Anika Nilles - "Alter Ego" [official video]

#anikanilles #drumming #nevell
If you seek to improve your drumming join me and learn through my course at: openmindeddrumming.com/anika-...
Website: www.anikanilles.com
**feel free to share**
Song written & produced by Anika Nilles
Guitars / Joachim Schneiss
Bass / Frank Itt
Synth & Wurlitzer / Nico Schnepf
Backing Vocals / Beatrice Thomas
Additional Keys Programming / Anika Nilles
Camera & Video Editing / Alexander Kuepper
Recorded and mixed by Joachim Schneiss @ Liner Studios
Label: Sakurai Records
www.anikanilles.com
www.liner-studios.com
Gear:
The Meinl cymbals which I use in the video are (from left to right):
Byzance 14" Traditional Heavy Hihat
Byzance 20" Extra Thin Ride (used as crash)
Byzance 6" Traditional Splash (on top)
Byzance 22" Vintage Pure Light Ride
Byzance 20" Extra Dry Thin Crash
Byzance 18" Jazz Extra Thin Crash (BOTTOM)
Byzance 18" Vintage Trash Crash (TOP)
Drums:
Mapex Orion
20x18 Bass Drum
10x8 RackTom
14x14 Floortom
16x16 Floortom
14x5,5 Snare Drum
Aquarian Drumheads
Rohema Percussion

[@anykmusic]

Here is my new Video "Alter Ego"....hope you will like it....have fun! *anika*

[@nomada52000]

Hi from dominican Republic.... marry me!!!!! :)

[@guitarralaraja]

Finally a real female drummer. Nice we are watching you're videos because of your skills. Rgards from Chile

U're really awesome :D

[@clyderobert817]

musicality, dynamics, groove 10/10 the best that i love is the finesse in your playing Anika .. finesse is so rare!:) I love the 0:41 also could you enlighten me how do you count it or like just the basic concept about it i think this song is in 8/8 so I count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and in line with the metronome...how do I count silently in my head to do the 0:41 in relative to the beat? thanks!! :)

[@jimmyrustler6254]

Good stuff +'d

[@shamilveliev8501]

It's just a masterpiece, your game, the game of a top-level professional, started listening and couldn't come off until the video ended. I really like all your compositions, but some of them are mind-blowing and immerse you in the depth of the composition so much that after listening you remain impressed and scroll through everything you heard in your head over and over again. Anika, thank you so much for your skill and gift to my ears and soul. You are the best!!! 🤘

[@Drumber_medines]

Eres unica y con un talento inigualable. La.mejor baterista. 🥁Una obra artística. 2024 sigo amando esta obra musical.

[@aaronledbetter7429]

8 year old video - and still holds strong. Love Anika / love the arrangement. 🤘🤘

[@anykmusic]

This friday there will be a post with a 10min video-interview where I talk about the making of Alter Ego, Drum Solos, and other drum related content. Stay in touch! Anika

[@JelathO]

Loved it, Liked it, Shared it, and subbed ! This is some serious good video content! I'm going to buy a cowbell right now ! #impressed

[@drumlife4442]

amazing sounds really great !!! and kit pamex is good as well !!!

[@whatsavailaible]

Keep the hard work up its clearly showing in your music

[@Quasibabe1]

Scary. And by that I mean that is some fine time you have there, young lady! No WAY could I ever have hoped to be this good. What was it Eastwood said in one of the Dirty Harry flicks? "A man's gotta know his limitations."? :) Thank you for making my day!

[@GerhardWolf049]

Bin schwer begeistert. Weiter so. Ein defintiv riesiges Talent. Freue mich schon auf neue Videos. Du hast definitiv den Groove. ;)

[@anykmusic]

Today is the day. I've released my first EP on iTunes. Included "ALTER EGO" as a drum less Version. You can easily purchase and download the tracks on Itunes and Amazon. Listen, enjoy it and hit the drums to the click-tracks. :-)

[@_Music_Never_Sleeps]

Where did you get those colorful cymbal cushions

[@anykmusic]

CheckUno Dos check that out: www.coloryourdrum.com

[@synthian8377]

I've had this song on my FB page for awhile and every week I come back to listen.. It's really well done, great grooves. Keep up the great work Anika.

