Formerly known as Cherry, New York's rock-meets -electronica duo RATATAT features multiinstrumentalist/programmer EVAN MAST and guitarist MIKE STROUD. Stroud also plays, in the studio and on tour, with artists including BEN KWELLER and DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL. Between these duties (and Mast's job as a graphic designer), the duo found time to work on their collaboration. Mast worked beats and song ideas in his bedroom studio, which he gave to Stroud to develop while the guitarist was on the road. The duo's self-titled debut album arrived in spring 2004, and two years later their sophomore record, Classics, is released.