Russ Rankin

Russ Rankin (born May 25, 1968^[1]) is an American singer from Santa Cruz, California. He has recorded and played in such notable bands as Good Riddance and Only Crime.

Musical biography

Russ Rankin is the lead vocalist for melodic hardcore band Only Crime, Creep Division, and punk rock band Good Riddance. Both bands were signed to Fat Wreck Chords until Good Riddance announced their breakup on April 3, 2007. However, as of February 2012, Good Riddance has reformed.^[2] Rankin was also a member of Fury 66 and State of Grace. He has also lent his voice to songs by Rise Against, Ensign, Comeback Kid. Additionally, Rankin spends time producing bands.^[3] Most recently, he performed a cover of the Johnny Cash song "Walk the Line" for a punk rock tribute album entitled All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash. Rankin appeared in the independent documentary, Meditate and Destroy, that focuses on Dharma Punx author Noah Levine. Along with his band Good Riddance, they can be seen in the film performing at the Catalyst club in Santa Cruz, California. In 2012, Rankin released his debut solo album "Farewell Catalonia" on Paper + Plastik Records.

Lifestyle

Rankin is a member of PETA and leads a straight edge and vegan lifestyle. Rankin holds the position of California/Western United States Regional Scout for the Tri City Americans, a hockey team that competes in the Western Hockey League. Rankin held the same position with the Kootenay Ice from 2007-2012, and was on staff when Kootenay won the WHL Championship in 2011.

According to author Noah Levine, Rankin "spends most of his time these days touring internationally and spreading political and spiritual awareness through his lyrics."^[4]

He has contributed writing to magazines such as AMP, New Noise, Alternative Press, and Razorcake, as well as penning numerous op/eds appearing in other publications.

Discography

• Farewell Catalonia (2012)

Compilation appearances

• All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash (2008)
  • Includes "I Walk the Line"
• Untitled 21: A Juvenile Tribute To Swingin' Utters (2010)
  • Includes "Beached Sailor"
• Respect Your Roots Worldwide (2013)
  • Includes "I Am On Fire"
• The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute (2013)
  • Digital version includes "Via Munich"

With State of Grace

• Demo (1992)

With Good Riddance

With Fury 66

• Demo (1994)
• American Clown EP (1994)

With Creep Division

• Creep Division (2000)

With Only Crime

• To the Nines (2004)
• Virulence (2007)
• Only Crime and Outbreak EP (2007)
• Pursuance (2014)

Guest appearances

• Rise Against – The Unraveling (2001)
  • Additional backing vocals
• Ensign – The Price of Progression (2001)
  • Vocals on "Foot in Mouth as an Artform "
• Comeback Kid – Wake the Dead (2005)
  • Additional vocals on "Our Distance"
• Bullet Treatment – Designated Vol. 1 (2009)
  • Vocals on "Win the Day"

References