Joel Turner (musician)

Joel Turner
Joel Turner
Born	March 3, 1987 (age 39); Australia
Occupation(s)	Beatboxer, vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist, music producer
Years active	2003–present
Known for	Beatbox Battle World Champion (2005–2009), hit single "These Kids"

Joel Turner (born 3 March 1987) is an Australian artist known for his talents as a beatboxer, vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist, and music producer, most famously associated with the hit single "These Kids". Distinguished by his unique beatboxing techniques—often described as his "third voice"—including cowbell sounds, teeth beats, and bass guitar rhythms, Turner claimed the Beatbox Battle World Championship title in 2005 and retained it until 2009.

Turner first attracted public attention during the 2003 season of Australian Idol, where his beatboxing garnered acclaim. Although he was ultimately considered unsuitable for the competition, he earned the title "Most Popular of the Unforgettables" and performed at the 2003 Idol Grand Final held at the Sydney Opera House. Subsequently, he was signed and managed by Idol judge Mark Holden, alongside rappers Modern Day Poets (MDP), a group that included his brother Tim Turner ("DubLT")—who departed in 2005 and was succeeded by Kitchener "KNO" Wesche—and their cousin Chris Turner ("C4").

By 2010, Turner had launched two full albums and completed numerous tours. His presence extended to television advertising, notably featuring in commercials for Drumstick Loaded ice cream.

Early years (1987–2002)

Turner was raised in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, within a modest lower-middle-class household. His mother Grace supported five children as a single parent relying on a pension. His father, a guitarist who played with Richard Clapton's ensemble and various Adelaide bands, left prior to Turner's birth and passed away from a heroin overdose in 1999. Turner views his musical journey as an homage to his late father.

Showing musical aptitude early on, Turner began drumming at age seven despite lacking a drum kit; this led him to develop rhythms using his mouth and teeth. Initially inspired by Billy Ocean’s vocal stylings on "Love Zone," he discovered beatboxing in 2001 and committed himself to mastering it through diligent practice, study, and competition. Beyond percussion, Turner has been singing since age seven and playing guitar since nine.

Australian Idol and Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets (2003–2005)

Turner’s early musical activities involved performing and songwriting with family members. Together with his cousin and brother, he formed Modern Day Poets, later rebranded as "Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets" to capitalize on Turner's visibility from Australian Idol. Their audition for the show was primarily aimed at gaining exposure.

The track "These Kids" was created in December 2001 when Turner's brother contributed lyrics while Turner composed the melody. Initially recorded in Cairns, Queensland with financial support from a family friend, this demo secured a contract with Mark Holden, who was impressed by Turner's beatboxing and guitar abilities. The song struck a chord with youth audiences by addressing themes such as drug abuse, depression, suicide, and homelessness.

After signing with Holden's Dream Dealers label in early 2004, Turner dedicated that year to recording and promoting his debut album. He appeared at events including the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, Telethon, and Youth Alive Festival. Additionally, he performed at the 2004 Australian Idol finale accompanied by a symphony orchestra and six beatboxers collectively called the Beatbox Alliance.

The debut single "These Kids", penned by DubLT in response to a friend's suicide and dedicated to Turner's troubled childhood neighbor, entered the Australian top five in October 2004. It eventually reached number one on the Australian singles chart and stands as the highest-selling release from an Australian hip-hop artist.

Released on 1 November 2004, the self-titled album Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets received acclaim from Beat magazine as "the most accomplished and shockingly brilliant debut of 2004." The record showcased Turner's vocal percussion along with eight pure beatboxing tracks. Featured guests included boxer Anthony Mundine rapping on "Knock U Out" (the second single which peaked at #14), plus Australian Idol contestants Rebekah LaVauney and Axle Whitehead. The album attained platinum certification after reaching the ARIA top 30. Following singles "Funk U Up" and "Respect" charted at No. 13 and No. 29 respectively on ARIA charts.

In January 2005, Turner alongside Modern Day Poets embarked on their inaugural national tour supported by Beatbox Alliance members and multi-instrumentalist Dylan Hartas. This tour covered venues ranging from local pubs to major festivals including Big Day Out, Melbourne International Music Festival/Tsunami Benefit, Channel V Billabong Detour, Byron Bay East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, West Coast Blues & Roots Festival, and Cosmonautical Youth Festival.

Turner made an appearance at the 2005 TV Week Logie Awards after-party and earned a nomination for MTV Australia's "Supernova" Award. In mid-2005, he participated in Coke Live '05 Sessions—an under-18 concert series across Australia—and opened for US rapper Ice-T in Melbourne. Other performances included Warriors Realm IV events nationwide, Nova Pimp parties around Australia, Brisbane's Stylin' Up Festival, Supernatural Conference sessions, and Bundaberg's Exoday Festival.

In September 2005, Turner secured the World Beatbox Champion title at the Hip Hop World Challenge held in Leipzig, Germany by outperforming elite international contenders. He also claimed victory in the Team World Championship alongside Beatbox Alliance member Tom Thum under their duo name "Attention Deficit Disaudio."

