Drawing on in-depth-interviews with musicians and producers, never-before-seen archival footage and a ripping-hot soundtrack, American Noise: The Smart Studios Story tells the story of the pivotal Midwest link to the global rise of Alternative Rock in the 1990's and the unassuming Madison Wisconsin recording studio at its center. The post-70's explosion of independent music in America has many traceable roots, each with a compelling story. This is one of the most significant stories has never been told until now. If you've ever been touched by the music of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, L7, Death Cab For Cutie (among many, many others), you've been touched by the music created at Smart Studios, the legendary recording facility founded by Butch Vig and Steve Marker.