Anika Nilles was first on the cover of Modern Drummer in June of 2017. At that point in her career, she was a popular YouTube drummer with a new record and a newly formed band. Her drumming was turning heads, and people were taking notice. Her musical future was bright, and the musical sky was the limit. Since then, A LOT has happened. Her band Nevell started touring internationally, and the legendary Jeff Beck saw her videos on YouTube and hired her to tour with his band. After Beck’s death, and the worldwide COVID pandemic, Anika (like everyone else) was a little lost. The loss of Jeff Beck affected her deeply, and she struggled to regain her musical direction. After some time of reflection and introspection with friends, family, and mentors; her band started to tour and record again. She had come through the fog of life and her drumming […]

September 2026 Issue