Pilgrim and I was instantly transfixed. I caught their first tour at the old 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, and that's when I heard Surfer Rosa. I fell in love with it immediately. Though Come On Pilgrim originated from "The Purple Tape" demos, Surfer Rosa was their first full-length album, produced by Steve Albini. I admired Albini's previous work with Big Black, especially his innovative production techniques, like using AK-47 machine gun sounds for snares and putting toy pianos through Marshall stack distortion.

The combination of sounds on this album is remarkable—Joey Santiago's edgy, reverb-drenched guitar lines, Kim Deal's simple yet deep bass lines and ethereal vocals, David Lovering's solid, crisp drumming, and of course, Frank Black's unique vocals covering a wide range of surreal out there topics. This album encapsulates the best of alternative music, punk, and pop, mixed with lyrics in Spanish, which was rare for the time. The Pixies were one of the reasons why we signed with 4AD in the late '90s. Visiting their London office, the Slug and Lettuce pub nearby, and the actual spot where the album cover was shot was wild. Surfer Rosa remains one of my all-time favorite albums.

Q&A

In a world of streaming and almost limitless titles available, why do you think people are going back to vinyl? 

Vinyl holds that certain magic that digital formats just can't replicate. In a world where everything is so instant and disposable, people are drawn back to vinyl for its tangible nature, its warmth, and the ritualistic experience it provides. There's something about dropping the needle onto a record and hearing that crackle before the music starts that's incredibly nostalgic and comforting. Reading the cover, the liner notes, looking at the artwork and listening to the sound it is multi-sensory. 

If you had (or have) your dream vinyl listening room, what would/does it look like? What would/does it sound like?

Ah, my dream vinyl listening room... It would be a cozy space filled with warm wood furnishings and plush seating. The walls would be lined with shelves overflowing with lots of old records, and there would be a lot of vintage gear and speakers. As for the sound, it would be rich and full-bodied, enveloping you in music from every direction.

2. Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

When this album dropped, Public Enemy was at the pinnacle of their game, and the Bomb Squad, led by Hank Shockley, was crafting bombastic sound collages that transported you to a new realm. The warning sirens on the first track record signaled a revolution on the horizon.

Chuck D's commanding delivery and Flavor Flav's hype, combined with Terminator X's masterful turntable skills, make this album a perennial masterpiece. It showed you the full spectrum of what could be done with samplers and the on top of their craft artists like Chuck D and Flav. It cuts through the racial tension of the '80s, foreshadowing events like the Rodney King incident, the O.J. Simpson trial, and Spike Lee'sDo the Right Thing. This album forced the world to take notice of the social issues brewing in America.

Q&A

When you shop for records, do you make a plan or just ransack the stacks and hope for the best?

When I shop for records, I like to take my time and really dig through the stacks. I'll usually go in with a rough idea of what I'm looking for, but I'm always open to discovering something new. There's nothing quite like the thrill of stumbling upon a hidden gem buried among the crates.

When listening to records, what’s your go-to beverage? Whiskey? Wine? Beer? High-end mineral water? Nada?

Ah, the eternal question: what's the perfect beverage for vinyl listening? For me, it's gotta be a smooth Mezcal. There's just something about sipping on that smoky agave spirit while the music fills the room that enhances the experience tenfold. The earthy undertones of Mezcal complement the warmth of vinyl, creating a sensory journey that's truly unparalleled.

What is the most important album in your current collection? What is the rarest? What is the weirdest?

That’s a real tough question. I have so much rare and vintage vinyl that I really like to pull out random pieces and listen to random pieces of vinyl. I especially love old 60’s soundtrack music and they way people were experimenting and cross pollinating different types of sound.

3. New Order - Blue Monday

As the best-selling 12-inch single of all time, Blue Monday is iconic. When my family moved to Connecticut, I stumbled upon an electronic music class in public school and started learning about keyboards and synthesizers back in 1984, long before electronic music became what it is today.

Growing up in the punk/goth/industrial scene, it was fascinating to see Joy Division transform into an electronic act. Their sequences and drum machines, inspired by their time by the madness at the legendary club the Hacienda in Manchester, were groundbreaking.

The Manchester scene, drawing inspiration from Detroit, paved the way for the first raves and ecstasy parties. This piece of music sounds ahead of its time decades after it was released.

Q&A

On a 10-scale how much of an audiophile are you really (One: if it sounds ok, I’m ok. Ten: I’m extremely picky and need it to sound just so!)?

On a scale of one to ten, I'd say I'm probably around an eight when it comes to being an audiophile. I have a deep appreciation for high-quality sound, but I'm not so obsessive that I can't enjoy music on a lesser system. I really love the soul of the songs so that is just as important to me. Of course I prefer great sound, but if there were only a transistor radio, i could still appreciate a great Johnny Cash song.

