Living on Video by Trans-X | 1983 The History and Synth Performance with SH-101, Juno-60 & RX5

What if machines could speak and sing? In this episode of Nostalgic Explorer, I dive deep into “Living on Video” by Trans-X, one of the most iconic synth-pop tracks of the 1980s. From the icy streets of Montreal to a second life in Mexico, I take you to the story of Pascal Languirand, the analog synths and drum machines behind the track, and how this robotic anthem came to life through arcade dreams, sequencers, and vocoders.

🎹 Synth Breakdown + Gear Used:
• Yamaha RX5 (with 808 Pharmasonic Kit)
• Roland Juno-60
• Roland SH-101
• Korg MicroKorg
• Oberheim DX
• Logic Pro

I recreated the essence of the song in my studio—not a 1:1 copy, but a tribute using vintage gear that shaped the sound of the ’80s.

Have a band, synth, or project you’d love to see featured next? I’m always open to your ideas. Drop your suggestions in the comments, and thanks so much for watching!

🧠 Chapters:
00:00 – Synth Breakdown: “Living on Video” by Trans-X
00:41 – History of Trans-X & the Making of “Living on Video” (1983 Hit)
1:38 – Synths & Gear Used: Juno-60, SH-101, Yamaha RX5
2:07 – “Living on Video” Music Video: Story & Chart Success
2:44 – Why Pascal Languirand Left Trans-X: The Downfall
3:00 – Trans-X Reborn: From Montreal to Mexico & Europe
3:26 – Recreating “Living on Video” with Vintage Synths
5:19 – Studio Performance: Full Jam of “Living on Video”

🔗 RX5 Pharmasonic USB Card:
https://reverb.com/item/42735924-phar...

🎧 Unlock sample packs, stems, and synth recreations on Patreon:
  / nostalgicexplorer  

📺 Watch More Vintage Synth Videos:
• Human League – “Don’t You Want Me” Breakdown
• Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill” Gear & Story
• Bronski Beat – “Smalltown Boy” Synth History

Some sources I used to research this video:
Trans X interview (Spanish): https://elgarajedefrank.es/entrevista...
Post Punk: https://postpunkmonk.com/2021/06/17/r...
Muzines UK: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/tr...

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#TransX #LivingOnVideo #Synthpop #Juno60 #SH101 #RX5 #VintageSynths #NostalgicExplorer #80sMusic #PascalLanguirand #SynthHistory #ElectronicMusic #RetroGear