Meet Monk Turner
Over the last two decades, multi-instrumentalist Monk Turner has written and produced over 30 genre-defying concept albums. He’s been called “both daring and melodically gifted” by Music Connection Magazine for his unique approach to songwriting that takes influence from artists such as Elvis Costello, The Beatles, and They Might Be Giants. Though his most releases have been true solo endeavors, he’s also collaborated with musicians who share his passion for creating freeform music.
Turner's composition with Fascinoma won a competition held by radio station WFMU and the Free Music Archive for an alternative version of the popular “Happy Birthday to You,” entitled, “It’s Your Birthday!” In addition to his prolific catalog, his songs have been featured in movies, television programs and advertisements. The track “Judicious Jason” from Instrumental Friends Part 3 broke a Guinness World Record when 2,231 students did the largest choreographed ribbon dance to it.
FMA Team
I’m proud to say that I’ve been part of the Free Music Archive community for many many years. In fact, the song I’m best known for, It’s Your Birthday!, started right here. It won the FMA and WFMU’s 2013 contest to create a copyright-free alternative to “Happy Birthday to You,” which at the time was still owned by Time-Warner. - Monk Turner
It’s Your Birthday! - Released 2012
“The contest was about challenging Warner Music's copyright claim to Happy Birthday to You by bringing attention to the fact that the song belonged in the public domain. I'm all about concept and love the idea of writing to a brief, so it seemed like an interesting challenge. I had just finished Emergency Songs with Alanna Lin Ramage aka FASCINOMA and I thought it would be a fun project for us to do.
When we submitted our entry, I felt like we had a pretty good shot at winning, but was pleasantly surprised when we actually won. The initial response was pretty incredible with quite a few news outlets picking up the story and the contest clearly gave the copyright issue with Happy Birthday to You some very much needed attention.
Sure enough, the courts later ruled in 2015 that the song should be in the public domain, which it is now. I like to think our little song had some part in that. It's been amazing to see how far and wide our song has gone since that time, and how much joy it has brought to people around the world.”- Monk Turner
Read more about the winning track with Monk Turner and Fascinoma in this blog post celebrating the 10-year anniversary.
Emergency Songs - Released 2011
Fascinoma collaborated with me on Emergency Songs. A concept album that explores life before, during, and after a major earthquake. - Monk Turner
At this point in time, I have released over 30 concept albums. If you are wondering what that means, think of albums like The Wall by Pink Floyd, 2112 by Rush, or Tommy by The Who. These are records where every track is part of a larger story or idea.
I enjoy creating this way because it frees me from traditional constraints like genre, distribution methods, or a fixed band lineup. It lets me chase big ideas and explore a wide range of sounds. - Monk Turner
Love Story - Released 2009
Collaboration is a big part of my process. I often write songs with specific artists in mind, imagining who would bring each song to life. That approach shaped Love Story, a romantic narrative inspired by the Buddhist parable of the Ten Bulls. - Monk Turner
Coordinates - Released 2010
Its companion album, Coordinates, is a collection of songs based on specific locations. - Monk Turner
Kaleidoscope - Released 2012
For Kaleidoscope, I pushed the boundaries of collaboration by working with over 40 artists from around the world, with the central concept being color. - Monk Turner
God Complex - Released 2016
God Complex explores the mythology surrounding the Greek gods. - Monk Turner
Instrumental Friends Part 3 - Released 2013
Sometimes I like to work on my own. On Instrumental Friends Part 3, I composed music inspired by 12 of my friends, writing pieces that I felt captured their individual essence. - Monk Turner
Divided States - Released 2020
During the global pandemic, I had no choice but to create alone. I wrote, played and sang everything on this album about division called Divided States. - Monk Turner
Emotional Baggage Part 1 - Released 2021
With extra time on my hands and still stuck at home, I followed that up with Emotional Baggage, a four-part EP series focused on 16 human emotions, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4. - Monk Turner
In November 2025, I’ll release my 32nd album, a collection of holiday tunes created in collaboration with other songwriters and vocalists. I will be sharing more about that project as the release date gets closer.
Until then, I invite you to explore my full collection of music on Free Music Archive; Monk Turner's Collection on FMA
Monk Turner