Look Mum No Computer

Meet Look Mum No Computer

Sam Battle, born in 1988 or 1989, is the creative force behind the online persona Look Mum No Computer. This English musician, YouTuber, electronics wizard, and composer has carved a niche for himself by sharing videos about crafting unusual pro audio gear and synthesizers, alongside his captivating original music.

What truly sets him apart is his knack for transforming vintage, often forgotten, technology into peculiar electronic musical devices. Imagine organs crafted from an army of Furbies, a synthesizer fused with a classic Raleigh Chopper bicycle, or even a triple oscillator synth powered by a Game Boy — Battle's imagination knows no bounds.

Beyond his online presence, Sam Battle curates 'This Museum Is Not Obsolete,' a unique museum located in Ramsgate, Kent. Here, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of vintage analogue devices, each repurposed for humorous and often musical uses, reflecting his eccentric vision.

His creative journey has now taken an unexpected turn onto the international stage. Sam Battle is slated to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with his song 'Eins, Zwei, Drei,' released in March 2026 — a testament to his unique artistry reaching a global audience.

The Origins of an Inventor

From a very young age, Sam Battle was drawn to the inner workings of things. His childhood wasn't spent just playing with toys, but taking them apart. He'd dismantle pedal cars, irons, toasters — anything to understand how they functioned, fueling a strong curiosity for mechanics.

Inspired by TV shows like 'Robot Wars,' Battle spent countless hours indoors, immersed in building projects. From rockets to robots, these early experiments laid the groundwork for his future in intricate electronic construction and inventive problem-solving.

A Career Forged in Solder and Sound

YouTube & Early Creations

Battle launched his YouTube channel in 2013, initially as a platform for his band, ZIBRA. However, by 2016, his focus began to shift, and he posted his first video dedicated to music gear. This marked the true beginning of Look Mum No Computer as we know it today.

His electronic inventions are often elaborate and ambitious, like an organ that literally shoots flames. These projects, along with his channel's success, are sustained not just by YouTube ad revenue, but also by the generous support of fans through the subscription platform Patreon.

One of his most iconic creations emerged in 2018: a modular synthesizer built from a Furby, those notoriously talkative electronic toys. He meticulously wired them to become sound generators, demonstrating his unique blend of humor and engineering prowess.

In a more ambitious project, starting in 2022, Battle embarked on restoring a 1914 church organ to become a centerpiece for his museum. The intricate process of bringing this antique instrument back to life has been thoroughly documented on his popular YouTube channel.

Beyond his one-off artistic creations, Battle also designs and sells practical modular synthesizer components. His #1222 Performance VCO is just one example, allowing other enthusiasts to integrate his designs into their own custom setups.

His dedication to sharing his unique journey has paid off. As of January 2024, the Look Mum No Computer YouTube channel has amassed over sixty-three million views, a testament to the widespread appeal of his imaginative and often hilarious content.

Musical Ventures and Collaborations

Sam Battle's musical output is as diverse as his inventions. He released his debut single, 'Groundhog Day,' in 2019, quickly followed by tours across Germany, Switzerland, and his home country, the UK.

In May 2022, he joined forces with fellow electronic musicians Cuckoo and Hainbach to form the supergroup Uncompressed. This collaboration brought together three distinctive voices in the experimental electronic music scene, creating a fascinating new sound.

His talents have also extended to co-producing compositions for film and television. Notable works include 'Satellite Moment' with Charlie Fink for the film adaptation of 'A Street Cat Named Bob,' and 'Glitter and Gold' with Barns Courtney for the Netflix series 'Safe.'

At the core of his distinctive sound is his preference for modular synthesizers. These highly customizable instruments allow him unparalleled control over sound design, enabling the rich, experimental textures that define much of his music.

Beyond music, Battle has also hosted 'Junk Rock TV,' a travel docu-series. In this series, he journeyed across Europe, collaborating with other musicians like Hainbach and Lydia Kavina to create impromptu instruments from salvaged materials and perform with them.

Gaming and Eurovision

Expanding his creative empire, March 2025 saw the announcement of a video game aptly titled 'Look Mum No Computer.' Developed with German indie studio The Bitfather and publisher Headup Games, the game launched on Steam in July 2025 and on consoles in January 2026. It was even nominated for Best Audio Design at the German Developer Award in 2025.

Then came the big news: in February 2026, it was revealed that Sam Battle would represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. His reaction was pure excitement, calling it 'completely bonkers' and expressing his deep love for the contest's 'magical joy.'

His entry, 'Eins, Zwei, Drei,' released on March 6th, is a prime example of his dedication to his craft, as it features only his self-designed 'Kosmo' modular synthesizer. Battle embraces this immense honor with seriousness, ready to fly the flag for the UK with his uniquely electronic sound.

Discography

Singles

"Groundhog Day" – 2019 "Modern Gas" – 2019 "Shock Horror" – 2020 "Desperado Vespa" – 2020 "Daydreamer" – 2020 "Stand and Deliver" – 2020 "Youth8500" – 2021 "Stupid Me" – 2021 "RIDE" – 2021 "Mind Over Matter" – 2021 "We'll Find a Way" – 2022 "Time Is Not a Healer It’s a Fuel for Resentment" – 2022 "Handbook on How to Stay Alive" – 2023 "Night or Day" – 2023 "T.I.M" – 2023 "Too Many Mistakes" – 2024 "No Hope Eternal" – 2025 "Eins, Zwei, Drei" – 2026

Albums and EPs

"Human Procrastination" – 2019 (EP) "These Songs are Obsolete" – 2020 "Look Mum No Bootleg PT. I" – 2022 "Look Mum No Bootleg PT. II" – 2022 "Kosmo Plays Vivaldi" – 2023 (EP) "Kosmo Comes For Christmas" – 2023 "Pipe Dreams" – 2024 (EP) "PortaKosmo Vol 1 At the Length" – 2024 (EP) "Double Barelled Decadence" – 2024 "The VCS4 Collection" – 2025 "Portakosmo 2.0" – 2025 "Godwin Band in a Box" – 2025 "Hungry Vultures" – 2025

This Museum Is Not Obsolete

Opened in August 2021 in Ramsgate, Kent, 'This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete' is Sam Battle's permanent exhibition space. It's a vibrant collection of vintage electronics, synthesizers, and his own experimental musical instruments, inviting visitors to step into his world of repurposed tech.

The museum isn't just for looking; it encourages hands-on interaction with obsolete technology. Imagine tinkering with modified tape delays or exploring unique modular oscillators — it's a playground for anyone curious about the creative potential hidden within old electronic devices.

The Kosmo Modular System

A DIY Revolution

Among his many inventions, 'Kosmo' stands out as a modular synthesizer format he personally developed. It's a unique alternative to the popular Eurorack standard, designed specifically with DIY builders and live performers in mind.

Kosmo modules are notably larger, featuring 20cm tall panels that are easy to work with. This larger format simplifies construction for hobbyists, making it more accessible for those who love to build their own electronic music instruments.

One of Kosmo's key advantages is its cost-effectiveness. It encourages the use of readily available stripboard circuits and 3D-printed panels, keeping expenses down. Even better, many designs are open-sourced, fostering a thriving community of builders and innovators around the format.