Internet recalled
the video star

>> The iPod Battle goes back to the
future with a visit from one-hit
synth-pop wonder Trans-X

X MARKS THE SPOT IN TIME: Pascal Languirand

By JACK OATMON

In 1982, as Pascal Languirand of Trans-X wrote the words “flying through hyperspace/in a computer interface,” and “in a computer fairyland/it is a dream you bring to life,” there’s no way he could have divined that they would rather succinctly summarize the modus operandi of an entire future generation of Internet users. The then-Montreal-based experimental ambient music composer was simply trying his hand at something he’d never done before—pop music.

Languirand’s keen interest in new technologies inspired him to write the lyrics about the video game culture boom (he cites Space Invaders, Pac Man, Tron and the like) and use classic gear like the Roland CSQ 600 sequencer and TR 808 drum machine with a Korg Mono/Poly to create “Living on Video,” an Italo-disco staple that blew up all over Canada, the U.S. and Europe in the following years.

He also couldn’t have known that decades later, YouTube, iPod culture and blogging, as well as some timely re-releases of Italo LPs like Black Devil’s legendary Disco Club, would spark a miniature boom of interest in the kitschy sounds that producers of Languirand’s ilk were putting out. Not only that, but a cover of his most famous track, done by French Euro-dance cheeseball Pakito, hit #1 on the European dance charts as recently as 2006. And he most definitely couldn’t have guessed that he’d be coming back to Montreal from his Barcelona home, 27 years later, to be the halftime show in the ultimate incarnation of obscure, ironic musical reference culture, the iPod Battle.

But that’s what’s happening as he sits across from me over breakfast at Toi, Moi et Café on Laurier in Mile-End, and he seems pretty content with those facts. “I started out playing with the Box and Men Without Hats. I went to school with those guys,” says Languirand of other Montreal artists who also came around with the early-’80s dawn of music video ubiquity.

“All these instruments and drum machines were just released, and they did not exist before,” Languirard says of the synths and drum machines that were booming in the early ’80s. “I was not a classically trained musician or anything. I was coming from an experimental background, so I was open to using those machines for new things.

“With technology, you should always try to find a different way to use it. Like you can buy a Sony PS2 and use it as a phone. People play with those gadgets and try to make them do what they were not supposed to do in the first place.”

His technological fascinations are ongoing. “I work with the Internet, developing design with Flash Web sites. I’m interested in working with new technologies.”

Languirand’s currently working on new songs, as well as an interactive video installation project to accompany them. He says things are a lot different than they were 27 years ago, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“We used to think of making music to have fun. Now people think of how to market it. It is difficult now. You have to have a new approach, but creativity will always find an outlet. It seems like you don’t have to spend that much money on a studio. Even video production is a lot cheaper.”

With iPod Battle contestants Peer Pressure,
le Husky, DJ Mini, Nu Ravers and more at
Studio du Musée Juste pour rire on
Friday, April 18, 9 p.m., $14