Going MAD! with Sparks on the Indie Rock Hit Parade

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade special are the forces behind one of the longest-running creative partnerships of the 20th century. Russell and Ron Mael’s collaboration began long before their proper debut as Sparks in the early 1970s. The two are brothers, after all, and their (mostly) insular approach to songwriting and performance has resulted in a career that has attracted admirers such as Paul McCartney, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Todd Rundgren, and countless others.

Over the course of 28 studio albums, Sparks’ music has touched on styles ranging from glam rock to electro to new wave to orchestral pop; collapsing them all into the Mael brothers’ singular vision. The duo won a César Award in 2022 for their melodramatic movie musical Annette, and were the subject of The Sparks Brothers, an exhaustive documentary by Edgar Wright. But all of this, even the recent accolades, is in the past. Sparks have always trained their focus on the future.

In this conversation with IRHP host Eric Schuman, the Mael brothers reflect on their one-of-a-kind career trajectory, sing the praises of devoted Sparks fans who use the band’s music and aesthetic to channel their own creativity, and share the story of the first time they heard one of their own songs on the radio. Plus, hear highlights from Sparks’ newest album, MAD!.

Listen to Sparks’ Indie Rock Hit Parade interview

Sparks return to Philadelphia (adjacent) for a show at the Keswick Theatre on September 8th. Check out their full itinerary below, and revisit Sparks’ appearance at this year’s NonCOMMvention.