Sound Designer, Foley Artist, Percussionist,
Author, Teacher, Textile Artisan
Jillana Nickel spent her childhood under a picnic table listening to radio dramas with her cats. Eventually, she emerged and acquired a Diploma on drums from Capilano University, and later, a Degree in percussion from Humber College. She has worked 24 years in the music industry - and since 2020 has began curating and selling handmade textile art as well.In 2022 Jillana began working as a Foley Assistant in North Vancouver and is passionate about Sound Design and exploring the musical possibilities of Foley (something she calls "Percussive Foley"). With a Jill-of-all-trades skill set and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Jillana is a modern day renaissance woman.
Sound Design
Audiobook | Nov 2020
The Untameable
Dragon
An original audiobook that I did all the things for, including original story, narration, sound design,
music composition, and editing.Synopsis: A brave knight sets out on a quest to prove his fellowmen wrong and subdue the fiery dragon with friendship instead of brawn. With Dr. Seuss-inspired poetry, this tale is about facing fears and finding freedom through unconventional means.
Sound Design | Apr 2019
Album:
"Foley Pop"
An exciting album by Jeremy Ugro in which I performed multiple percussive Foley sounds throughout.(Album is currently unreleased -
please contact me for more info)
Sound Design/Percussion | Apr 2018
Soundcloud release:
"Kontraband Kollektif"
Playing CHECKER PIECES on this one:
Playing MARIMBA on this one:
I first met Lieke van der Voort when I was auditioning to get into the jazz program at Humber. She is a talented vocalist, free spirit, and an out-of-the-box creative soul.
Percussion
Percussion | Feb 2020
Clair de Lune
A vibraphone rendition of Debussy's "Clair de Lune", arranged by Nick Baron. Videography provided by the wonderful Dan Pavjeke.
Percussion | Nov 2023
Album:
"star, star"
Many years ago, the beautiful vocalist Mingjia Chen got a bunch of us got together and recorded her album. This month, it's finally released.From her website: "star, star is a collection of kaleidoscopic, through-composed, and emotionally charged songs written by Chen for herself and the Tortoise Orchestra — a Toronto-based 13-piece chamber ensemble that marries courageous songwriting with curious, colorful orchestration, and improvisation."I'm playing the mallet percussion.
Percussion | Apr 2023
Vertical Orchestra
Thirty percussionists (including myself) performed five original works written to be performed in the atrium of the Vancouver Public Library and "conducted" with synchronized stopwatches.
Percussion/Education | Jan 2025
Podcast Guest
I was recently had the privilege to be a guest artist on Mark Glanville's podcast "Blue Note Theology".The episode is called "Worship in Polyrhythms: Deeper Worship in Post-Christian Culture".
See below for listening links.
Percussion | Sept 2023
Shawshank:
The Comedy Musical
Just finished a great run of 6 shows at the Fringe Festival. I played kit in a small band parodying Johnny Cash covers as the singing & dancing actors retold an interpretive version of Shawshank Redemption.
Other Creative Projects
Digital Art | Sept 2023
Print On Demand!
After brewing on this for some time, I have finally taken steps to digitize and sell both original and re-vamped public domain artwork! I currently have two online "shops" open at the moment, with possibly more to come. Check it out!
Textile Art | Apr 2023
To market I go!
JillanaCreative has curated a collection of handmade, upcycled, and locally-sourced items - and they're for sale!Keep your eyes peeled at your local Vancouver Markets, or drop me a line to get the deets of my next pop-up location!
Contact
To inquire about rates and services, if you have any questions, or if you just want to learn more about Percussive Foley, fill in the form below and I'll get back to you in a jiffy!