Peer Review: Julie B. Nichols

Who are three contemporaries that you admire, and why? 

There are a number of artists and producers that I look up to and gain inspiration from. While they may not precisely be my contemporaries at this moment in my career, their work is highly influential in my creative process.
I am always blown away by composer Hildur Guðnadóttir’s work. Her use of non-traditional instruments and sound design is so visceral. It’s also inspiring to see a woman winning Oscars and continuing to innovate in this male-dominated field. 

Getting out of the way of the art, believing in everything and “letting the path find you” [is] what a good creative director should be striving for.

As a producer and ‘creative director’ in his own right, I constantly look to Rick Rubin and the way he produces and directs artists. His method of getting out of the way of the art, believing in everything and “letting the path find you” is incredibly inspiring. I think that’s what a good creative director should be striving for.

As the music director and keyboardist of Chicago Soul Spectacular I am very inspired by Durand Jones and the Indications. Their music captures authentic 60’s and 70’s soul and still sounds modern. They bring so much energy and passion to their live shows.

Above: Cofounder of Def Jam Recordings, Rick Rubin.

Please share 3-4 pieces of work that you think best embodies excellence in your profession, and explain why.

My favorite thing in the world right now is the score from White Lotus by Cristobal Tapia de Veer. It sounds like nothing else out there. His use of human voice, flutes and percussion in animalistic ways heightens the intensity of the show, while still being able to support the more comedic moments. He’s brilliant.

I’m a huge fan of Nike’s You Can’t Stop Us series, especially Victory Swim. The sound design was extremely powerful and minimal music complimented it perfectly adding intensity without getting in the way of the story. 

My favorite thing in the world right now is the score from White Lotus by Cristobal Tapia de Veer. I

I loved the Alexa One spot featuring Michael B. Jordan [Alexa's Body]. Comedy and music supervision (Bruno Major’s The Most Beautiful Thing)  are VERY on point and so well done. 

I'm really proud of the Facebook Kazoo job we did. It was a collaboration between our composer (Zac Colwell) and sound designer (Drew Fischer). Their sound design and music worked so well together and built such joyous energy. Also, almost everyone on staff had their hands on it (we all played kazoo!), so it was a true team effort.

What do you like most about the work that you do?

I love that I get to collaborate with, (and learn from) artists, creatives and musicians that I admire, both inside and outside my company. We have some of the best composers and producers in the world on staff with us, and we get to hire and elevate the work of the talented artists in our network, both in Chicago and internationally.

What is the process for becoming a Creative Director?

There are many paths to get to this position, but all of them include creating and performing the type of music and art that you like to make, and is authentic to you. You want to be hired or ‘discovered’  for your true talents and passions, not by trying to make things you think people want to hear. 

You want to be hired or ‘discovered’  for your true talents and passions, not by trying to make things you think people want to hear. 

I got my first music directing job at Second City by opening for a band at a dive bar in Chicago. Someone in the headlining band worked at Second City and got me an interview. Through the relationships I made there, I got connected to some folks in Chicago advertising, and just continued to work and meet more people in my field.  

What is one thing all Creative Directors need?

I'm going to cheat and say two. 

1. Collaboration - Work well with others and don't be afraid to ask for (or give) help and ideas. 
2. Perspective - Your work does not define you. Don't lose sight of your passion projects and things that inspire you outside your industry. It makes you better at your job.