Why Punk Rock Still Matters in 2026 | Russ Rankin Interview

OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE -- Russ Rankin of Good Riddance joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss the band's new album Before the World Caves In, political songwriting, punk rock activism, staying hopeful in difficult times, and whether punk music can still change minds in 2026. In this conversation, Russ reflects on nearly three decades of writing politically charged punk songs, balancing anger with hope, and the challenge of creating meaningful art without repeating yourself. We also discuss the role of punk rock as a social movement, how music can inspire political engagement, and why community matters more than ever. Russ also shares insights into the songwriting and recording process behind Before the World Caves In, working with Bill Stevenson, recording at The Blasting Room, and pushing Good Riddance creatively after all these years. Plus, we talk about punk's resurgence, activism beyond music, and some newer bands and artists that deserve your attention. Timestamps 00:03 Introducing Russ Rankin of Good Riddance 00:27 Writing political songs in 2026 02:10 How Russ avoids writing the same song twice 03:25 Leaving room for interpretation in songwriting 06:18 Do political songs hit harder when they're open-ended? 07:13 Can punk rock still change minds? 09:22 The impact punk had on a generation of fans 11:15 The challenge of politics in modern punk scenes 15:10 Avoiding burnout and cynicism 17:01 What Good Riddance did differently on Before the World Caves In 18:44 Looking back on Good Riddance's early records 21:16 Lessons learned from decades in the studio 23:01 Recording with Bill Stevenson and The Blasting Room 25:02 Pushing himself as a vocalist and songwriter 26:57 Is this Good Riddance's best work yet? 28:02 What Russ hopes fans take away from the album 29:04 Turning frustration into action 29:31 How fans can get involved in their communities 33:06 Why punk music feels relevant again 35:11 The future of punk rock and activism 35:40 Russ's underrated artist recommendations 36:58 Planet on a Chain, Loki & Kneecap recommendations 37:10 Final thoughts If you're a fan of Good Riddance, Rise Against, Propagandhi, Bad Religion, Strike Anywhere, Pennywise, NOFX, Fat Wreck Chords, melodic hardcore, skate punk, and political punk rock, this conversation is for you. #GoodRiddance #RussRankin #BeforeTheWorldCavesIn #PunkRock #MelodicHardcore #FatWreckChords #PoliticalPunk #OurSpace #MattVettese #HardcorePunk