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 22 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 exploring the musical possibilities that Foley offers (aka Percussive Foley). With a "Jill-of-all-trades" skill set, and an unwavering dedication to her crafts, Jillana is a modern day renaissance woman.
January 2025
Percussion
Guest Artist on
"Blue Note Theology Podcast"
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.
November 2023
Percussion
Album Release:
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.
September 2023
Digital Art
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!
September 2023
Percussion
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.
April 2023
Percussion
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.
April 2023
Textile Art
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!
November 2020
AudioBook
The Untameable
Dragon
An original audiobook that I wrote, narrated, and composed music for.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.
February 2020
Percussion
Clair de Lune
A vibraphone rendition of Debussy's "Clair de Lune", arranged by Nick Baron. Videography provided by the wonderful Dan Pavjeke.
April 2019
Percussive Foley
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)
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!