Watch The Smart Studios Story

The Smart Studios Story is a lively and inspiring documentary that chronicles the rise and fall of one of America's most innovative and influential recording studios. Directed by Wendy Schneider and co-produced by musicians Dave Grohl and Butch Vig, the film provides a comprehensive overview of the studio's evolution, from its humble beginnings as a DIY space in downtown Madison, Wisconsin in the early 1980s, to its heyday as a top-tier destination for alternative rock and grunge bands in the 1990s.

One of the key strengths of the movie is its ability to vividly capture the creative energy and camaraderie that fueled the Smart Studios scene. Through a dynamic combination of vintage footage, interviews with producers, musicians, and fans, and thoughtful narration, Schneider brings to life the grit, sweat, and soul of a DIY community that dared to experiment and push boundaries in a fiercely competitive and ever-changing industry.

Central to the Smart Studios Story is the partnership between Vig and fellow producer and engineer Steve Marker. Drawing on their shared passion for music and technology, the two friends built a soundproofed recording space in a former grocery store, and quickly developed a reputation for their innovative recording techniques and commitment to nurturing local talent. As the film shows, many iconic albums and songs of the era - including Nirvana's Nevermind, Smashing Pumpkins' Gish, and Garbage's Version 2.0 - owe their distinctive sound and style to the magic that emerged from the Smart Studios control room.

The Smart Studios Story also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the studio's success. Along with studio regulars like Killdozer, Die Kreuzen, and Tad, the film features interviews and performances by some of the biggest names in alternative rock, including Dave Grohl (who honed his skills as a drummer on Nirvana's Bleach album at Smart), Shirley Manson (the lead singer of Garbage), and Billy Corgan (the frontman for Smashing Pumpkins). Through their stories and memories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role of Smart Studios in shaping the sound and ethos of a generation of musicians.

Throughout the documentary, Schneider also tackles head-on some of the challenges and obstacles that threaten the studio's survival. These include the rise of digital recording technology, the consolidation of major labels, and the changing tastes and priorities of music listeners. Yet rather than dwelling on these setbacks, The Smart Studios Story celebrates the resilience and adaptability of the Smart Studios family. With humor, humility, and a clear-eyed vision for the future, they have continued to make music that matters, and to inspire others to do the same.

In sum, The Smart Studios Story is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history and culture of alternative rock, the role of technology in music production, and the power of creativity and collaboration to transform lives and communities. Schneider, Grohl, Vig, and their team have crafted a lively, engaging, and thoughtful work that pays tribute not only to the legacy of Smart Studios, but to the enduring spirit of DIY music-making that continues to thrive around the world.

The Smart Studios Story is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.