Living On Tulsa Time Behind The Iconic Music Video
In 1982, the soulful funk of "Living in Tulsa" burst onto the regional airwaves, defining a generation of Oklahoma sound. This article examines the creation of the music video for this iconic track, exploring the technical challenges and artistic decisions that shaped its enduring visual legacy. Through interviews with the production team and analysis of the footage, we uncover the story behind the scenes of a broadcast milestone.
The song "Living in Tulsa" originated from the sharp social commentary and smooth grooves of the band Zon. Released during a period when the city was experiencing a cultural and economic resurgence, the track captured the dual nature of urban life in the energy sector. Its popularity quickly transcended the local radio format, becoming an anthem for a generation navigating the complexities of the early 1980s. The decision to translate this audio experience into a visual medium was driven by the band's management and the emerging music television landscape.
The Genesis of a Visual Concept
Before cameras rolled, the creative team faced the fundamental question of the video's narrative. The song's lyrics, filled with references to city lights and restless ambition, begged for a visual representation that was both gritty and glamorous. Initial brainstorming sessions focused on contrasting the band's performance with the sprawling, industrial reality of Tulsa.
* **Location Scouting:** Production manager Dave Ellis recalls the challenge of finding locations that felt authentic yet cinematic. "We didn't want a sterile studio set," Ellis explains. "We wanted the grime and the glory of the city itself. The refineries at night, the Art Deco district, the riverfront—it all told the story of Tulsa."
* **Storyline Development:** A loose narrative was crafted following a fictional character navigating the night scene. This provided a backbone for the video, allowing for dynamic shots of the band interacting with the urban environment.
* **Resource Allocation:** With a modest budget typical for regional music videos at the time, the team had to be innovative. They utilized available light and existing infrastructure to minimize costs while maximizing visual impact.
The concept was ultimately a hybrid: a performance video intercut with narrative sequences. This approach was popularized by MTV, which had launched just a few years prior, and offered the best chance to engage the new medium of television.
Technical Execution and Challenges
Translating the warm, analog sound of the recording into a visual spectacle required careful planning and execution. The technology of 1982 placed significant constraints on the production team.
**Filming the Performance**
The core of the video was the live performance shot at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Director Mike Harlow chose to use three Philips Norelco cameras, a standard for the era. The lighting design was critical; gaffer Frank Torres had to work within the existing stage lights, augmenting them with portable fixtures to ensure the band members were properly exposed on the then-new Sony BetacamSP equipment.
> "The Betacam was a game-changer," Torres notes. "The color fidelity was so much better than the old tube cameras. We could push the contrast harder, which was perfect for the neon vibe we were after."
**Location Shooting**
Shooting on location presented a different set of obstacles. The sequence featuring the band walking along the riverfront was filmed just after midnight to capture the few remaining streetlights and the ambient glow of the oil refineries. Safety was a paramount concern, requiring coordination with local security to manage the small crew and equipment in a semi-industrial area.
**Post-Production Techniques**
The editing process was largely manual. The footage from the various locations was spliced together on a flatbed editor. The iconic "glitch" effect used during the chorus transition was achieved not with digital technology, but by physically misaligning the tape on the playback machine. This analog error created a jarring, stuttering visual that perfectly complemented the driving rhythm of the song.
The Role of Music Television
The release of the "Living in Tulsa" video coincided with the explosive growth of MTV and similar cable networks. For Tulsa-based artists, this created a unique opportunity. Suddenly, a regional hit had the potential to reach a national audience.
> "We knew this video was our ticket," reflects singer and songwriter Roland Pemberton. "MTV was the battlefield, and if you had a video, you had a chance. 'Living in Tulsa' wasn't just a song for us anymore; it was a visual statement. It put Tulsa on the map in a way a radio edit never could."
The video received heavy rotation on local affiliate stations and regional MTV feeds. The imagery—the sleek band silhouetted against gritty industrial backdrops—became synonymous with the song. It helped to solidify a distinct "Tulsa Sound," blending Southern rock influences with Midwestern funk.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Decades after its initial broadcast, the music video for "Living in Tulsa" remains a touchstone for the region. It serves as a historical document, capturing the aesthetic and technological limitations of the early '80s. Film students at the University of Tulsa frequently study the video as a case study in low-budget, high-impact production.
The video's legacy extends beyond academia. It is frequently referenced in local documentaries about the city's music history and is a staple of nostalgia segments on local news programs. The imagery of the band walking across the pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River is instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in the area during that era.
The production team reunites occasionally for screenings. At a recent event at the Gathering Place, Harlow reflected on the project's enduring appeal. "We were just trying to make something cool for the people here," he says. "We didn't realize we were capturing a moment. That video is a time capsule. It’s Tulsa breathing."
The story of "Living in Tulsa" is a testament to the power of local creativity adapting to new technology. It demonstrates how a specific place and time can be translated into a universal language of music and image. The video remains more than just a promotional tool; it is a cultural artifact that continues to resonate, proving that the spirit of a city can indeed be captured on tape.
