Global creative audio network Squeak E. Clean Studios has promoted Julie B. Nichols to creative director after two years as a sr. composer with the company. The Chicago-based composer, songwriter, music director and producer has over a decade of experience composing across commercials, film, live theater and her band Chicago Soul Spectacular. Nichols’ musical style combines soul, cinematic, instrumental and R&B music, and she has composed spots for brands including Coke’s 2020 Super Bowl campaign, Nintendo, Campbells, Walmart, Spotify and Beats By Dre. Nichols is on the board of Chicago’s Women in Music chapter, where she helps organize events and panels to connect the women of Chicago’s music scene. Nichols was on the 2021 jury for both the Clio and Music and Sound Awards in 2021. Her music arrangement on the Netflix 2020 end of year campaign won a Bronze Lion at Cannes 2021.
A fixture in Chicago’s indie and soul scene, Nichols also took her talents to the stage at The Second City Theater in Chicago where she was music director for many years sharing the stage with notable performers such as Jeff Tweedy, Paul Simon and Tom Hanks.
Nichols has performed at The Kennedy Center, The Chicago Symphony Center, The Ahmanson Theater and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. She has also appeared live with Phish and Live From Here with Chris Thile and Mike Elizondo. During her career, her musical scores have premiered at festivals including Discover Film Festival in London, the Sundance Film Festival and Slamdance.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More