“We kind of have a cranky side of ourselves, so when people get upset about what we're doing, we kind of feel that we're on the right track. But it's really difficult using humor in pop music. Sometimes it can appear that you're frivolous or there isn't any depth in what you're doing. But we always tried to have humor anyway.”

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.