PLACEB0_BUTT0N is an experimental ambient music project by John Beers (Luciftias). Most pieces are created using a generative process beginning with text prompts being fed into an AI, but some images are made using other methods. The results are then resized and processed by the image2sound Python utility, which converts them to audio using the color values of each pixel. The color-audio files are imported into Audacity, panned to broaden the stereo spectrum, and further enhanced with reverb, EQ, and fades. Finally, the volume is leveled to reach the final form.

Please note: While AI has been involved in the creating the artwork "prompts", none of the audio is created by AI. It is generated solely by interpreting the color data from the images presented to the Python utility. There is, however, human interaction, such as decided the tempo, key, etc.

So where does the name "placebo button" come from? Years ago, I saw a wonderful quote on the inside of a Type O Negative album: "Functionless Art Is Simply Tolerated Vandalism...We Are The Vandals". As generative / process music, one could argue that this project exists as an intellectual pursuit and is thus functionless art. Similarly, a placebo button is a push-button or other control that appears to have functionality but has no physical effect when pressed. (Wikipedia) So the button, much like the art, is functionless. However, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, sonic art is determined by the ear of the listener. Decide for yourself.

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Open source philosophy is at the core of this project. From the software used in its creation to the licensing of the audio itself. Here are a few of the projects I use:

• Python - The programming language I use in creating image2sound
• image2sound - Python utility to convert images to audio
• Fedora Silverblue - Atomic desktop Linux distribution
• Audacity - audio editing
• Inkscape - vector image editing
• GIMP - image editing
• OBS Studio - video capture
• Cavalier - audio visualizer
• Ear Tag - audio file tag editor
• Peertube - decentralized video sharing
• Mastodon - decentralized social network
• Funkwhale - decentralized music sharing
• Bandwagon - open community for musicians and bands

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