Hybrid drumming fuses the traditional acoustic drum set with the latest digital percussion technology, enabling players to perform with the electronic sounds and processed textures that drive modern music styles. Since 2003, Roland sampling pads and acoustic triggers have revolutionized this style, and they’re regularly used everywhere from indie gigs to arena stages.
Instruments like the SPD-SX PRO make powerful partners for hybrid drummers, allowing them to incorporate loops, one-shot sounds, and melodic phrases into their musical universes. Every drummer has a unique story about their approach to blending traditional and electronic elements. Award-winning drummer Anika Nilles discusses her percussive upbringing, unique style, and hybrid drumming with Jeff Beck.
The Backbeat
Where does your story begin?
“The drummers in my family all played in their free time, so there was no pressure or anything. My dad was a drummer and played trumpet in the orchestra. He supported me as soon as he realized my interest in drums.
As a kid, I was more into music and wasn’t aware of drummers yet. I listened to early Michael Jackson, starting with Off The Wall. Some of the players on those records were JR Robinson and Jeff Porcaro, but back in the day, I didn’t know. My dad showed me how to play ‘Man in the Mirror.’ That was the first song I jammed along with on a proper drum set, laying down the grooves and playing fills.”
The Mashup
What does hybrid drumming mean to you?
“I’ve been using V-Drums for a long time, but I was always interested in hybrid drumming: modules, sample pads, and all that. For six years, starting when I was 21, I played in two bands where we used a lot of electronic sounds. I had triggers on the snare and kick and extra pads mounted on the drums with sounds from a module. Then later, from the Roland SPD-SX.
Hybrid drumming means using my acoustic drums and adding what the song or the music needs. It can be loop stuff, external sounds, or kick and snare samples, making the music more electronic, dancey, or pop.”
Spotlight: SPD-SX PRO
How does the instrument shape your hybrid style?
“We got it during the Jeff Beck tour. We were already out, and I got to try the SPD-SX PRO. There are many nice things on it, which make the drummer’s life easier, especially when you have to play with two hands and adjust stuff. You can link pads and still play on separate ones.
With the SPD-SX PRO, I used the filter on a song to have an extra sound effect. I played and used one hand to bring the filter down, which was nice. I’m still figuring out specific things, but I haven’t changed any settings since we dialed everything. I used to use my laptop and DAW, but after the Jeff Beck tour experience, I want to work with the SPD-SX PRO instead.”
Hitlist Highlights
When do you use the SPD-SX PRO in the show?
“On some songs, we had a running backing track; on others, we used it for samples and kick and snare. For the intro of one tune, I just played SPD-SX PRO pads. A new feature of the SPD-SX PRO is sending triggers directly on separate outputs to the front of house. When they have separate channels, they can understand how to mix you better. We also rehearsed a pair of songs from Jeff’s EDM records. We had the sounds coming from the SPD-SX PRO, and I used a trigger. That was a great benefit.”
Forward Motion
What does the future hold?
“My band Nevell released an EP in February, right before I went on tour with Jeff Beck. It’s funkier and less of the ’80s thing going on, which I had on the first record. I’m following my passion for grooves. I like to let the other player be free in the song so they bring their flavor and style.
There’s the game zone and the drill zone. The game zone is about having fun and being in the music. But I also love the drill zone. I’m hungry to understand rhythms more deeply. It’s like reading a book—you want to know what’s happening on the next page, but you have to stop. While working, you think, ‘When I get home, I’ll read more.’ That’s how playing drums is to me. When I leave the room, I’m curious about what will happen next.”
