Art pop pioneers Sparks are preparing to return to Australia this May with a renewed sense of momentum, and in conversation with Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips, Ron Mael reflects on both the band’s enduring creative philosophy and their evolving relationship with audiences.
MORE ABOUT THE INTERVIEW
Looking back on their 2023 tour of Australia, Mael recalls the emotional impact of finally playing iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House, describing it as a long-held dream comparable to performing at the Royal Albert Hall or Hollywood Bowl. After a long gap between their first Australian shows in 2000 and their return decades later, he says the band is especially pleased to be coming back so soon this time, signalling a stronger and more immediate connection with local audiences.
That connection is central to Sparks’ identity. Mael acknowledges the long-standing “secret club” feeling among fans, an intimate, almost protective relationship where listeners feel personally connected to the band’s work. Even now, there’s a sense that fans both cherish and resist wider commercial success, reinforcing Sparks’ reputation as a deeply personal, idiosyncratic act rather than a mainstream one.
The interview also highlights Mael’s pragmatic and unpretentious approach to music-making. Despite early beginnings on guitar, he considers himself primarily a writer rather than a virtuoso player. This mindset extends to technology: rather than “worshipping” vintage gear, Sparks prioritise whatever tools best serve the song, whether analog or digital. He reflects fondly on experimenting with early sampling technology like the Fairlight, noting how revolutionary and expensive it once was compared to today’s accessible production tools.
When it comes to live performance, Sparks aim to strike a careful balance between faithfully recreating recordings and embracing the spontaneity of the stage. Some electronic elements are triggered live to enhance the sound, but the band avoids anything that feels overly pre-programmed. Central to this is Russell Mael’s ability to deliver studio-quality vocals on stage, which Mael says makes the transition from record to live performance far smoother.
Setlists, however, have become increasingly difficult, after more than five decades and a vast catalogue, choosing what to leave out is now the hardest part. The band aims to showcase new material while still delivering the songs audiences expect, leaving limited room to revisit deeper cuts.
On the songwriting front, Mael describes a flexible, evolving process. While some songs begin on piano or guitar, others emerge from collaborative fragments brought in by his brother. Inspiration is often abstract rather than autobiographical, though occasionally sparked by vivid observations, such as the fashion contrast that inspired “Jansport Backpack.” Importantly, he notes that having multiple creative pathways helps avoid writer’s block.
The discussion also touches on Sparks’ recent productivity, including the release of their 28th studio album MAD! and its companion EP MADDER!, which featured songs the band considered equal in quality but too numerous for a single album. Mael emphasises their ongoing challenge of knowing when a song is truly finished, something they’ve improved at over time but still approach instinctively.
Beyond music, Mael reflects on winning a César Award for the film Annette, calling it a “dream” moment for two lifelong cinema enthusiasts. He reveals that Sparks are continuing to work in film, with another movie musical project underway.
The Australian tour announcement reinforces the band’s current creative peak. Following acclaimed recent releases like The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte and MAD!, and renewed visibility from Edgar Wright’s 2021 documentary, Sparks are enjoying a surge in popularity more than 50 years into their career. Their influence, spanning artists from Depeche Mode to Björk continues to resonate across generations.
The May 2026 Australian tour will see Sparks perform headline shows in Melbourne and Brisbane, alongside a special appearance at Vivid Live at the Sydney Opera House on May 25. With a catalogue stretching from “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us” to recent releases, the band promises a set that bridges their cult legacy and ongoing reinvention.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR INFORMATION
Following on from the announcement that they will be playing as part of Vivid LIVE at the Joan Sutherland Theatre in Sydney on May 25, Sparks will perform in Melbourne at the Palais Theatre on Thursday May 28 and in Brisbane at the Glasshouse, QPAC on Saturday May 30, their first shows here since 2023.
https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/sparks
Information on the MAD album and MADDER EP can be found at https://allsparks.com/