Look Mum No Computer: music made by mad machines

What it is

This is the TikTok of Sam Battle, the English musician and electronics tinkerer who performs as Look Mum No Computer. He made his name on YouTube with home-built synthesisers and gloriously odd instruments — most famously an organ made from Furby toys. His bio says it all: I make music and machines.

Why we picked it

Here music and engineering are the same hobby. Sam fixes up a "hunk of junk" organ, plays with an analog oscilloscope, fires up an air raid siren ("bloody nora that's loud"), pulls apart a VHS mechanism and builds a tape delay pedal for guitar. In September 2026 the feed turned into a running series about an engine he's building himself — pistons, static ignition timing, and the big question: will it run? Between episodes come announcements for his UK tour.

None of it is polished for the sake of it. It's someone having a brilliant time with tools and sound, and it's contagious — a couple of videos in, you'll want to open up something with a screwdriver.

We also like that he never pretends things work first time. You see the sparks, the misfires and the head-scratching, which is far more honest than most polished build videos.

Where to start

• The September engine build series, starting with the ignition timing clips.
• The air raid siren video.
• The analog oscilloscope clip.
• Scroll back for the Furby organ and the tape delay pedal.

Who it's for

Musicians who prefer hardware to plugins. Engineers, makers and electronics hobbyists. And anyone who loves watching someone build something strange and wonderful just because they can.

Quick answers

Who is Look Mum No Computer? Sam Battle, an English musician and YouTuber known for DIY synths and unusual instruments.

Is it all music? No — synths, vintage electronics repairs and, lately, a home-built engine.

How often does he post? Almost daily in late September 2026.