Will Régnier on SoundBetter

I am a Canadian professional drummer offering high-quality drum tracks from my studio based in Montréal. I have worked with a wide spectrum of artists and producers in the past and I would love to collaborate on your project.

I was introduced to music at an early age and began experimenting in my dad’s home recording studio. My parents’ eclectic collection of albums gave me access to a wide range of musical genres, from progressive rock and jazz fusion to pop and world music.

I hold a master’s degree in Jazz Performance & Composition from Université de Montréal under the guidance of drummer Paul Brochu and pianist/composer John Roney.

I have worked as a freelance drummer on records, tours, and a variety of gigs with a range of Canadian artists including Gregory Charles, Marie-Chantal Toupin, the Orchestre Métropolitain, Alexandre Da Costa, John Roney, Mohamed Abozekry, and many more.

I would love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

8 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Will Régnier

by Keith
Verified
I am a return customer with Will. I knew that I would receive amazing drum tracks and did not need to look at any other drummers. My tracks were not your run of the mill pop songs. They needed attention to detail and Will BROUGHT IT! His technique is incredible and he can lift your track to another level.
by Jordan U.
Verified
Will's drum skills are top notch! He made the perfect addition to my song I was creating. Perfect!
by Keith
Verified
Will is an amazing drummer that will lift your track to a new level with his playing. His communication is great and knows when to turn it on and more importantly, just play the groove. I always enjoy working with him and will definitely use him in the future.
by Keith
Verified
Will was outstanding. Great playing that served the song and elevated it to next level. His drum tones were also great. He took the feedback I had and nailed it. I would definitely work again with him.
by shawn
Will Nailed the track from the first beat to the fading crash. he came up with amazing parts and was a pleasureto work with. If you need a PRO Drummer Will is your man
by Julien Vachon
Before collaborating with Will Régnier, I heard his playing on a few songs online and have seen him play live with the Montreal-based band HUIS. I was immediately impressed with how technical his playing is and absolutely wanted to collaborate with him since.

I’ve had the chance to hire him for a single I released in 2016. Not only did Will execute the parts masterfully, he significantly and single-handedly improved the song with his playing; and he did so in a single take!

https://julienvachon.bandcamp.com/track/model-2016-feat-william-regnier-2
by Simon Arsenault
Will did an amazing job on the second Innerspace album. He's efficient, has great ideas, knows is way around the studio and is very versatile. We worked fast and the final product ended up being awesome. He's easy to work with, gets what the songs need. I highly recommend him as a session drummer.
by mat
Expect the drum tracks that you think you need, but better. Far far better. Wether be on the production side, using high end boutique channel strips and mics, or nailing the right groove, the right fill, the right time feel for your project, this guy does it all and then some. Friendly dialog, and easy to work with, my time is never wasted when working with this guy. Fast delivery and easy to work with for modifications, or specific drum or percs. I've used this guy in super traditionnal jazz, all the way to odd meter prog metal productions. Your one stop guy for all your drumming needs.

Interview with Will Régnier

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it's easy. Even the simplest drum part needs good care and every song deserves my 100%.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I was introduced to music at an early age and began experimenting in my dad’s home recording studio. My parents’ eclectic collection of albums gave me access to a wide range of musical genres, from progressive rock and jazz fusion to pop and world music. I did a master's degree in music performance, arrangement and composition at the Université de Montréal. I have worked as a freelance musician since 2009.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: That's a tough question. I have so many different sources of inspiration. I try to approach the music freely and hope that it leads to something that sounds authentic.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Amazing drum parts with great audio quality.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Being creative.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: Can you record percussions along with the drum tracks? A: I am a drummer AND a percussionist. I have tons of percussion instruments at my studio. My goal is to produce a whole rhythm arrangement for you song so depending on what you want, I can provide live acoustics drums, programmed electronics and/or percussion.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are your expectations?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't rush your research. Take your time choosing the right people involved in your project.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Plot twist: I would just bring an acoustic guitar and sing songs.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Steven Wilson. Every record he does is so different and he always try to stretch boundaries. I really admire him.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I enjoy working on every genre.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Once I have adknowledged the client's requests, I listen to the music and figure out which production style would suit the music. This is important because it will influence every step of the recording. I then choose the right drums, cymbals, mics and mic placement. If I don't have any references like programmed drums or a chart, I will create a unique drum part. When I have a couple takes that I like, I send them to the client for feedback and we revise if necessary.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My setup is quite simple. I run my mics in Logic through my PreSonus Quantum 2626 audio interface. Some of the mics are processed in analog preamps/compressors and then converted with the PreSonus. I may use 3 to 12 mics depending on the genre and production style.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: The list is too long! I listen to a really wide spectrum of music and I guess everything we listen to is part of our musical DNA. I'm also very inspired by visual art, architecture, nature and books.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I am proud of the album "Story To Tell" by Canadian artist Thom Polychuck. It's a record released in 2018 that I have produced and played on.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I try to think as a producer instead of having just the drumming point of view. It keeps me aware of how the drums sits in the frequency range and the arrangement. I make sure that the part is interesting and elevates the other elements of the song.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am producing a record for a singer-songwriter from Montreal that should come out next year.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I would highly recommend Dimitri LeBel who is a producer and multi-instrumentalist from Montreal.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Each have their own advantages.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Judge with your ears, not with your eyes.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Being versatile while keeping a strong personality through every genre.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I collaborate with artists and producers by providing rhythm to a wide spectrum of musical contexts. This can take many forms, from simply replacing midi tracks with live drums to producing a whole rhythm arrangement with acoustics drums, programmed electronics, and percussion.