[@liberamor01]

i bought it!! i never will be able to play that, but now i have the minus drum track. Thank you ;)

[@TheNormando73]

me encanta tu manera refinada para tocar.te amo!

[@Reeftanknology]

After watching several of Anika's videos (several times each), I am convinced that she will be the "female" drummer that will put an end to referring to drummers as male or female. She is one of the best drummers today............period.

[@ashimotoakai9599]

@@voltototo So what is she lacking to be considered one of the best drummers?

[@MrJoey5]

@@ashimotoakai9599 I have an opinion. Not that she is not good enough or smth. It's just that she is as good as the next guy/girl. The level of musicianship in the world is just so insanely high. She always can be one of the best in YOUR book, but not in the whole world. There are some completely insanely talented and dedicated ppl who are just like a chameleon - playing multiple styles very, very good, always reinvdnting themselves etc. What makes Anika special is that she specifically, in her practice, focuses on subdivisions that are less used, so that makes her more noticable. I agree that she is very, very good player. We each have our own critera by which we stand and differentiate good drummers from excellent so it's even pointless to debate hehe, but here i am.

[@ashimotoakai9599]

@@MrJoey5 No the problem I have with his explanation is that he's just saying: "Oh... This person isn't the best... that person isn't the best" but he doesn't put out an explanation as to why. I deeply believe that in order for people to communicate we need to be able to lay down explanations. I highly dislike people calling something good or bad for the sake of saying its good or bad. Or just because they have a certain something against another person. Not saying that the person above does, but I just would like to know why she wouldn't be considered one of the best in the world. In my opinion she is definitely world-class but I don't put her as best in the world. The best player in the world to me is Matt Garstka, and no one will be changing my decision. But I think it's still best to know why people think things and whether or not that person is legit or just hating. He could say Anika isnt one of the best in the world because she has poor time, in which I would say fuck you and go learn the basics of drumming again. Context is always important you know. But hey I like your explanation and i feel like your a reasonable person so no shade, just opinion.

[@ashimotoakai9599]

@@voltototo I would understand if you said someone like Thomas Lang, or Simon Phillips or Purdie but Tony Royster? I get that he's really skilled but he definitely isn't more skilful. They are definitely more on the same level. I just don't see him being on a whole other league when being compared to Anika. Maybe I just I haven't heard him play enough but I don't think he's out of her league.

[@ashimotoakai9599]

@@voltototo Yup no doubt about it ;)

[@irohsprodigy]

i used to watch this video on repeat when it first came out... still amazing

[@anykmusic]

If you are interested in my Equipment of the "Alter Ego" Vid, I add a list with all the stuff I use on the description. -anika-

[@diegoveiga3571]

U are AMAZING!

[@stitchyish]

You're using Aquarians drumheads, but in this video (even in Wild Boy), you are using a Remo Powerstroke 3 on your bass drum batter head right?

[@gumofilc77]

Great music ! I suggest playing barefoot.

[@MrMarcuuuss]

gumofilc77 Pervert.

[@JelathO]

gumofilc77 That's just preference :) I hate playing barefoot, some people really like it... Since she plays drum so well, I think she knows pretty good how she likes it :D

[@joelherrera_dp]

Still one of my all time favorite drum videos. Ridiculously great drumming right here.

[@katerinabadyulkina5864]

Мощь. Стиль. Превосходная. Браво

[@StevenMartinOfficial]

if you dig music like this in 2023 you're probably a genius 🔥

[@drumz47]

WOW..I really like how she just takes her time and her flow is so tasteful. Great !!! Anika you are an inspiration to drummers. Thank You

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Your videos have officially side tracked me from work in the studio for the past half hour. Just great.

[@nathanredmon96]

Hey Stephen. Can you break down the metric modulation at the :41 second mark. What's she doing? It's awesome!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Nathan Redmon Yep...grouping of 4 notes over sextuplets. RLLK. Alternating the right hand between the hihat and the snare to form a groove. Very simple pattern applied in a very creative way.