Did you make mixtapes as a kid? How elaborate were they? Did you deck them out with custom inkwork? Fill them with rare grooves? Were they full of your favorites you wanted to share?

Oh, absolutely! I used to make mixtapes all the time as a kid. I'd spend hours recording from vinyl, making sure each song worked with the next. You definitely had to have that cool flow.  And of course, making the custom lo-fi artwork to the cassette inserts. It was fun back in the days before computers. It was a great way to pass the time and do something really creative.

What are some of your favorite music films or documentaries?

I really loved a documentaryI saw ages ago about Radiophonic Workshop and all the noise and Music they put together that was way ahead of its time.

If your career had a soundtrack, what artists would be on it and why?

If my career had a soundtrack, it would be a diverse mix of genres spanning bossa nova, trip-hop, and new wave. Stuff like Jobim, Fugazi, 

4. Jorge Ben Jor - Tudo Ben

This compilation celebrates one of Brazil's most esteemed composers, Jorge Ben Jor. A key figure in the Tropicália movement, Jorge created timeless anthems like "Chove Chuva" and "Mas que Nada," which you may have heard in World Cup soccer ads.

He's one of the most covered artists of all time, intertwining mystical and magical history in his music. I love this compilation because it features versions covered by lots of other Brazilian artists who revere the work of this maestro. This album, compiled by the great label Mr. Bongo If you're not familiar with his work, I highly recommend diving in.

Q&A

Any genres of music that are a hard pass?

I’m not a huge modern country or mainstream pop aficionado.

Do you organize your records? If so, how?

I wish I did, but I don't. My collection is more of a beautifully chaotic mishmash of genres and artists. I've always admired those who have their records meticulously organized, but for me, there's a certain charm in the randomness of it all. You never know what you're going to find when you reach for a record, and that element of surprise adds to the magic of vinyl collecting.

Any favorite record labels?

I love Verve, 4AD, Cadet, Rough Trade, Blue Note.

Were you a member of the Columbia Record & Tape Club? Or did you by chance sign up your neighbor and watch for a package to arrive?

Ha, the Columbia Record & Tape Club! That takes me back. I definitely got lots of tapes, CD’s and vinyls through Colombia House. It was a great way to start a record collection.

Besides vinyl or music, what else do you collect?

Besides vinyl, I'm also a bit of a collector when it comes to vintage audio equipment. There's something special about warm, analog sound that you just can't replicate with modern technology. I also have lots of vintage synths as well.

What new albums or artists do you have in your current rotation that are flipping your lid right now?

Right now, I'm really digging the latest album from Young Fathers, "Cocoa Sugar". I saw them perform recently and their unique blend of genres and experimental sounds is captivating and keeps me coming back for more.

5. Massive Attack - Mezzanine

Mezzanine is one of my favorite albums, epitomizing the trip-hop genre. The collaborators and the textures on this album encapsulate the late '90s musical landscape. The production on here is stunning and the artistry of Daddy G and 3D is deep.

Touring with Massive Attack through North and South America in 2010 was one of my most memorable experiences. Hearing Horace Andy sing "Angel" or Elizabeth Fraser sing "Teardrop" live was unforgettable. These songs are timeless, offering a slice of the converging musical worlds of an era where blending genres with electronic music was like diving into a musical underworld exploring new sonic realms.

Q&A

Headphones or speakers?

Speakers definitely.

What was your first album (and how did you score it)?

Devo, Whip it. I was 10 at the time When it was released, and I had never heard anything quite like that, with the synthesizers and the beats. It totally changed my world. I bought the 45 at a record store and listen to that thing over and over and over again the song I loved even more was the B-sideTurn around.

Is there any specific person, place or moment that minted your love of music?

The moment that minted my love of music? That's a tough one to pinpoint, but I'd have to say it was growing up with my dad's record collection and getting my hands into it for the first time. He listened to a lot of soul music, as well as the Beatles, the Drifters, Roy Orbison, Harry Belafonte, Simon, and Garfunkel among others. From that moment I dived into his record collection, I was hooked.

Other essential albums

Mirror Conspiracy

The Richest Man in Babylon

Catch Thievery Corporation on tour in the US and abroad.

Listen in Hi-Res

As part of our Vinyl Five series, we ask our esteemed participants to play their thoughtfully picked records on a premium Victrola Hi-Res turntable while sharing their thoughts and feelings. Using either wireless aptX™ Adaptive Bluetooth connectivity or wired with a switchable preamp standard RCA outs, Hi-Res turntables provide vinyl listening in stunning clarity.