Djo is the synth-pop and psych-rock music project of actor Joe Keery, best known as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, and it has recently exploded in global popularity thanks to the song “End of Beginning.” Below is an essential guide to the artist, the music, and the recent chart success.
Djo is the musical alias Joe Keery uses for his solo work as a singer, songwriter, and producer, separate from his acting career in Stranger Things and Fargo. Under this persona, Keery leans into experimental, retro-leaning sounds rather than mainstream TV tie-in music, giving the project its own distinct identity.
The track “End of Beginning,” originally released on the 2022 album Decide, experienced a delayed but massive surge in popularity several years after its initial release. The song gained renewed attention through social media virality and cultural momentum tied to the conclusion of Stranger Things, introducing Djo’s music to a far broader global audience.
As interest accelerated, “End of Beginning” climbed to the top tier of major international charts in early 2026 and became one of the most-streamed songs worldwide during its resurgence. The track’s emotional tone, nostalgic atmosphere, and reflective lyrics resonated strongly with listeners, helping it break beyond indie and alternative circles into mainstream awareness.
The success of “End of Beginning” stands as a clear example of how streaming culture, fan-driven platforms, and long-tail discovery can transform a catalog track into a defining moment—cementing Djo’s status as a serious and enduring musical artist rather than a short-term crossover project.
Djo’s music blends 70s psych-pop, 80s synths, and modern indie/electropop, often compared to acts like Tame Impala or ELO for its lush, layered production and nostalgic textures. Albums like Decide use vocoders, dense synthesizers, and funk-inflected grooves to explore themes of identity, technology, and growing up in the age of social media.
Djo has released three studio albums: Twenty Twenty (2019), Decide (2022), and The Crux (2025), each building his reputation beyond being “just” an actor.
Notable tracks include “Roddy” and “Chateau (Feel Alright)” from Twenty Twenty, “Change” and “End of Beginning” from Decide, and newer material from The Crux that continues his genre-shifting approach.
Djo’s live sets, including festival appearances like Lollapalooza, emphasize a trippy, multi-sensory atmosphere with tight band arrangements and a strong visual aesthetic. Critics and fans often highlight his commitment to craft, noting clear artistic growth between albums and viewing Djo as one of the more serious actor-to-musician transitions in recent years.
Yes. Djo is the music project of Joe Keery, who is also known for his acting role as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things. Djo allows Keery to separate his music from his acting career and explore a distinct creative identity.
“End of Beginning” appears on Djo’s 2022 album Decide. Although the song was not an immediate hit upon release, it later gained widespread attention through streaming platforms and social media discovery.
Djo’s music blends psychedelic pop, synth-pop, indie rock, and electronic elements. His sound is often described as retro-influenced, drawing from 1970s psych-pop and 1980s synth textures while maintaining a modern indie sensibility.
While Joe Keery’s role on Stranger Things increased public awareness, Djo’s music gained popularity primarily through organic listener discovery, streaming algorithms, and social media momentum. The success of “End of Beginning” demonstrates how Djo’s music resonated beyond television fandom.
Djo has released three studio albums:
Each release reflects a progression in sound, production, and artistic scope.
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