[@nathanredmon96]

***** AHHH I could hear the triplets/sextuplets, depending on where the 1/4 note is(I'm counting it at 160bpm, and calling it half time), but the grouping of 4 was hard to find. I love that lick though!!! Thanks for helping.

[@judea.hstyles7078]

Oh sir Stephen you are so humble!

[@donm1547]

Saw her in Fresno, CA. USA (Bentleys Drums) a few years ago......Beyond Fantastic. What a humble STAR she is !

[@patrickjordan8373]

I've time traveled from the first video I've seen of Anika's from 2019 to this one that was the earliest I could find on her channel looking for any sign of improvement in her playing in the past 5 years. I can find NONE! It has been exquisitely perfect going backwards from then until now. The Queen of Cymbals never ceases to deliver.

[@robsonfaxas]

Every time I watch this video I feel like I'm improving myself as a drummer. Anika's performance is a goal I've been using for improvement. All the techniques and grooves I've heard from her made me feel better and "tuneful". Thanks for your videos, Anika!

[@moacircroesysantos4794]

Glórias à Deus pela sua vida ! Parabéns...Fantástico!

[@franktherabbit42]

This was 8 years ago? Jesus christ. Still one of the cleanest drum recordings even now and what great song to show off Anika's funk. She has such a great feel when she plays, it's uncanny.

[@serhat757]

That drumset sounds so dark. The cymbals and all... it's hard not to love it.

[@JohnBarrow1961]

It's great to see so many great female drummers out there.

[@kessiodrums]

Demaisss 😍🔥🥁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@maevtr3922]

That's what staying in the pocket sounds like. The thing I'm blown away by most is the sound of your drums. That bass drum has such a nice kick to it.

[@nicolesmrekar2046]

I love the kick sound too, has a great punch sound to it.

[@ihadabadday7709]

Frank Itt blowing it out of the box...what a monster!!!!

[@extremadrummer]

The first 7" are the most amazing perfomed by a drummer ever.

[@KRIMHDrummer]

Respekt! Super gespielt!!! :)

[@manuelpinto7293]

Wow.... Let me say again............................ WOW

[@adrianbird1964]

Gavin Harrison level articulation and accuracy! With a style that is very much your own and amazingly composed. I am truly not worthy

[@heliomar91]

very very nice, good work in the subdivisions, amazing drummmer!!

[@camilotorres1330]

best female drummer ive seen i my life.

[@danneu8]

Check out Emmanuelle Caplette too.

[@Danielenellafossadeileoni]

pete felix Hillary is great but Anika is even better..

[@Danielenellafossadeileoni]

***** I know Senri Kawaguchi and i prefer a little more Anika..

[@troyoobrien]

Don't forget Meg White

[@barrybbenson9151]

Troy O'Brien Oof lol

[@jacobsmith1877]

Anika has become one of my favorite drummers of all time. Her playing is so musical and I can listen to her for hours.

[@drew-shourd]

An amazing prformance, 100% the real deal here people, and for that don't know the difference, all that with a single bass pedal, no cheating, no shortcuts, pure talent.

[@joseolimpio9627]

I'm from Brazil, but I am a fan of the sound you do. you play very well. Congratulations!!! Perfect!!!!!

[@lujumarfe]

I am Brazilian too, and I love the sound of her drum!! And I am 11 years old.

[@PierreMaskaro]

Muito bom!!!

[@druminik48]

Das ist sowas von gut!! Technisch ein absolutes Genie!!

[@the.eldubya]

One of my favorite drummings to a song ever, especially to watch. It’s a perfect blend of flavor, emotion, and technicality, all driven by a beautiful and hard working woman. 🙌

[@matildebagnati44]

hi Anika do you remember me? I will never forget you. We met in Naples when you played at Acustica! you are very cool. I m only 9 years old but when I grow up I want to be like you

[@anykmusic]

+matilde bagnati sure!! thanks a lot for coming by! Always believe in your dreams and goals that's important!! You're young, you can reach everything!! Hope we'll cross paths a second time! buon natale matilde!

