SAM Dyball from Nana Glen wowed the crowd at last Thursday’s Open Mic at the Hoey Moey with a range of songs from Ed Sheeran to Oasis.

The crowd embraced the easing of restrictions on singing and dancing and gave a standing ovation for Vance Joy’s ‘Riptide’ which Sam learnt on the back school bus on his daily trip from Nana Glen to Coffs Harbour High.

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“Riptide was one of my favourite songs growing up.

“I used to sit at the back of the school bus from Nana Glen to Coffs Harbour High School and practice the song every day.

“I think the other students got fed up with me because I only knew Riptide and played it all of the time.

“I’ve been singing since I was three years old and played instruments since I was about twelve.

“I’ve been playing very easy listening covers of folky/pop songs but recently I’ve started a new project called ESIUM which will be more focused on the combination of everything that I’ve learnt over the years of playing with my love for electronic music and joining them together,” said Sam.

Sam helped younger musicians Dylan and Jaida on the Open Mic stage by playing guitar to Beatles classics and Lady Gaga’s ‘Shallows’.

Tareik Hart jumped on stage to play INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’.

Patrons welcomed back singing as they accompanied the Open Mic host with his rendition of ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis.

Sam attributed his music’s development to the Coffs Harbour music scene.

“The music scene in Coffs has really prepared me and helped me to become the musician I am today and I can’t wait to take that experience up north and all over.

“The main thing I love about live music is being able to really feel the emotion behind the words that an artist is singing on a big scale with a crowd,” said Sam.

By David WIGLEY