Yet this little indie studio in Madison, Wisconsin became not only the hub of the Midwest music scene, but a driving force of alternative rock worldwide. The sounds that sprang out of Smart Studios, established in 1982 by Butch Vig and Steve Marker, still influence music to this day.
The story in this feature-length documentary is told through never-before-seen archival footage and by the legendary artists who recorded there and interviews with Dave Grohl (Nirvana), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Shirley Manson (Garbage), Donita Sparks (L7), Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) and many more.
If youâve ever been touched by the music of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, L7, Death Cab For Cutie (among many, many others), youâve been touched by the music created at Smart Studios The post-70âs explosion of independent music in America has many traceable roots, each with a compelling story. This is one of the most significant stories that has never been told until now.