What's Happening?
Craig Ericson, the founder of Rise Records, has launched a new independent music label named Vaux Records. This marks Ericson's return to the music industry after selling Rise Records to BMG in 2015. Vaux Records, named after Portland's Vaux's swifts,
officially launched on May 15, 2026. The label has already signed artists such as CUNTROL and J NOIRE. Ericson's previous venture, Rise Records, was known for breaking artists like John Gourley of Portugal. The Man and Caleb Shomo of Beartooth. Under Ericson's leadership, Rise Records was a small operation with significant success, including a notable move in 2009 to make its entire catalog available for free streaming on YouTube, which helped grow its channel to over a million subscribers.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Vaux Records signifies a notable return for Craig Ericson to the music industry, potentially impacting the independent music scene. Ericson's previous success with Rise Records, which he sold for a substantial sum, suggests that Vaux Records could become a significant player in the industry. The label's early signings and Ericson's innovative approach to music distribution, as seen with Rise Records, could influence how new music is marketed and consumed. This development may also inspire other entrepreneurs in the music industry to explore new business models and distribution strategies.
What's Next?
With the official launch of Vaux Records, the next steps will likely involve the release of new music from its signed artists, CUNTROL and J NOIRE. The label's strategy and Ericson's approach to artist development and music distribution will be closely watched by industry insiders. Potential collaborations and partnerships with other music entities could also be on the horizon as Vaux Records establishes its presence in the market. The response from the music community and fans will be crucial in determining the label's initial success.
