Born and raised in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, and a UCLA Theater Arts and Filmmaking graduate, Russell Mael is one half of the influential American rock and pop duo Sparks with brother Ron Mael. Originally known as Halfnelson the band changed their name to Sparks (a play on The Marx Brothers) after the 1971 release of their first album. An animated, energetic front man with a distinctive falsetto voice, his persona is contrasted by that of his brother Ron, the deadpan keyboard player and main songwriter. Known for their constant reinvention Sparks have had an impact on generations of musicians. In 2017 they released their 23rd studio album Hippopotamus