Vault Records

Vault Records was a record label created in 1963 by Jack Lewerke and Ralph Keffel. It is known for contributing to the popularity of surf rock with their first signed group, the Challengers and their debut album Surfbeat. The label's recordings were distributed through ATCO Records, until 1965 when distribution changed to the independent San Francisco record label, Autumn Records. When Autumn Records folded in 1966, Vault was given its entire music catalogue. As surf rock began to decline in popularity, the record label reissued some of its more obsure releases and signed psychedelic rock artists. However, by 1969, the label only managed to release two nationally charting singles, and Lewerke sold the company to National Tape Distributors of Milwaukee. In 1971, Lewerke repurchased Vault's master tapes and began reissuing material on JAS Records.