Totnes artist uses AI to plug Elton John tribute night

Artificial Intelligence promoting Elton event at Barrel House

A Totnes artist who is hosting an Elton John tribute night at the Barrel House Ballroom this Friday (Oct 6) is using Artificial Intelligence technology to make posters.

Pianist and singer Andy Hill, 40, has decided to meet the existential threat of artificial intelligence by turning its fearsome creative prowess on the mundane job of creating royalty-free portraits of Elton John for use on his posters and social media assets. 

“I was making posters for my long-awaited Elton John covers night at the Barrel House,” explained Hill. “I thought, the Rocket Man has such an iconic look, I need to have his face on the poster. But I don’t want to steal a photo, and I can’t be arsed dealing with royalties. 

“So I asked AI to draw me Elton.”

The image-generating software Andy Hill used produced an array of compelling options. 

“Half the fun was modifying the prompts based on what it came up with,” explains Hill. “The internet has a pretty good idea of what Elton looks like. But did I want him smiling? What kind of outfit, or colour scheme would work best?”

Andy Hill is part of the local Be Water collective of musicians who regularly play the jam night every other Tuesday. His band for the Elton night will consist of fellow members including Martin Roberts on bass, Helen Hobson-Scott, Joe Wulff and Donald Thornford on vocals, and Charlie Hart on drums. 

“It’s technically to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album,” says Hill. “But really we’re just going to play some right bangers and have a laugh. 

Punters can expect ballads like Your Song and Daniel, building up to disco-flavoured duet of Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and the irrististible stomp of I’m Still Standing.

“My dad had a really bad stroke recently. He got me into Elton John when I was a little kid, so I’m doing it for him, probably. Love you dad. 

“Hope you like the posters!”

Our shadowy AI overlords were unavailable for comment. 

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://barrelhousetotnes.co.uk/goodbye-yellow-brick-road-50th-anniversary-show-local-super-group/