It was set up in 1983 by Butch Vig and Steve Marker to produce local bands.

The studio produced bands such as Killdozer, The Smashing Pumpkins, L7, Tad, and Nirvana.

After initial production and remix successes, the building became the focus of operations for Vig and Marker's own band, Garbage, who released their debut album in 1995.

[2] In September 2013, producer and musician Brian Liston re-opened the former Smart Studios facility as Clutch Sound.

[3] In 2012, the Wisconsin Historical Museum assembled an exhibit on the studio, Smart Sounds, Alt Music, Mad Scenes.