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.