How Madison’s Smart Studios Shaped Indie Rock
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.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 18th episode:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Madison
How often are you out in nature in Madison? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban se...
Goodman Foundation Runs Dry, Fitchburg Looks for Flock Alternatives, and Will UW Freeze Tuition?
After donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month....
Ukraine Fest, Queer Dance Floors, and a Trip to the Public Market
Madison’s fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian re...
Track F-35 Noise in Real Time
Have you been hearing F-35 jets flying overhead late into the night? For the last two weeks, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been co...
FTC Investigates Epic, Willy St. Businesses Struggle, and Madison Reddit Solves a Mystery
Are you struggling to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant this week? You’re probably experiencing the influx of people who are in M...
Indigenous Art Across Madison, Wonder Bar’s Future, and Your Hot Takes
The new Teejop Community Art Project is a citywide series of temporary art installations by seven Indigenous artists honoring Madison’s I...
Primary Results Explained, Ruiz Laid to Rest, and Preview of Men’s Shelter
Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City...
Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants
Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it’s a b...
Winners and Losers of the August 2026 Primary
Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter...
New Info on Ruiz Shooting, Blood Donation Shortage, and Madison Black Restaurant Week
For the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropp...