We talk with Russ Rankin, the founder and songwriter of punk band Good Riddance.
Russ is another lifelong Santa Cruz local. In the spirit of the podcast, we focus on Russ’ local roots - where he grew up (everywhere…he moved a lot) and what the local music scene was like when he was growing up and discovering new local bands and local venues. We also delve into how he became a vegan and how politics influences his songwriting.
Like many artists, Russ didn’t start out with the idea “I’m going to lead a legendary punk band.” Instead, it was learning drums at an early age, being a music fan, and crossing paths with teachers who said “you have something special - you need to do something with this.” Flash forward a few years, and Russ was creating bands and playing the local party scene.
He eventually crossed paths with guitarist Luke Pabich, and things clicked. Russ started writing, and he and Luke hit the road hard, playing every venue they could and passing out demo tapes (remember “tapes?”) until one landed in the hands of “Fat” Mike Burkett (Fat Wreck Chords, NOFX) We talk about how “you make your own luck” through hard work. Russ and Luke certainly did.
Outside of Good Riddance, Russ is a scout for the Tri Cities Americans hockey team (from Kennewick, Washington). As of this interview, the band is getting ready for festivals and summer shows.
For more on Good Riddance, including their tour schedule, please visit grpunk.com
Russ Rankin on Social Media
Good Riddance on Social Media
Song Credit: Libertine, by Good Riddance - Courtesy Fat Wreck Chords
Photo Credit: Lindsey Lutts McGuire
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.