Interviews: Fields still Fertile: An interview with Russ Rankin (Good Riddance)

Russ Rankin, the vocalist and principal songwriter for Santa Cruz-based hardcore band Good Riddance, recently opened up about the band’s evolving creative approach and their ongoing European tour. The discussion, conducted by punknews.org, sheds light on the band’s latest release, Before The World Caves In, and Rankin’s perspective on songwriting and live performances.

Good Riddance has maintained a reputation for consistent quality over their extensive career, with Rankin noting the deliberate pace at which they craft their albums. Their recent tour, including stops at notable festivals such as Brakrock, showcased strong audience familiarity with new material—a contrast to past experiences where fans typically required more time to embrace fresh songs. This enhanced reception suggests a deepening connection between the band and their audience.

The songwriting process for the latest album is notably collaborative yet anchored by Rankin’s individual work. He composes complete song demos at home, utilizing digital tools to layer guitars, bass, and vocals before sharing them with his bandmates. Each member’s approval is essential; only songs receiving unanimous endorsement proceed to final consideration. This method ensures that the group remains cohesive in musical direction while retaining Rankin’s distinctive melodic and aggressive stylistic blend.

Rankin highlighted two tracks from the album, “To Suffer Is The Name” and “Drive Faster,” as examples of the band’s melodic strengths. Despite his self-professed limited vocal range, he achieves compelling melodies by integrating hooks with a raw vocal delivery, an approach inspired by influential acts such as Bad Religion, Lifetime, and Jawbreaker. Rankin credits these influences for shaping his balance of intensity and melody, a hallmark characteristic of Good Riddance’s sound.

When reflecting on contemporary punk acts, Rankin expressed admiration for the Menzingers, citing their work as both inspirational and humbling. Their ability to consistently deliver compelling music motivates him, even as it challenges his own creative ambitions.

Regarding side projects, Rankin addressed the uncertain future of Only Crime, a band featuring members also affiliated with Descendents. Although the group remains in communication, logistical challenges and modest audience sizes have limited opportunities to reunite. Nevertheless, Rankin maintains an optimistic stance on potential future activity.

Tour logistics and setlist curation are managed primarily by bassist Chuck Platt, who carefully balances song selection to accommodate vocal demands and audience expectations. The band consciously integrates new material into live shows despite the risk of subdued initial reactions, demonstrating confidence in the strength of their latest compositions.

Festivals play a complex role in Good Riddance’s touring life. While large events can offer exposure to new listeners, Rankin noted mixed experiences depending on the familiarity with other bands and industry personnel present. Intimate shows and festivals alike hold appeal, though the social aspect and sense of community influence his preferences.

Outside of music, Rankin has pursued screenwriting, dedicating time to studying the craft and developing scripts. This creative outlet complements his musical career, providing a different form of artistic expression, though details about production prospects remain sparse.

The interview with Russ Rankin captures a band that remains committed to artistic integrity, both in the studio and on stage. Good Riddance continues to navigate the challenges of longevity with a thoughtful approach to their craft, embracing new technologies and evolving audience dynamics without compromising their core identity.