Long-haired audiophiles Mike Stroud and Evan Mast began collaborating on music in the early 2000s, under the name “Cherry.”  The duo’s music began to garner attention in 2003, when, to avoid what they foresaw as inevitable lawsuits and squabbles, they changed their name to Ratatat and released their first, self-titled album. Since then the band have signed to XL Recordings, toured with Bjork and worked with Kid Cudi on two tracks for his latest album, Man on the Moon. Ahead of the release of Ratatat’s fourth long player (appropriately entitled LP4, out June 7 from XL) and subsequent tour, we caught up with Mike Stroud to talk beats, budgies and David Schwimmer.

You’re known for extravagantly orchestrating your songs—which track from LP4 took the longest to arrange?

I think “Alps” took the longest, which is funny because the arrangement is really simple in the end.

Do you have a favorite sample or sound from the album?

Probably the voice bass on “Neckbrace,” which is Evan puking through a pitch corrector.

Which instrument will you be taking with you on your summer holidays?

My mom and dad.

And where will you be taking them?

Probably somewhere deep into New Jersey, or maybe Denver.

Did you fall in love with any particular piece of equipment in the studio while recording LP4?

The Optigan. I bought one in Brooklyn since the making of the record. It runs on optical floppy discs spinning on a motor. Each disc has its own theme, like “Dixieland Strut” or "Bossa Nova style.” You play it like an accordion, with chords on the left and keyboard solos on the right.

How do you play the music live?

I have no idea how we're going to play LP4 live yet––possibly with a string-quartet and extra percussion. The tour starts in September, so we'll see.

Will there be keytars?

Yeah. [Though] I thought they were called "keentars."

You did a great remix of Björk’s “Wanderlust” last year (among others)—any more collaborations on the horizon?

Thanks. Yeah hopefully a few, but I can't tell you yet, sorry.

You’re an instrumental band, but is there any vocalist, dead or alive, that you would consider breaking your own rules in order to work with?

Haukur Morthens, Gilbert Gottfried, David Schwimmer, Elvis.

What’s with the budgie in the new video (for single "Party With Children")?

It's my pet parakeet, Fellini. She came up to the studio with us when we made LP4. We set her up near the piano and she started chirping over all the songs, so we put her in the artwork and video.

Can we expect more animal magic in future?

Maybe, I don't think I'm responsible enough for two pets.