“I like the jarring thing, both in the music and the lyrics. That's why a lot of times our songs have a proper name of somebody. Usually you hear lyrics and something's going on, but it's just song lyrics. But if there's something in it, even a name that you don't associate with a song, it sticks out and becomes less wallpaper.”

American musician and songwriter, born 1948

Ron Mael is an American musician, songwriter, composer, record producer, music programmer, and film director. Born Ronald David Mael, he is best known as the keyboardist and principal songwriter of the pop and rock duo Sparks, which he founded with his younger brother Russell Mael in 1971. He is known for his offbeat, highly specific songwriting and for a keyboard style that is intricate and rhythmically driven. Onstage, he is often remembered for a dry, unmoving presence, set against Russell Mael’s more animated performance style. He is also noted for his conservative dress and his distinctive moustache, and he and his brother founded Lil' Beethoven Records.