Meaning: This quote by Evan Dando, a musician known for his work with the band The Lemonheads, offers insight into his songwriting process. Dando's emphasis on the riff as the starting point for his songs sheds light on the significance of musical structure and melody in his creative approach. By prioritizing the riff over the lyrics, Dando highlights the instrumental foundation as the driving force behind his compositions. This quote reflects the idea that music often begins with a compelling musical motif or riff, which serves as the catalyst for the creation of a song's lyrical content.

Evan Dando's approach to songwriting aligns with the practices of many musicians across different genres, where the instrumental elements of a song serve as the initial inspiration and framework for the lyrical and vocal components. The riff, in this context, refers to a short, repeated phrase or motif played by the instruments, typically the guitar, that forms the core of the song's musical structure. For Dando, crafting a captivating riff becomes the primary focus when initiating the songwriting process.

The prioritization of the riff as the starting point for a song also underscores the significance of instrumental composition in shaping the overall mood and direction of the music. By placing the riff at the forefront of his creative process, Dando acknowledges the pivotal role of instrumental melodies and arrangements in setting the tone and defining the character of a song. This approach highlights the importance of musicality and sonic texture in driving the artistic vision behind a piece of music.

Furthermore, Dando's statement suggests that the lyrical content of his songs evolves in response to the musical foundation laid down by the riff. Rather than constructing a song around preconceived lyrical themes, Dando allows the instrumental motif to guide and inspire the development of the song's narrative and emotional content. This approach reflects a dynamic interaction between the musical and lyrical elements, with the riff serving as the catalyst for the emergence of lyrical themes and vocal melodies.

In the broader context of songwriting, Dando's emphasis on the riff as the initial creative spark underscores the multidimensional nature of the songwriting process. While lyrics are undeniably central to conveying meaning and storytelling within a song, Dando's perspective invites a closer examination of the intricate interplay between instrumental and lyrical components in shaping the overall impact of a musical composition.

Ultimately, Evan Dando's quote provides valuable insight into the creative process of a musician who places a strong emphasis on the instrumental foundation of his songs. By prioritizing the riff as the starting point for his songwriting, Dando underscores the instrumental and melodic elements as fundamental building blocks that shape the direction and spirit of his music. This perspective sheds light on the intricate dynamics between musical and lyrical elements, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the art of songwriting.