Evan Dando: The Lemonheads, Addiction, Touring & Finding Salvation in Music
44:26•9,529 views
Evan Dando talks to Steve Blame about The Lemonheads, the cost of fame, his struggles with addiction and why music became his salvation long before he became a recognisable face of 90s alternative rock.
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Evan recalls learning guitar from his father, finding an outlet after his parents separated, and discovering the bands that made him want to play. From the Velvet Underground and the Replacements to sharing a rehearsal space with the Pixies, he describes the friendships and influences that shaped his musical life.
He discusses finding his own songwriting voice, the influence of Gram Parsons, his creative connection with Juliana Hatfield and his longstanding collaboration with Tom Morgan. He also explains why melody became his strength—and what makes him want to sing someone else’s song.
The conversation turns to heroin, the connection between drugs and creativity, and the relief of no longer depending on it. Evan reflects on becoming a public figure, losing privacy and what happens when an artist’s image overshadows the songs.
Funny, candid and frequently unpredictable, he also talks about absurdist comedy, Situationism, touring, his love of life and how moving to Brazil changed his perspective.
References to forthcoming records and tour dates reflect his plans at the time of recording.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Ben Deily, comedy and a love of words
01:55 Family, learning guitar and music as an escape
05:27 Books, belonging and Boston’s music scene
09:17 Absurdism, punk and Situationism
12:24 Learning to write songs
14:05 Gram Parsons and finding his own voice
15:30 Juliana Hatfield and their creative connection
17:59 Choosing melody over noise
18:48 Therapy and creativity
21:33 Writing through characters and taking creative risks
23:02 Heroin, addiction and the cost to creativity
26:25 Fame, image and breaking the rules
28:21 Choosing covers and writing with Tom Morgan
30:11 Chaos, optimism and loving life
32:32 Friendship and what fame takes away
37:13 Touring, writing and gathering experience
38:23 Why music remained the constant
39:32 Touring again and wanting to get it right
41:08 How Brazil changed his perspective
42:40 Greece, travel and finding his wave
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Thumbnail photograph: Antonia Teixeira.
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