Music video for the song ‘Better Than That’ by Summer of Sam & sknob, made for the Bonkwave Summer Compilation Album.

The song and video are inspired by the use of fair music platforms, decentralised social media and open source software over the exploitative walled gardens of big tech.

Thanks to Elena, Framasoft and Meljoann whose videos, Introducing the Fediverse: a New Era of Social Media, What is the Fediverse? and How to join Mastodon are used inside this video.

Music, lyrics, lead vocals, lead guitar by Sam.

Yesterday I was reminded of a song I used to love so I picked up the guitar in attempt to sing it. This evening I recorded it to continue measuring my general vocal progress. I definitely feel like I’m getting better. Still a long way to go to hit all the notes naturally but it does feel like I’m steadily improving over time. (Excuse the low level guitar playing - it’s the vocals I’m trying to focus on really.)

The song is Presidential Suite by Super Furry Animals.

This Sam doesn’t struggle singing songs! Here is Sam Ryder singing What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes on board a train to Glastonbury 2025. It was part of a campaign to encourage greener travel to festivals which you can read more about here.

A song I wrote 25 years ago. ‘Words From The Train’.

I had a line and a melody in my head. Scribbled it down and 20 minutes later I had this song. I don't have the skills to take song ideas to the next level. Do you? Message me if you'd like to collaborate... @[email protected] on Mastodon or comment below.

Immediately following on from an attempt at Live Forever can you offer any advice/feedback on my attempt at Wonderwall?

My fourth attempt (following on from this Massive Attack cover) … Will you help me?

Third video, following on from https://spectra.video/w/9jm7vChmdnFCS2nvSp96ge … Will you help me?

Following on from https://spectra.video/w/nDu93CD6bP3Ki3XrHRV6x3 can you help me improve?

WARNING: At times this won’t be pretty! ⚠️ I want to improve my singing: Both in terms of nailing the pitch and getting over my fear of doing it in front of people. To start me off here’s a one-take, no warm up little verse. I’ll set up live streaming for future ones. All feedback appreciated. I want to improve. Thank you! 🙏