August Kitko and the Mechas from Space (The Starmetal Symphony Book 1)

When giant robot AIs called Vanguards threaten to destroy Earth, a jazz pianist becomes central to humanity's survival in this space opera series. Gus Kitko, a virtuoso pianist, expects to spend his final moments playing at Earth's last gathering before the Vanguards—ultra-powerful robots from space intent on wiping out humanity—complete their mission. He hopes to play piano and perhaps kiss rockstar Ardent Violet before the end. However, when the Vanguards arrive, something unexpected occurs: the mecha that should kill Gus saves him instead. This changes everything. Gus is selected to join a group of renegade Vanguards and their pilots who are working to save humanity, transforming what was meant to be humanity's final moment into a chance for survival.