Brooklyn-based Ratatat has been on a steady ascent ever since the 2004 release of their self-titled debut. And the instrumental electro duo's rise seems primed to continue along, thanks to recent collaborations with the likes of Kid Cudi and MGMT, as well as their work on the soundtracks for a number of TV shows and movies.
Currently, the twosome of Evan Mast and Mike Shroud is on the road promoting their fourth LP, the June-released and conveniently
titled LP4. The album features more
experimental sounds than the Ratatat's previous releases, adding things like string quartets and Middle Eastern instruments into their alluring mix of synths, basses, guitars, and drums that fans have come to adore. It makes for a record that both stretches and keeps true to their signature sound--and that's what makes Ratatat so eclectic; they are always unpredictable, yet always fun.
That much holds up in live settings, too: Last time the band came to Dallas, they played at a sold-out show at Granada. This time, they're playing the larger Palladium Ballroom--which means bigger crowds, higher production, and, sure enough, a bigger party.
Late last week, we caught up with Mast, half of the
electronic music duo, in anticipation of their show coming to town tomorrow night. Check out the Q&A after the jump.
You started a few
years back working with just a Powerbook, and now you guys are using Middle Eastern
instruments and string quartets as part of your sound. Do you guys plan on using anything more
extravagant in the future?
I don't know. On the last few records, we really kinda
went out and did the things we always wanted to try--found new instruments and
things like that. I think we kinda, like, got that out of our system. I don't
know, the next one might be toned down. I'm not really sure. I haven't really
figured out. Usually, we kinda figure out the direction for the record while
were making it. I don't know. We have to see, once we start recording, what's
interesting at the moment. [But] we just started touring for LP4, so, yeah, like the next
like nine months are all like touring.
Last time time y'all
came to Dallas, you played at the Granada Theater, which holds about 1,000 people. Now you're
playing at the Palladium Ballroom, which holds closer to 2,500. Have you noticed this all
throughout the country?
Sort of. In a lot of cities, we're getting more
people. The show in Dallas, I remember, was really fun. It went really well. Well I don't know, we pumped it up.
Is there anything
different you are doing on this tour?
There's bigger production. We got this holographic
projection screen, big video, and light system we did for this.
Your songs are pretty varied, incorporating elements of rock and dance alike. How does that translate to your live show? Will this show have a
more rock feel or dance feel?
The show kinda puts on everything, rock stuff, drums, dance.
What can we
expect from Ratatat after your world tour is over?
Uh, I'm not really sure. I'm gonna take a vacation, go out
with my girlfriend. But I'm hoping by next spring were gonna be back to the
studio.
