Sönke Reich

Exquisite grooves from Berlin

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6 Reviews (2 Verified)
Sönke Reich on SoundBetter

Platinum decorated studio drummer - Alice Merton, Jonathan McReynolds, Tinie Tempah, KOZ, Mogli, BAP, Jupiter Jones

From my remote studio I've produced complete drum arrangements for Grammy nominated recordings, recordings I've drummed on have gone multi-platinum, one diamond single. I'm always looking for the perfect sound and emotion with just vintage drums (with 6 very different sounding kits and dozens of great snares) and the whole percussion spectrum. The only thing you have to do is send me your track as mp3 without drums. If you already have an idea, please send me the programmed drum track separately so that I can get a clear idea of ​​your vision. Let's also talk about tracks that could be an aesthetic or sonic reference.
You can also join the recording and collaborate with me via stream.
My recording setup focuses on boutique preamps (BAE, API, Neve, Daking) and mics, great drums and a versatile recording room.
You get dry sounding and healthy drumstems. In addition, I would be happy to deliver a drum mix according to your taste. I look forward to the cooperation!

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

6 Reviews

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  1. Review by Ralph '.
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    What more can I say that others haven't said already. It was such a joy working with Sönke. When he said down to record somehow he knew exactly what sound I was looking for and nailed it 1st time around.

  2. Review by Felix S.
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    Sönke and Tim were great to work with. Excellent sounding room, drum sounds and engineering, beautiful playing, and good communication. Really good sense of what the song needed creatively but also willing and able to play parts 'as written' when needed. Highly recommend.

  3. Review by Marius Goldhammer
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    Sönke is one of Germany's top drummers and one of the most musical guys I've ever worked with. I've played with him on several tours and some of the biggest stages over here. We've also played together on a #1 hit-live-album that wasn't edited at all. There are not a lot of musicians that are able to do that. If you need great sounding, grooving drums, Sönke is the man!

  4. Review by Björn Werra
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    Sönke Reich is a fantastic drummer and wonderful person! Great sound, feel, perfect drum balance plus very sensitive ears for a song! His feeling is always on the point! I was lucky to do many tours and studio sesions with him and it was always the highest pleasure to work with!

  5. Review by Julian
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    by Julian

    Sönke is easily one of the top 5 drummers in Germany.
    I've worked with him on multiple productions and it keeps being a pleasure to watch and hear him play. He has mastered the art of drum sound and will deliver you anything you ask for. On top, there's a steady, no-questions-asked drum-groove, explosive but tasteful drum fills, and a great guy to communicate with. No wonder he has played for so many famous German artists. I'm amazed!

  6. Review by Axel's Woodwindroom
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    I worked with Sönke both touring live as well as recording drums in studio in pop & rock productions. His drumming is outstanding and he has a good energetic vibe, a very quick song reception and a wonderful "meaty" drumsound.

Interview with Sönke Reich

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I love the album "Alles Fliesst" by my band "BAP". We all put our hearts and souls into this album and it entered the charts at #1. So it was worth all the sweat and tears.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I'm currently working with Alice Merton and Mogli, two extremely talented musicians. I'm also preparing for live shows with BAP, Stoppok and Cologne.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: I know Björn Werra, a great bassist from Germany who is also listed on Soundbetter. He's definitely one of the three best bass players in Germany and has given every song that special sauce. And he's super nice too.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: I love the combination of both. But what I find most interesting is recreating electronic drum sounds with real, home-made percussion instruments.

  9. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  10. A: We don't stop until you are satisfied.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: That in studio work you can freeze the perfect moment forever and make emotions audible.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: "Can you also record percussion?" Yes I can. :-))

  15. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  16. A: It is a hobby.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: My customers often tell me exactly how they imagine the drums to be. Then I'm interested in references, in terms of both sound and style. I also like to ask what creative leeway I have.

  19. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  20. A: Be direct and honest. I want to please you, you should then love the drums that we record for your song. And in order for us to do that, I need your feedback.

  21. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  22. A: Kick, snare, hihat, sticks. And a proper seat :-).

  23. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  24. A: I started drumming when I was six years old. My uncle led a big band, which is why I only played in big bands until I was 18. After that I got the chance to study drums at a university for pop music, the Popakademie in Mannheim. During this period I discovered my passion for studio recording.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: I would say that I have an earthy sound and i always want to groove. No matter what I do, it has to serve the song - I'm completely with my role model Jim Keltner. I like to listen to others and play dynamically and I love searching for the perfect sound to a song.

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: Rufus Wainwright. His music touches my heart and he is getting better with every record. Also, I'm a big Kendrick Lamar fan. He has deep output on all musical and content levels. It would certainly be an extraordinary experience to drum for him.

  29. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  30. A: The Berlin sound is currently in high demand: short, deep snare, tight, driving drums and cool grooves. At the same time, I play in a successful German band with a slight Americana and folk influence. There were years when I was only asked for hip-hop acts. Overall, I am said to have an urban sound.

  31. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  32. A: My greatest strength is that I am at home in many different styles, but always with my own touch.

  33. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  34. A: I always try to capture the essence and central emotion of a song and amplify it with my drums.

  35. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  36. A: I love Coles 4038 Mics as Overheads. also I use BAE-Preamps and Daking-Preamps for Room-Signals, Kick and Snare. The rest goes through Apollo soundcards. We record with Logic as a daw and invite anyone interested via audiomovers to join the recording-session with a live-stream.

  37. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  38. A: Always be humble towards the song.

  39. Q: What's your typical work process?

  40. A: I will first find the sound and groove that you wanted for your production. Only after you really are committed to my interpretation I will start with the recording. I'd prefer having you live on the session via live broadcast. I will provide you with a link to my session.

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: I deeply believe in the idea, that you can transport emotions with drums. I love listening to drummers like Matt Chamberlain, Jim Keltner, Joey Waronker or Jay Bellerose that are absolute masters in this very special part of the profession. Getting into the right mood is really an important part of the process.

  43. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  44. A: I always concentrate on style, groove and sound. The things I care for the most are the best drums I can offer for the track and to really feel what the singer/producer/songwriter wants to tell with his song and the style of the track.

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I was the drummer in this production

Terms Of Service

let's discuss your needs and we will find an agreement :-)

GenresSounds Like
  • Khruangbin
  • John Mayer
  • Adele
Gear Highlights
  • Ludwig Classic Drumset
  • BAE Preamp
  • Telefunken Preamp
  • Slingerland Rolling Bomber Drumset
  • Gretsch RB
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

I will offer album deals of course :-)

  • new release: Alice Merton - VertigoAug 10, 2021

    I played drums on this latest release from Alice Merton. KOZ produced this track (Dua Lipa). I am a big fan of Alice! Vertigo on Spotify