Sparks Members, Gear & Sound

US rock and pop duo, The Mael Brothers

Genre

Electronic Rock Pop New Wave Synthpop Pop rock Art rock Disco Post-punk Glam rock Pub rock Art pop Chamber pop Club Dance Experimental New romantic Synth-pop dance rock new wave pop classic uk pop zolo

Members

Select a Sparks band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Lee Ritenour

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Fourplay Love Unlimited Orchestra Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Lee Ritenour & Larry Carlton Gerald Albright And Lee Ritenour GRP All-Star Big Band Maxi Priest And Lee Ritenour Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin Lee Ritenour & Michael McDonald Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Diane Schuur & Dave Valentin Brass Fever

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Steve McDonald

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Melvins Tenacious D Redd Kross Off North American Hallowe'en Prevention Initiative Trainwreck The Tater Totz Ze Malibu Kids The Steven McDonald Group Nighttime Boogie Association Revolution 409 Purple Electricity Dale Crover Band Broken Bat

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Ron Mael

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

FFS

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Mark Burgess

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Groups:

The Chameleons The Curtain Society Invincible Bird Mark Burgess and the Sons of God Mark Burgess and Yves Altana Black Swan Lane War Tapes The Sun and the Moon

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Tony Visconti

Roles:

Music Producer

Groups:

T. Rex Kaiser Chiefs The Spiders from Mars Altered Images David Bowie & The Hype The Hype Dib Cochran & The Earwigs

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Russell Mael

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

FFS

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James Mankey

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Concrete Blonde Dream 6

Needs more gear

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Adrian Fisher

Roles:

Guitarist

Needs more gear

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Martin Gordon

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

John's Children Radio Stars

Needs more gear

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Earle Mankey

Roles:

Music Producer

No gear added

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Harley Feinstein

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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Tammy Glover

Roles:

Drummer

No gear added

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About

Sparks is an influential American music duo formed by brothers Ron Mael (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals). Originally hailing from Los Angeles, California, Sparks has been a pioneering force in music since the early 1970s, known for their eclectic blend of genres including electronic, pop rock, art rock, and synthpop. The Mael brothers have consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music with their unique blend of witty lyrics, theatrical performances, and innovative soundscapes, gaining a cult following across the globe. Their ability to seamlessly traverse various musical styles has made them a standout act in the ever-evolving music scene.

How to Sound Like Sparks

Sparks' sound is characterized by quirky, theatrical melodies and synth-driven compositions that are both playful and sophisticated. Their sharp, articulate vocals paired with a backdrop of layered synth textures and dynamic arrangements create a sound that is both bold and avant-garde. The use of vintage synthesizers like the Fairlight CMI adds depth and complexity, contributing to their distinctive, futuristic vibe. Ron's intricate keyboard work complements Russell's distinctive voice, creating a sonic landscape that's both polished and whimsical. Musicians aiming to emulate Sparks' sound might focus on crafting tight, rhythmic structures with a blend of lush synthesizer tones and artful lyrical delivery.

Discography

Sparks

1971

A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing

1973

Kimono My House

1974

Propaganda

1974

Indiscreet

1975

Big Beat

1976

Introducing Sparks

1977

No. 1 In Heaven (40th Anniversary Edition)

1979

No.1 In Heaven

1979

Terminal Jive

1980

Whomp That Sucker

1981

Angst In My Pants

1982

In Outer Space

1983

Pulling Rabbits Out Of A Hat

1984

Music That You Can Dance To

1986

Interior Design

1988

Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (Expanded Edition)

1994

Plagiarism

1997

Balls (Deluxe Edition)

2000

Lil' Beethoven (Deluxe Edition)

2002

Hello Young Lovers

2006

Exotic Creatures of the Deep

2008

The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman (Deluxe Edition)

2009

Two Hands One Mouth (Live in Europe)

2013

A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip

2020

Annette (Cannes Edition - Selections from the Motion Picture Soundtrack)

2021

Annette (Unlimited Edition) [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

2021

MAD!

2025

Annette (An Opera By Sparks) [The Original 2013 Recordings]

2025

Get the Sparks Sound

Want to sound like Sparks? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.