The Story Behind Nirvana's Era-Defining Anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," As Told by Producer Butch Vig

Some songs are songs and some songs are bangers. Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit was lightening in a bottle. It propelled Nevermind to the top of several album charts at the start of 1992 and was an event that is often marked as the point when grunge entered the mainstream. To tell the tale behind the song, we speak to songwriter, super record producer, drummer and co-producer of the alternative rock band Garbage, Butch Vig. 

Butch recounts how he went from recording indie bands in Madison, Wisconsin to a fateful recording session with Nirvana that resulted in a mix tape that sparked a bidding war with major labels fighting to sign Nirvana. Then, he tells how he was called back to recreate that magic for Nevermind and how he translated Nirvana’s epic live sound into an epic album and, of course, the monumental Smells Like Teen Spirit. 

Then, Butch discusses his recent project with Silversun Pickups and Garbage. 

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