[@pyrogaming-withincludedpan8318]

+Anika Nilles my music teacher told me about me today and I was instantly in love with your music and I hope to see you play in person some day ☺

[@patrickjordan8373]

Matilde there are some of us who are 7 times older than you and WE would like to be like Anika when we grow up.

[@lucguenette7534]

follow what you love in life, and become a kick shin drummer. drums forever.............

[@harrisk76]

Good on you! What a role model to have. Follow your dreams and practice hard. What a fantastic post. Maybe one day people will be looking up Matilde and watching you in awe. All the best on your path

[@HarunCAN]

Amazing... :)

[@ManggalaYatra]

My favorit drummer.... My loveeeeeee 😂😂❤❤❤❤❤ Anika misss you

[@WakeyOz]

Follow your Dreams Anika. Thank you for sharing your drumming life with us.

[@ShatteredBlackStar]

The song is amazing and the drumming outstanding. What awesome kind of patterns and grooves there are! Thank you so much, Anika!

[@W4RD1N8ER]

Man I love her high hat grooves! Makes me shiver, for people coming here with negative vibes this girl is gonna learns you a little something about playing the drums and then some! Love you Anika! Keep them beats tight this was sick lady.

[@TradBowBruce]

Anika, 7 years later and this performance blows me away even more. There was something then about your playing that hooked me and made me work harder at the drums. Looking back, you had such clarity and punch to your playing that really brought out the complexity. I see it better now through the ears of a more experienced drummer. Thank you for your inspiration to the drumming community!

[@pierrevoyard9709]

J'adore ses tourneries infernales ! Du boiteux qui ne boite pas ! Encore plus et encore plus encore...

[@redbeard365]

Such an amazing talent. Your music is so intense and precise but has this laid back feeling to it. Impressive! Definitely on my list of TOP DRUMMERS! Keep rocking!

[@4lemer]

Wow... KZbin actually made a good recommendation. Nice.

[@wladimirfighera1999]

Great drummer! Amazing! Hug from Brasil 🤘

[@DaveDrum]

I listen this song hundreds times. can't stop listening!! Super!!

[@Bikewithlove]

Learned something new by watching this - using a big radial movement at the wrist to create small radial movement at the elbow and the tip of the sticks for more precise control.

[@AdamSondel]

I really enjoy that video. Great !!!

[@vladimirmax1765]

Спасибо, Аника! Вы - лучшая!

[@pliniomarquesjunior4039]

Very very good !

[@xXOoberNinjaXx]

I came to this video expecting the whole "look at me I'm a girl drummer!!" Thing. Needless to say, I was completely blown away. I got goosebumps when you pulled off that first fill right after the real bass pedal driving "pre chorus" I guess? I only wish I was half as smooth and precise and flawless in my technique as you are. Makes me wanna go home and practice till I can get those down. Seriously. 5/5 for me. Nothing bad to say. Filming was great, sound quality was superb, and the whole feel of the video was like a breath of fresh air from the normal metalcore and super complicated stuff that's all over KZbin. There was just enough flair to make it a perfect combination of that and simple, yet powerful beats. Such a groovy drive. Bravo. Chills.

[@xXOoberNinjaXx]

Not to mention you're better with a single pedal than I am with two...okay, I'm done now....much skill, so chops, amaze.

[@anykmusic]

Kelly Berryhill Thank you Kelly! Glad you like it! :-)

[@mark7166]

Kelly Berryhill "I came to this video expecting the whole "look at me I'm a girl drummer!!" Thing. Needless to say, I was completely blown away." > Ditto! A very nice surprise!

[@emilypeckham3845]

Kelly Berryhill just ask her out already lol.

[@TheNickelDrummer]

Kelly Berryhill Anika is drumming royalty. The name Nilles belongs beside Erskine, Gadd, Colaiuta, Weckl, and so on.

[@Gawillamon]

If I can ever reach this level of talent in my drumming, I will be satisfied. It's gonna take a hell of a lot of practice for me to get there though.

[@wraithofangels7983]

The groove to this song is so good. I love the chorus with the hi-hat play, sounds great.

[@LoveDrums666]

Anika, du bist echt wahrlich die beste Drummerin die Ich je hab spielen sehn. Wahnsinn.

