A thoughtful analysis of the relationship between music, musicians, and AI.

Arts Fuse

Only time will tell whether AI, this latest in civilizational toys, will turn out to be more Gutenberg press or atomic weapon, but one thing is for sure: we will rely on voices of reason to shepherd us through the fog and signpost the journey. Using our world of film music as a backdrop, Lucas Cantor Santiago wrestles with some of the most pressing questions of our time. Lucas has carved a unique career for himself, operating at the frontier where technology and music meet, and has brought us a bounty of expertise and playful insight that makes for a fascinating read.

Alan Menken, EGOT winner and composer for films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin

In a remarkable mix of autobiography, philosophy, and technical detail, industry insider Lucas Cantor Santiago's Unfinished weaves a spellbinding account of what happened-and will happen-to the business of both capturing and creating music over the next sixty years.

George Dyson, author of Turing's Cathedral

If you're worried about what AI means for human creativity, read this book. It will make you feel better. Lucas Cantor Santiago has spent decades using technology to make art. In Unfinished, he shows us that music and technology have always evolved together, and he explains how that evolution will continue in the age of AI.

Jacob Goldstein, host of the podcast Business History and author of Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing

In Unfinished, Lucas Cantor Santiago reminds us that artificial intelligence is a tool, not a rival, empowering artists to push the boundaries of creativity while staying true to the human spirit. The future of art isn't about replacement; it's about reinvention.

Manny Maroquin, music entrepreneur and eighteen-time Grammy Award–winning mixer for Post Malone, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar

Lucas is thinking about AI and music the way we all we should: with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and caution. In this super-engaging (and even funny!) read, I learned more about music, AI, and how an artist can harness AI for good.

Drew Thurlow, author of Machine Music: How AI is Transforming Music's Next Act and former Senior VP of A&R, Sony Music