“Countdown”, written by Maderlin Weng as a tribute to her grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s, is a poignant exploration of memory and time. While Weng’s heartfelt lyrics provide the emotional foundation, it is the music producer Jiexi Zhao’s masterful production that transforms the track into an immersive auditory experience. Zhao’s ability to weave intricate soundscapes that complement and elevate Weng’s storytelling underscores his reputation as a producer who fuses technical precision with emotional depth.
Time as a Sonic Narrative
Zhao approached “Countdown” with a clear vision: to transform Weng’s reflections on time into a dynamic and evocative soundscape. The track opens with reversed piano chords and warm synth textures, achieved through meticulous reversed reverb techniques. These elements symbolize the fragmented nature of memory—fading yet persistent—and immediately draw listeners into the song’s reflective atmosphere.
Layered beneath this is a delicate music box motif, recorded with vintage equipment to evoke nostalgia and childhood innocence. This subtle addition exemplifies Zhao’s ability to embed meaning into every sonic detail, creating a sense of timelessness that mirrors the song’s themes.
A Singer-Producer’s Perspective
Zhao’s dual expertise as a classically trained singer and producer informs his unique approach to production, particularly in how he frames vocals within the music. In “Countdown”, Weng’s emotive voice takes center stage, supported by minimalist piano chords in the verses. Zhao employs jazz-inspired harmonies, such as the melancholic bVII7 chord, to create a harmonic structure that enhances Weng’s vocal delivery without overshadowing it.
The second verse introduces a soft organ—a subtle yet powerful addition that underscores the passage of time. Zhao’s restraint here is key; rather than overwhelming the vocal performance, he uses instrumentation as a quiet companion to Weng’s narrative, ensuring that her voice remains the focal point.
Cinematic Storytelling Through Sound
The choruses expand into sweeping cinematic soundscapes reminiscent of Hans Zimmer’s “Interstellar”. A heartbeat-like kick drum anchors the rhythm, symbolizing time ticking away, while ethereal snares and lush 90s-inspired synths create an expansive yet intimate atmosphere. Each layer is carefully calibrated by Zhao to evoke both the vastness of time and the closeness of personal memory.
Zhao’s attention to detail is particularly evident in his use of dynamic automation, which subtly adjusts instrumental layers to ensure that Weng’s lyrics remain at the forefront. This delicate balance between grandeur and intimacy reflects his philosophy: “The silence between notes is as important as the notes themselves.”
Chaos and Catharsis in the Bridge
The bridge marks “Countdown”’s emotional climax, where Zhao uses fragmented soundscapes to mirror the disorientation of fading memories. Glitching synths, fragmented sound effects, and distorted vocal processing create an atmosphere of chaos that captures both grief and helplessness.
Beneath this turbulence lies a faint gospel-inspired organ—a grounding force that adds reverence amidst despair. Zhao also incorporates controlled vocal distortion during this section, amplifying vulnerability without sacrificing clarity. His ability to balance chaos with control showcases his skill in using sound not just as support but as an active participant in storytelling.
A Full Circle Resolution
The song concludes by returning to its minimalist opening textures, bringing its journey full circle. Reversed piano chords reappear alongside heartbeat rhythms and spiraling strings, reinforcing themes of continuity and reflection. This cyclical structure mirrors time itself—its inevitability but also its ability to preserve emotions beyond its passing.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
While Maderlin Weng’s lyrics articulate personal grief with universal resonance, Jiexi Zhao’s production gives those emotions a tangible form through sound. His ability to translate abstract concepts like memory and time into auditory experiences ensures that “Countdown” transcends its narrative origins, becoming a meditation on what it means to remember.
Together, Weng and Zhao have created a track where every element feels purposeful—where vocals and instrumentation are not separate entities but parts of a cohesive whole. As Weng continues to evolve as an artist known for her introspective storytelling, “Countdown” stands as a testament to her creative partnership with Zhao—a producer whose work proves that music can preserve what time seeks to erase.