[@LevitatorMusic]

you're one of my favorite drummers of all time! I love your music and I'm not even a drummer!!! It's like someone loving Steve Vai that doesn't play guitar. lol

[@megadeath098ajb]

The queen of quintuplets

[@MartinMNapan]

Alter Ego ... amazing and beautiful

[@christskingdom8950]

By far, one of the best drum parts I have ever heard! Every time is like the 1st time.

[@andersonbatera9628]

congratulations Anika, i like the drummers woman, you are very good... I'm drummer but i don't know what you know. I'm from Brazil, i liked your work.

[@wellbatera]

SENSACIONAL!!! .. pra mim é a melhor baterista de todos, com esses solo então, muito bom!

[@brunonizer]

Amigo, dê uma olhada nos vídeos do Matt Mcguire, Vc vai curtir

[@anonimto4708]

Das mulheres ela é mesmo

[@smellrod]

i come back many times to listen to her play this. it's so good

[@molina21000]

Todo es perfecto!!!!!!!!!!!!hasta sus ojos!!!!!!

[@JesseStevenPollom]

This might be the most amazing video i've ever seen

[@guitarhilley]

Wow...I watched a lot of your vids last couple of days. From a professional point of view I state that it won't get more musical than this... On youtube there are great drummers, some of them faster than the speed of light (like David Diepold) but in the end, this is as good as it has to be. Your drumming is absolutely great to watch. Tasteful en tight. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@jimbaggarly8709]

I can't get enough of watching Anika play. Please keep putting great material out here. Thank you!

[@olivernash2240]

WOW...no words!!!👏👍🤩

[@horaceholloway]

I've got my 4 year old daughter next to me watching this. I want to make sure she knows women can be bad ass, too!

[@silvanacolagiovanni]

You are great! I am from Argentina , awesome groove, awesome songs, congrats!!

[@thehellrider]

Brutal si o q....

[@user-op]

Аника ШЕДЕВР в барабаном цехе !!!!!!

[@candreel]

I can't get enough of seeing. Each time I watch, I discover a sublime detail.

[@sidnaysisi]

Brasil, Sou viciado nessa mulher tocandoooooooooooooooooooooooo... toca demais vei!!!!!! já assisti 1.000.000.000 de vezes e não abuso!!!

[@nickolasgomes-kw2rb]

se eu te mostrar JORGINHO GOMES irmão de PEPEU GOMES voce vai ver quem toca mais

[@sidnaysisi]

Opa! Vou já já ver quem é ! Pepeu conheço, vou ver o irmão dele! De toda forma essa mulher toca muito! E ele deve tocar muito tbm ! Vou já ver !

[@sidnaysisi]

Valews pela dica ! ❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰👏🏿✅👏🏿

[@nickolasgomes-kw2rb]

@@sidnaysisi ELE toca melhor que ELA e eu sou sobrinho deles sabia ?

[@nickolasgomes-kw2rb]

@@sidnaysisi AM ? DICA ?

[@motomedic5057]

holy crap, and I thought my hi-hat work was intricate. yours is amazing.

[@arturoalessio3337]

Que pedazo de feeling tiene esta mujer sobre la batería. No entiendo como es que no la conocía siendo tan brillante y talentosa.

[@askrhonnie6356]

Just incredible!

[@mkmbstudio6950]

2:30 best part! amazing...

[@RabeaMassaad]

THIS IS SICK

[@JappeV]

Brilliant!!

[@cleberhooper4098]

Magnífico Anika!!! Beautiful job!!

[@Nimozic]

Always on Top !!! Great !

[@Vesaniah4]

That ride, I would buy it, and not even play it. use it for decoration. godamn it's beautifull.

[@GorcStew]

lol was thinking same thing

[@Boneamps]

Nice!! First time i hear your music, at first i thought this was going to be another of the "Girl Plays Metal" type of video, but i was wrong. You play really well and add little details and feels and stilistic arrangements that fall in place beautifully with the music. Good stuff :)

[@sheyadkins6524]

I've been playing for 17 years and watching you aspires me to step my game up.

