Russ Rankin Interview
Russ Rankin, lead singer for Good Riddance and Only Crime, as well as founder of Lorelei Records, took some time out of his tour preparations to do an interview with The Backyard League. We hope that this interview with Russ gives insight into how hands on politics can be, as well as look at his new musical experience with Only Crime, featuring members of Bane, Descendents, and Hagfish.First and foremost, how would you address an individual who doesn’t vote, be it result of apathy, or from feeling that the nature of corporate politics and the two party system eliminates any viable third party candidates?
This happens (and has happened) a lot lately. I think it has to do mostly with the way the media is complicit in presenting a fictional electoral landscape. Americans who regularly watch televised news (FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, CNN etc) are battered with the doctrinal line of “two parties” so it’s obvious why so many Americans are unaware that there are several other choices (besides democrat or republican). I would argue that the very nature of “corporate politics” is what ought to bring more Americans to political affiliations which more closely mirror our own values as a people. I often tell undecided or heavily indoctrinated friends about the green party’s 10 key values but I don’t mention that they are affiliated with the Green Party; I have never had anybody who didn’t agree with all 10 values. I believe that the Green Party actually represents the values of most Americans. The republican/democrat duopoly ensures that, regardless of which of the two parties wins the presidency, the interests of the business community will be served and nothing much will change for the majority of Americans.
How do you feel about punk as a political movement? It’s evident from PunkVoter.com to the Rock against Bush compilations that a lot of bands are trying to rally the scene of late to get involved with voting and the democratic system, but how effective do you feel these efforts have been?
"Where are the anti-war voices? Where are the liberal professors, scholars, activists and celebrities?"
I don’t know how effective they’ve been. I know that they are reaching a massive amount of people so I think there’s reason to be optimistic. There has been such a climate of apathy surrounding the electoral process in this country; especially for young potential voters. We have either been marginalized into non-participation by the corporate-owned media or bullied into voting against what we hate instead of for what we want. I think it’s definitely time for us to be heard. Our system is far from perfect but it works well enough if we participate. I would encourage anyone in the punk/hardcore scene to become active politically and, at the very least, register to vote and show up!
The issue of GLBT rights has been a hot topic this year and will surely be discussed in the upcoming presidential debates. At the same time, with the ongoing problems in Iraq and Afghanistan, do you feel that this issue should be given as much attention as it currently is, or should it be dealt with after resolving the situation overseas?
Well what does it matter really? I mean, the two parties will do the same dance of “debate” around gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered issues as they will be doing with the war. From what I can see and hear, John Kerry isn’t offering any different take on this issue than the current administration. Rich people fear change. Allowing gay or lesbian partners full married benefits is change. Thus, neither party will allow this to happen; the greens have been pro-gay and lesbian marriage forever as well as anti-war since day one.
You’ve been critical of the way the mainstream media editorializes the news and indoctrinates audiences with fear, how do you feel third party news sources can be better delivered to the masses that are largely marginalized by a lack of more accurate information?
It’s a real challenge for the American people to be exposed to anything other than the corporate doctrine. The mainstream TV stations are all owned and operated by an increasingly small group of conservative elites who have no problem bringing all the instruments of communication to bear to ensure that things don’t change. There are “third party news sources” besides the internet (such as Amy Goodman’s radio program “Democracy Now!”) but they are hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned. Any change at this point is going to be slow and difficult; definitely a grassroots type of struggle but I think it can work. We need to challenge the conventional view that televised news is actually “news” when it has in fact become little more than paid advertising for the conservative agenda. Watch an average chunk of MSNBC someday. Where are the anti-war voices? Where are the liberal professors, scholars, activists and celebrities? These “news” programs have become little more than a one-sided forum where two or more bush apologists disguised as anchors or hosts (Pat Buchanan, Bill o’ Reilly, Chris Mathews, Joe Scarborough, etc.) take turns spitting out the conservative doctrinal stream unopposed or challenged. There is no debate, no discourse. It is a fixed race and the most appalling thing about it is that those are our airwaves - built at public expense yet now hijacked by the conservative ruling class and turned against us.
You’ve been vegan for some time now, what prompted you to make the shift to vegetarianism and ultimately to vegan lifestyle? What advice would you give to someone who is cognizant of the reality of factory farming but whose entire life’s dietary style has been centered on consumption of animal products?
Well, it’s a lot easier to be vegan now than 10 years ago for sure. Awareness had definitely grown - I mean, we had a congressman running for president (Dennis Kucinich) who is vegan! My suggestion would be to read Diet for a New America by John Robbins. It’s the book that changed my life and I think every American ought to read it - even if they want to continue with the meat and dairy afterward. It really isn’t that difficult to make the change from meat - based diet to vegan. Check out PETA’s website or peta2. Read, form an opinion and then take action. I am not against meat - eating in general; I’m against ignorance and the system which feeds us poison and lies from the time we are in elementary school.
How have you dealt with negativity directed towards your straightedge and vegan lifestyle?
"Well, it's a lot easier to be vegan now than 10 years ago for sure."
I haven’t had too much negativity actually. I believe that my attitude is the key. I don’t want to be self-righteous or come at people from some imagined moral hilltop. Live and let live is kind of my thing. I don’t tell anybody they’re wrong. It’s not my place. If people ask me about my beliefs or lifestyle I am happy to tell them but I don’t go around preaching to anyone.
From a music standpoint, how are things different for you with Only Crime as opposed to Good Riddance? Does being involved with a new musical project revitalize you in any way? Do you have different objectives with each band?
This has definitely been a revitalizing experience for me. I am excited about music, about touring and about the dynamic intimacy of being in a band with 4 other guys. This band is much more focused than anything I’ve ever done before. We all are entering into this situation with years and years of valuable band experience at our disposal and we are very conscious of the rare opportunity we’ve been given. I don’t want to take any of this for granted.
Punk rock has been introduced and influenced by a mainstream audience in recent times, where do you see the scene heading in the next several years?
Hopefully back underground and off the radar of the culture industry.
What do you think are some of the essential hardcore punk albums that today’s audience should give a listen to? Did listening to any of these growing up have an influence on you being a politically motivated songwriter?
Hahaha oh man. My political leanings are a direct result of listening to: Dead Kennedys (primarily “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables,”"Plastic Surgery Disasters” and “In God We Trust”), the Crucifucks and Crass. as far as essential listening: Black Flag “Damaged,”"Everything Went Black” and “Slip it In,” Adolescents, T.S.O.L. “Dance With Me,” Bad Religion “Suffer,” Social Distortion “Mommy’s Little Monster,”Social Unrest “Rat in a Maze,” The Gits “Frenching the Bullie,” Bikini Kill, Gorilla Biscuits “Start Today.”
What do you find more distressing, violence in the hardcore scene or violence in professional hockey?
Violence in the hardcore scene. Hardcore, to me, has always had an ideal of implied violence but with a positive aesthetic always underlying everything. When I see our scene degenerating into schoolyard, territorial pissing contests it disgusts me. Hockey is inherently violent but beautiful at the same time. At least to me.
What genres of music or artists are you into outside of punk?
Some bands I am really into that might surprise some people are the Pogues, the Psychadelic Furs, Old 97’s and the Sisters of Mercy.
Any parting words or advice?
