Will Hansen

Pedal Steel/Guitar/Writing

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4 Reviews
Will Hansen on SoundBetter

Multi-instrumentalist (pedal steel, lap steel, guitars, etc) that exists to serve the song. I love leaving tasteful space just as much as I do soloing. Equally comfortable with more traditional genres/playing styles & pushing the bounds of genre/instrumentation with meaningful experimentation. Being in your songworld is a privilege.

From warm ambience to vibrant melodic hooks to sharp solos, I am here to serve your song. I've worked with many artists in the indie, folk, country, hip-hop, jazz, psych, & experimental realms & always play my best "chameleon" role to blend into the song, elevating it as elegantly & purposefully as possible.

I am also a producer whose often called by artists who are looking to take their songs to more atmospheric, experimental territories. There's a good chance that, in addition to pedal steel/lap steel/guitar overdubs, I might send you a stem or two of subtle textures/experiments (e.g., a timely reverb tank blast or field-recorded wind) that I feel could also serve the song (free of charge, only for the sake of experiment & the joy of getting to create with you).

Lastly, if you find yourself searching for the right words to match the mood & need a songwriting spark I would love to help. You can find my songs through the project Old Pup. I love writing darkly humorous & densely lyrical songs as much as I love concise one-liners. "Old Pup is Rosetta-Stoned" - Chris Acker.

Artists I've had the pleasure to work with over the past year include: Joseph Huber, Johanna Rose, Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band, Sleepy Gaucho, Ladybird, King Courteen, Ellie Jackson, Luke Callen, Fellow Kinsman, BenBen, Maximiano, Duwayne, Queen Quail, MATTHÚ, Riotnine & more.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

4 Reviews

Endorse Will Hansen
  1. Review by Jimmy
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    by Jimmy

    Will is top notch. I’ve always known him to be a talented musician (might be the best pedal steel, lap steel, and standard guitarist I know), but his dedication to songs is what sets him apart. I work with Will because I know that he isn’t out to put himself under the spotlight; rather, his performances are always in service to what the song needs.

    Your music is in good hands if you work with Will.

  2. Review by Duwayne
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    by Duwayne

    Will is an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist. I’ve found that he has a natural knack/feel for tasteful melodies and compliments to most any arrangement. In addition to being very friendly and easy to work with, Will’s work ethic and versatility have inspired my unwavering confidence in whatever product he produces. Recording quality is always great and requests have always been fulfilled in a timely manner. He’s truly a rare talent and I’d recommend him to anyone!

  3. Review by MATTHÚ
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    by MATTHÚ

    Will is a gem! He’s my go-to when I need lap steel on any of my tracks. His additions to my songs have been transformational and always have a way of taking the song up to a new level. Not only were the options he sent over accurate to what I was looking for, but he delivered them quickly and with so many great parts to choose from! I trust Will to knock it out of the park every time!

  4. Review by Pete McDermott
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    by Pete McDermott

    I give Will the highest praise I can give a steel player. He knows exactly where to take a lead, where to be complimentary, and when to let someone else shine. Aside from being incredibly talented at any instrument he picks up, I also place great value on his creative nature. I always appreciate his suggestions for direction in songs, and he never lets ego get in the way if you disagree. Can’t recommend working with Will enough.

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I was the pedal steel guitarist in this production

Terms Of Service

Revisions until you are happy! Usually 3 days or less for turnaround. If I am out of town & it will be longer than that, I will communicate.

GenresSounds Like
  • Neil Young
  • Big Thief
  • The Deslondes
Gear Highlights
  • Steinberg UR RT4 with Neve Transformers
  • LA 2A compressor clone
  • Fender Deluxe Reverb
  • 70's Sho-Bud Maverick Pedal Steel
  • Supro Lap Steel
  • '61 Guild Starfire III
  • RCA KB-2
  • Stager SN2
  • Uher 537 (similar to MD421)
  • Shure SM 56/57
  • U87 clone
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