Joel Turner (musician)

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Joel Turner (born March 3, 1987) is a Brisbane beatboxer best known for the Australian hit song "These Kids".

He first appeared on the 2003 season of Australian Idol where he drew attention for his beatbox skills. Despite missing out on the finals, Turner was signed by Idol judge Mark Holden together with his group the Modern Day Poets. However, Turner won "The Unforgettables" series.

"These Kids" was written by one of the Modern Day Poets about a friend who committed suicide, but was also subsequently dedicated to Joel Turner's troubled childhood neighbour and friend. It debuted in the top 5 of the Australian singles charts in October 2004. The single reached number one on the Australian singles chart, and achieved double platinum status.

The self-titled Joel Turner & the Modern Day Poets album was released on November 1 2004. The album features boxer Anthony Mundine rapping on a track called "Knock U Out" (released as the second single, and reached #14). The album also features a couple of Australian Idol contestants Rebekah LaVauney and Axle Whitehead with Whitehead appearing on the track "Scatbox". It reached the top 30 of the ARIA albums chart, and achieved platinum status. The third single is "Funk U Up" and debuted at #17 on the ARIA charts in May 2005, and peaked at #13. A fourth single was titled "Respect" released in November 2005, reaching #29.

Turner appeared on the Australian Idol final for 2004 together with six beatboxers and a symphony orchestra.

He has also won the World Human Beatbox Championships in Germany in 2005.