The beat goes on
Meet beatboxing finalist Joe
MEET Joe Walker - the Gateshead beatboxer who has earned the trip of a lifetime to represent Great Britain at one of the biggest beatboxing contests in the world.
The Newcastle College student – aka Mad Speed – will compete at the prestigious Beatbox To World 2019 event in South Korea.
Joe is one of just 16 finalists and will take to the stage in Seoul from March 1-3 hoping to make his family, friends, and his country proud.
He said: “I can’t even describe how much this means to me. I’m lost for words when I think about it.
“I’m still in complete shock that I have the opportunity to do this.
“It’s going to be a huge learning experience, getting my name out there and see what it will be like on an international stage.”
Joe’s passion for beatboxing began at the age of six, and he began showcasing his talents on YouTube under the stage name Mad Speed.
The 18-year-old’s performances have been viewed by thousands, and it was a clip of new track Titan Grime that caught the attention of Beatbox To World bosses. He said: “I was hanging out in my sister’s flat and I noticed I got a message from the Beatbox To World Facebook page. “I rushed to read the message and found that, although I didn’t place in the top 16 qualifiers, I’d been offered a place as first reserve. I’d finished 17 in the world but one of the other guys had been forced to pull out and the organisers offered me the place.
“I was so shocked. The top 16 had been announced a week before and, as I wasn’t on the list, I’d decided it just wasn’t meant to be.
“Even that day I’d been looking at other competitions because I’d given up on going to Seoul.
“It’s safe to say I went home from my sister’s with a massive grin on my face.” Electronic music student Joe will square off against his global rivals in an elimination round before enjoying a showcase concert.
The Tyneside teenager draws on a “variety” of genres in his performances including house, techno, and electronic dance music.
For Joe, beatboxing allows him the opportunity to “express who I really am”. He said: “I can do whatever I want with it. There is no-one telling me how to do anything.
“It’s unique to me.” Ambitious beatboxer Joe practises his technique for at least two hours a day, both at home and at Newcastle College. Joe added: “It’s something free that you always have with you - you can
It’s something free that you always have with you – you can beatbox while walking, doing the dishes...
Joe Walker