Branden Steineckert is an American drummer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and a rare connective figure between 2000s post-hardcore and modern punk rock. Best known today as the drummer of Rancid, Steineckert first made his mark as a founding member and original drummer of The Used, helping shape the band’s early sound, identity, and breakthrough era. His work appears on the band’s self-titled debut, Maybe Memories, and In Love and Death, releases that went on to become platinum-certified touchstones for a generation of emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock fans. After The Used, Branden joined Rancid, stepping into one of punk rock’s most respected institutions and continuing a career built on endurance, reinvention, and underground credibility. Beyond the stage, he has worked across production, songwriting, directing, brand-building, and sports culture, including Ghost Pickleball and his role as the creator of Real Salt Lake’s anthem “Believe.” In this episode of The Akiva Abstract, Branden joins Akiva Alpert for a conversation about The Used, Rancid, punk rock, survival, sobriety, reinvention, band dynamics, creative independence, and what it takes to keep building a life in music after decades in the scene. Follow Branden Steineckert: @brandensteineckert Follow Rancid: @rancid Follow Ghost Pickleball: @ghostpickleball The Akiva Abstract Sponsors: BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert, 10% off your first month Muse: https://shorturl.at/wHKU9, use code AKIVAALPERT for 15% off your order Ryze: https://get.aspr.app/SH1mo6, use code AKIVAALPERT15 for 15% off your order Ember: https://ember.com/ Eargasm Earplugs: use code AKIVA10 for 10% off your order Prophets of AI: https://prophetsofai.com/ NordVPN: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id… Mint Mobile: https://trymintmobile.com/akiva