Upon returning to Australia, Turner served as a special guest at Bendigo's Schools Musical Spectacular and performed with 2003 Idol winner Guy Sebastian at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. He also acted as a judge for Australian Idol’s "Are You a Natural" competition. October 2005 saw the release of a DVD entitled Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets with the Beatbox Alliance, capturing touring experiences with live footage from West Coast Blues & Roots Festival.

During this era, Joel Turner & The Modern Day Poets received three ARIA Award nominations: Best Independent Release and Best Urban Release for their album plus Breakthrough Artist (Single) for "These Kids." They were later honored with an ARIA No. 1 Chart Award acknowledging their debut single’s commercial success.

Transition to Hardwax, Out of the Box and assault (2006–2008)

During 2005 and 2006, Turner collaborated with Modern Day Poets and Tom Thumb, performing at various events including Rahzel's Brisbane concert, the Pacific Brands Fashion Show, Foxtel's 10th anniversary celebration, as well as Sydney and Melbourne Auto Salons, and the 2006 Gold Coast Big Day Out. Turner and Modern Day Poets also made their acting debut in two episodes of the interactive comedy series Forget the Rules.

In January 2006, Turner appeared at the Australia Day Live Concert in Canberra alongside special guest Axle Whitehead. At this time, he announced the end of his contract with Mark Holden to establish his own record label. Following this, he performed at Australian Hip Hop United, Parkfest, Bring It On Youth Festival, Force '06, and held several shows at Sydney's Royal Easter Show where he also conducted beatbox workshops.

By June 2006, Modern Day Poets took the stage at the APRA songwriting awards with two tracks nominated for "Most Performed Urban Work." Later that year, Turner focused on creating a new album and co-founded the production company Two Kingz Produktionz with Brisbane rapper Preech. In October, he secured a recording deal with Rajon Music for both himself and Modern Day Productions.

At the start of 2007, Turner released the single "All Night Long," featuring Israel, Stan Bravo, and C4, which reached number 38 on the Australian charts. He recorded sessions in London, performed at a De La Soul concert, and toured Australian schools promoting "Just Dream," a program aimed at youth values. Additionally, Turner appeared on Big Brother Australia's "Friday Night Live."

On 29 July 2007, Turner was injured with a broken jaw after stepping into a fight in Brisbane. Despite undergoing surgery and medical advice to rest, he resumed performing within a month. In August, he released "City of Dreams," featuring C4 and KNO; despite minimal radio play, it climbed to number 30 on the ARIA charts. The accompanying video showcased Brisbane landmarks and was supported by a 15-minute documentary titled This Kid, highlighting Turner's background and new music.

Turner's second album Out of the Box, delayed from earlier plans, was released on 6 October 2007 through Central Station's Hardwax label. The album included collaborations with members of De La Soul, Modern Day Poets, UK rapper Mystro, and Preech. Although Turner considered it an improvement over his debut effort, it garnered limited critical attention and did not achieve significant commercial success.

Following his recovery, Turner embarked on an extensive Australian tour promoting Out of the Box, headlining events such as Urban Youth Arts Warehouse Fest, Xposed, Buzz Monkey National Breakdancing Championships, and multiple performances at Brisbane’s ASIMO exhibition. In June 2008, he earned two additional APRA Urban nominations.

Turner kept a relatively low profile throughout most of 2008 but appeared notably during De La Soul’s set at Gold Coast’s Summafieldayze Festival in January and Melbourne’s Make a Change Concert in April.

In October 2008, Turner submitted a victim impact statement to Beenleigh District Court regarding his 2007 jaw injury. He asserted that the assault severely hampered promotion efforts for Out of the Box, resulting in diminished sales and lost income. The attack was characterized as unprovoked and nearly career-ending; subsequently, Turner's assailant received a prison sentence. In November, Turner spoke about the incident’s repercussions on Nine Network's A Current Affair and was reportedly working on new projects.

Subsequent career path (2009 onward)

In 2009, Turner performed at Brisbane's Autumn Urban Fiesta and served as support for De La Soul’s Australian tour celebrating their 20th anniversary. His track "City of Dreams" was nominated again for APRA Awards' Urban Work of the Year. Later that year, he headlined Stylin' Up—an indigenous youth festival—and took part in Easterfest Spotlight’s "A Jazzmagical Christmas." Turner also supported the White Ribbon Foundation's Men in the Mall initiative advocating against violence toward women. On Australia Day 2009, he performed at Ibiza Downunder showcase and announced plans for a "Learn to Beatbox" DVD project which ultimately was not released. Although a third album was slated for release in 2010, it never materialized; subsequent crowdfunding campaigns also failed to bring it to fruition. In 2019 he announced forthcoming music releases that culminated with the August 19, 2022 launch of the single Mullet on Spotify.

Artistry

Inspirations

Turner's musical style is influenced by blues icons including B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan as well as hip-hop artists such as Tupac Shakur, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Cypress Hill.

Discography

Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets (2004)
Out of the Box (2007)

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

APRA Awards

The annual APRA Awards ceremony, organised by the Australasian Performing Right Association, takes place across Australia and New Zealand to honour achievements in songwriting, sales, and airplay among its members.

Beatboxing

Event	Year	Category	Result
Hip Hop World Challenge	2005	Solo Male	Champion
Hip Hop World Challenge	2005	Team	Champion

External links

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