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May 18, 2026

How Madison’s Smart Studios Shaped Indie Rock

City Cast Madison

How Madison’s Smart Studios Shaped Indie Rock

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Did you know that Nirvana recorded demos for their breakthrough album “Nevermind” here in Madison? It’s true. They recorded with Butch Vig (of Garbage fame) in an unassuming red brick building  on East Washington Avenue. In the documentary film “The Smart Studios Story,” local filmmaker and former Smart Studio engineer Wendy Schneider shows just how influential the recording studio was on ‘90s alternative rock. Host Bianca Martin chats with Wendy about the film and the studio’s legacy. 

This episode originally aired on July 7, 2025.

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