Sparks talk about the inspiration behind their new studio album HIPPOPOTAMUS
Eight years after the release of THE SEDUCTION OF INGMAR BERGMAN (2009), musical mavericks Sparks make a welcome return with their new studio album HIPPOPOTAMUS.
Formed in 1972 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael, Sparks are an American new wave/synth-pop band known for their quirky approach to songwriting. Best known for their songs THIS TOWN AIN’T BIG ENOUGH FOR BOTH OF US (1974), disco hit THE NUMBER ONE SONG IN HEAVEN (1979), I PREDICT (1982) and COOL PLACES (1983), the duo have been described as “the smartest, most consistently evolving band in the history of rock” and have a cult following in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and the United States.
HIPPOPOTAMUS is the 23rd studio album by Sparks. Recorded in Los Angeles, the album sees the duo take the pop form, shake it up and create an album that is adventurous, fresh and idiosyncratically ‘Sparks’.
Ahead of its release next month, the Mael brothers chat about their inspiration for the new LP and why they love the UK so much.
Where did the inspiration for the title track of your new album, ‘Hippopotamus’ come from?
Ron: We had written the instrumental music for the song first and it needed a subject matter as idiosyncratic as the music. The word ‘Hippopotamus’ sounds cool and fit, and then it was working backwards and figuring out what happens in a song called ‘Hippopotamus’. Viola!
With a vast catalogue of material to draw from, what can fans expect to hear on ‘The Hippopotamus Tour’?
Russell: We will be doing an assortment of songs from out past albums as well as heavy emphasis on Hippopotamus. We are very proud of the new album and feel it’s a vital part of our catalogue and would love to share it with our fans. But yes, old songs as well!
You have been creating art, music and film for a few decades now – how has your process changed over the years?
Ron: Ideas are always the key and that never changes, but technology has allowed us new ways to make these ideas concrete. Musically we’re able to experiment more since we can record on our own, without worrying about time or budgetary constraints.
Which Sparks record would you suggest a newcomer listens to first?
Russell: They should start with our compilation box set call ‘New Music For Amnesiacs – The Essential Collection.’ This package is a perfect introduction to our career. It has songs from every album as well as a beautiful book documenting our career. And a bunch of assorted goodies thrown in as well. Highly recommended.
How does making a Sparks album differ from scoring a film, or a musical?
Ron: In an album, it is a collection of 3 or 4-minute complete ideas, whereas in a film, an idea is developed over an hour and a half or two hours. We tend, though, to use cinematic themes and sounds in our songs and a Sparks sensibility in our film and musical work, so there is quite a bit of crossover.
You’ve said that you find it frustrating that artists often play it safe and aren’t very adventurous. Which contemporary bands / musicians do you think are being bold with their music?
Russell: I’m not sure that there’s someone out there risking it all on their latest work.
At the start of your career you were drawn to the UK and it is where you had your first hit. What is it about the UK that appeals to you, and why do you think British music lovers are so drawn to you and your music?
Ron: We can’t completely explain it. All we know is that we had 2 albums out in the states that had very limited following and after moving to London in late ’73, we had tremendous success with Kimono My House. We had always thought of ourselves as more of a British band than an American band stylistically, so I suppose that has something to do with it. However there does seem to be an openness to eccentricity in Britain.
We’ve seen you perform with various set ups, from the stripped back ‘Two Hands One Mouth’ tour to performing at the Barbican with a 35-piece orchestra – what will you have in your musical bag of tricks this time?
Ron: Just you Wait! In the meantime, we very much look forward to touring with a fantastic band on the Hippopotamus tour!
If you could travel back in time to when you formed the band, and give yourselves one piece of advice, what would you say?
Russell: Make sure you book aisle seats.
HIPPOPOTAMUS by Sparks is released on 8 September 2017 on BMG
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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