Rust Nashville was a recording company founded by Ken Cooper in 1998, originally to promote his band Vertigogo.
Shortly after the release of Sinomatic's debut album however, the band fell apart in early 2002 and was subsequently dropped by their label.
The first release on the label was a rock band called Dear Violet, once again with Ken Cooper as the frontman.
VP of Operations Keith Simmerer was brought on board, and proved to be the only other person to stay with the company over the course of its run.
Starting with the alternative rock group Cherry Monroe, Rust became a Universal Imprint and was among the first labels to sign a deal with the then new Fontana Distribution company.