Will Schollar on SoundBetter

‘Serve the song’.

Will Schollar is a producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto, Canada with over a decade of experience in the music industry. His holistic approach to recording and production makes him a true hands-on studio chameleon. Described as having ears and experience beyond his years, Will is known for capturing real performances and helping artists be truly authentic. His production style is a seamless blend of cinematic flair and organic sensibility, creating immersive sonic landscapes that resonate with listeners.

Originally from Manchester, U.K., Will's journey began with a deep dive into music, studying Guitar at the U.K’s prestigious Leeds Conservatoire. Graduating with first-class honors BA (Hons) in Music in 2014. Will works out of Kensington Sound recording studios and his personal studio in Toronto. Will's diverse credit list speaks volumes about his talent and versatility (as recording engineer, performer and producer), industry professionals include Snoop Dogg, Ben Pelchat (mymysugar, Chris Hart, Boy George), Vezi Tayyeb (Alannah Myles, The Drifters), Jaymz Bee, Robert Priest, Jordan John, Shannon Dooks, Raff Pylon, Jeff McMurrich, Rosanne Baker Thornley, Mikalyn Hay, Trevor LaRose, Kevin Fox, Mark Kelso, Lyric Dubee, Peter Drucker and many more.

Visit Will's Instagram @Willschollar for more on recent projects and a closer glimpse into his process.

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Credits

4 Reviews

Endorse Will Schollar

by Johnny Barr
Will Scholar is easily one of the most talented and hardworking musicians I know. I had the pleasure of working with him on an album I recorded a few years ago.

Initially Will was brought into the project as a lead guitarist. But I quickly realised that Will offered much more than that. His input musically to the arrangements were impressive to say the least. Furthermore, his dedication to the project was outstanding. You would be missing out on working with an excellent guitarist/producer/ all round musician by saying no to Will... Don't be an idiot!
by Amir Brandon
Will has a great sensibility of modern production. His musical arrangements show attention to detail and respect the artist's vision. He has extensive experience in a variety of styles and makes sure to maintain the integrity of each song while offering his own personal touch. I know from experience that he's easy to work with, maintains great communication and shows the utmost care for every project he works on.
by Mikalyn Hay
Will was super fun to work with. He took the raw vocals and harmonies and basic guitar track and turned the track on its head while still retaining the raw emotion of the song. I could not be happier with the finished song. He also did a radio edit for me and was super quick with the turnaround. I will work with Will again. He has great insight and ideas that really brought my song to life. Here is a link to the finished song - remember all I gave Will was vocals and guitar. https://youtu.be/KlfLHP00L5c
by Rosanne Baker Thornley
Will has what any great producer has, an intuitive sense for each song that he takes on. He creates and builds a unique production path for each song, project, or artist that truly reflects the overall project objectives, incorporating sounds and nuances that make for a stellar track. Beyond his strength as a producer - he is a seriously gifted guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. The level of passion he brings to each project coupled with his level-headed professionalism and accountable business sense make each project we on work on, successful ventures. And I look forward to more of that :)

Interview with Will Schollar

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently working on Shannon Dook's new album. As well as that I'm also producing a a really fun funk/rock album that has raw Red Hot Chilli Peppers energy for a band.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creating amazing sounding recordings.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Professionally since I left University in 2015, but I started playing Guitar seriously at around 8 years old, and then production has been my nerd obsession since I was 11 years old back when I was playing around on Reason 2.0! School ultimately shaped the path for me, then going onto work in studios and as a freelance musician. As a producer I've been officially doing it since 2011, initially the band I was in no one wanted to document any rehearsals or demos. Which then that turn into me arranging tracks and producing songs for other people since then.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There is so many to think of but top of mind I would have to say for songwriting and general production Jack Antonoff, Justin Vernon inspire me. I also get inspired by other artist producers types like Andy Shauf or Mac Demarco. Their approach to capturing the vibe of a live performance is reason I do this as my job. I also love the legends like Glyn Johns, Rick Rubin and Sir George Martin for that as well.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Creative exploration being at the heart of everything and just generally being a fun person.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: In terms of legends, Stevie Wonder is up there, and he's probably one of the most insane performers and vocalists I've ever heard. In terms of current artists, Madison Cunningham would be really amazing just because of all the Guitars and musicianship.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Production is reduction. Sometimes addition isn't always your best friend. Try taking things away more often than not.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, Rock, Singer-songwriter however I'm able to cross genres as a I play Guitar in most styles.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skills is being able to decipher what is needed in a song. Along with musicianship skills that add depth to your project, for example tracking multiple instruments, adding to musical arrangements where needed. I've always been a recording engineer, so I have an extensive knowledge of recording and treat it like a science. Scrutinizing mic choice, placement, pre amp choice and the hardware chain. I can record and create what you need.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A sensitive approach to what is needed in any project should be the first thing on any good producers mind. For me I feel it's important to bring out those moments in a production or a performance.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Consultation call first to talk about the project, reference materials also help. Files can be sent remotely (I use google drive). Generally I can either work through Listento, or I can work remotely to then send final files at the end (I'm easy going). Email is my main communication source.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work out of two studio spaces, my B studio as well as Kensington Sound. For more see the gear list https://kensingtonsound.studio/#equipment as it's too long! Vintage and new gear alike, wide range of new and vintage mics (Neumanns, AKG, Peluso etc) and outboard gear. B Studio Setup: Computer: Custom Audio Workstation running Logic mainly. Monitoring: Focal Alpha 60, Avantone Mix Cubes, PreSonus Monitor Station V2, Beyerdynamic DT770 Microphones/DI: Shure SM7B, RODE NT2A, AKG C314, Oktava MK-012-01 Matched Stereo Pair, Shure Beta58, DIYRecording Microphone "Cloud Lifter" clone, Palmer Passive DI, DIYRecording Reamp Box. PreAmp: Apollo8p (various UAD unison plugins available from Manley, SSL, Neve). Outboard Pedals: Eventide Space, Strymon Timeline, Strymon Iridium, Ibanez TS808, Line6 Hx Effects Plugins: Various Waves and UAD plugins, Soundtoys 5, Native Instruments Komplete, Valhalla, iZotope and many more. Guitars: Suhr Classic S Antique, Custom Jazzmaster, Gretsch Jet Baritone, Fender USA Standard Telecaster, Guild Western OM, Martin 000M, Taylor 314ce, Martin OM-EC, Squire Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass, Redwood Concert Ukulele. Keyboards/Controllers: Young Chang Baby Grand Piano, StudioLogic SL88 Grand MIDI Controller, Maschine MKIII, I also work out of Kensington Sound in Toronto Canada. For the gear and instrument list please visit https://kensingtonsound.studio/
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I like to engineer and track my own live instruments for my productions, and that tends to be the most common type of work for me. Anywhere from Guitars, Bass, Drums and Keys. There are other programmed elements as well depending on what's needed.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Are you okay with using Google Drive?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Strymon Timeline. My Custom made Jazzmaster. Fender twin. Mac Book Pro. UAD Apollo.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Best of each world. Although analog sounds amazing, digital wins for recall. I just take lots of photos of everything as I'm working just in case we need to reprint something.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Clear communication, attention to detail.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: MORE REVERB!
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Find someone who is willing to work towards your end goal. Make sure the producer once finished gives you all the stems, project files and mixes.