Shoutbox

Nathan: That second one is definitely an improvement, but it doesn't have quite the effect SonicSam.net needs. It's too "bloggy". Yes, there will be a blog, but what really should be sought out here is more of a professional website, like a corporation would use. Gives a nicer "show".
That last one is the same as the first one, but without the imaged background, and hell, that's a really bad choice of colour.

I like the idea for the video previews you put in your second one, so maybe include some variation of that in your final works. However, I like the header/navbar of your first one.

The video preview really should be kept in that sort of way, it's a good idea. Maybe, however, have it the same, but up and down, instead of side to side, on the left menu, like in my draft. The arrow style you used is also a great idea in my opinion.

Grey is a wonderful colour. Great for neutrality, and used often in websites. Too often. Blue, as well, but a different shade of blue can make all the difference. The grey is going to kill your design if you use it.

Keep at it, it's got a good start.

Edit: Remember, my comments are only that, comments. You don't have to follow them completely. It would be a good idea to take some from the post, but don't take all of it if you have a better idea. Suggestions and comments are there to help, but you don't have to go by exactly what I say. A perfect example of that is my draft, it's just that, a draft. Things need changing to make it perfect, many things. Improve upon it.