ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND Frank and Lisa Mauceri’s label may be named Smog Veil, but their eco initiatives, such as their green roof, help alleviate pollution.

Photo: Saverio Truglia

TOP DOGS Chicago’s established indie labels
RISING THREAT Smog Veil Records

Don’t be tricked by the name: This past year, Smog Veil Records has been a breath of fresh air for the local music industry. Owners Frank and Lisa Mauceri are still under-the-radar newbies on the Chicago scene, moving their punk-driven label from Cleveland because of our city’s green initiatives. But they’ve quickly one-upped every established label in town with their new digs, transforming the Wis Tavern Building in Bucktown into a state-of-the-art home/work headquarters that runs on wind turbines and solar power (perhaps the most creative touch is the flooring, which is partially made of crushed vinyl records). Unlike many local labels, most of Smog Veil’s releases are available digitally (eliminating packaging waste), with more on the way this spring, and the label’s CDs eschew the usual plastic jewel cases in favor of recycled paperboard printed with soy-based ink. While all this effort is mostly altruistic, it’s also good for the label’s bottom line. “Profit margins on digital releases are much greater,” Frank tells us. Even better, the pair has inspired others in town to follow suit. “A number of Chicago labels have contacted us in the last year asking what things they could implement within their business to make it greener,” Frank says.