[@nwest8274]

Just discovered her work.. Outstanding. What a rhythmic control ( mentally and physically )! Best I saw for a long time

[@petercampion9028]

THOSE HI-HATS!

[@benturtonmusic]

they sound so damn good!!

[@larrytate1657]

Do you what overheads those were by chance? Neumann? Want those and the tom mics

[@BrandonBoltDrummer]

+Larry Tate The only mic I can recognise is the SM7B on the hats...

[@25mathieu]

+Larry Tate AKG D 440

[@francianioliveira8278]

25mathieu x. gxcg. dzz-zfdg

[@jordeecakes]

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! Keep it up :)

[@monikaprochera9025]

jordeecakes Michael wendrlerv

[@silvanodasilva3925]

jordeecakes ❤

[@damage.0776]

jordeecakes and you're amazing, too.

[@EzequielSilva-ki9rm]

🥰❤❤❤💯👏👏👏 toca de mais sou fã

[@quialtero3577]

I watched this video two years ago, I guess, and... it is still rocking, man! Killing performance!

[@paradiddle5150]

I watch this video at least once a day. It quite literally is epic, and Anika is undoubtedly one of the best drummers in the world. *Legendary*

[@bernhardhensler254]

584 dislikes, WTF? Rarely have heard a drummer with such a fantastic musical expression / interpretation!

[@haikaido]

I like this because its its a female behind the drumset who doesnt have her boobs hanging out of her shirt, and is actually playing so skillfully. So many times ive come across female drummers who just try to get by on looks...which makes NO sense to me. Thanks for being good at what you do. :]

[@Autos_ena_miden]

I must totally agree with the "boobs" reference, but we have to admit that she has a really pretty face on the other hand... :P I can catch your point, though, mate, because her ghost notes can make you focus your attention rather than her (very pretty) looks....

[@MrDrunkPotato]

dude i don´t understand why you brag about the boobs. i agree that female drummers ( meytal ) should cover a little, but don´t just sexualize the boobs. Just by judging a persons ability for her appearences seems pretty unlogical to me. but don´t get me wrong, i do agree that she´s an amazingly superb skillful drummer.

[@stoutdrums]

MrDrunkPotato it's illogical, and boobs are sexual, there's no way around that, one of the roles of breasts is to arouse the male. So i agree with Bryan Kanieski it's unnecessary for a chick drummer to have her boobs out.

[@gargantula3274]

MrDrunkPotato I can't stand most chick drummers (Meytal included) because, aside from trying too hard to beautify themselves, they just look awkward and sloppy, even if their hits are right on the money. This chick though, she looks natural as hell, like she's just immersed in the performance. Nothing shoddy or awkward about it.

[@haikaido]

Yeah! Thats exactly what I was getting at. She looks super at home behind that kit.

[@GiulioViola3]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

[@admiral3211]

the rhythm was perfect....with awesome background music i like to listen it again

[@TravisOrbin]

Nice quintuplets in the beginning.

[@king-manu2758]

Holy metric modulation batman

[@jonathaskevin4041]

tocaaaaaa........... muito essa mulher!!!

[@alexniederhauser3829]

An expression of a self, and yet an interpretive collaboration, I am here to hear and see...! Love it!! This one particularly!!!!

[@cesarfelix4203]

most underrated drummer on youtube

[@maximosgoulakos5582]

Cesar Felix idk man Johnkew is pretty underrated

[@BiggyJimbo]

Cesar Felix surely the most underrated is someone you haven't heard of.. anyway I think Reuben Gingrich is the most underrated

[@joromark]

at 2.6 million views, I wouldn't call her underrated ;)

[@fiends8908]

That's rdavidr.

[@tobyearth]

Yeah, only 3 million views and 35 thousand likes. She might as well be playing in her parents' basement.

[@davidmelooficial]

👏👏👏😉👌🇧🇷

[@matgranel83]

What a pleasure to ear this kind of things, ... thank you so much Madam !

[@carrot7215]

Jesus! The amount of control over the kit is insane! The ghost notes on the drum fills, and the sweet clear sound of the double pedal is amazing! Certainly not beginner level