Window Fog

Credits

Production: Mixer Jaëxx
Album: Sound-sized Treats

Mastering: Mixer Jaëxx
Copyright: Mixer Jaëxx, U.S. Copyright Office, 2018

Creation

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Window Fog is a song that I’m really proud of. It’s got this character that I’ve wanted to do for exactly this kind of album.

The song has four pianos. The main melody (“Rhode1”) is a Rhodes piano with a really nice tremor effect that slowly pans the sound from left to right. A big part of the melody was using the keyboard sustain pedal at just the right times. 

The second piano (“Rhode2”) is a Rhodes MkII that comes in the second part of the song as a supporting melody. I differentiated the tone and sound by adding the distortion device Scream 4.

The third piano (“Rhode3”) is a Wurlitzer series 200 that’s used to perform a duet with the Rhode2. I also applied the same type of gentle distortion as with the Rhode2. 

The last piano (“Rhode4”) comes in towards the first half of the song. I modulated the sound with some effect devices that distort the melody at certain times that compliments everything nicely.

I wanted to capture the “morning routine” essence of coffee. Since I don’t drink coffee, I went to local Florida grocery chain Publix and recorded the sound of scooping coffee beans and slowly pouring them out. This wouldn’t sound right by itself and would take away from the song so I put the sound through four different sound effects; delay, reverb, distortion and a filter. I turned each effect on and off in a rhythmic way and automated the stereo position (panning). 

I recorded other sounds to help give that morning routine vibe, such as the sound of toast popping up. During the transition in the middle of the song, I included a recording of slipping on my jeans and buckling my belt.

The drums seem “easy-going” but they were one of the hardest patterns to create. Most drum patterns and setups are busy sounding, even with simple patterns. But this song had to have its drums scrapped and recreated far, far more than any other song on Sound-sized Treats. But it was so important because the slightest change to the drums throws off so much of the magic of Window Fog. 

The song gets its name from the bit of fog that forms on windows early in the morning. 

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Recording artist & producer.