Joe Keery is best known for playing Steve Harrington on ‘Stranger Things,’ but his talents extend far beyond the screen. Long before he became a fan favorite on the hit Netflix show, Keery was making music. While acting took center stage in his career, he never abandoned his passion for music, evolving from a band member to a full-fledged solo artist.
Keery Got His Start In Psychedelic Rock
Before going solo, Keery played guitar and sang in the Chicago-based band Post Animal. The band, formed in 2014, mixed psychedelic rock with heavy riffs, drawing comparisons to Tame Impala and Black Sabbath.
Keery was part of their debut album, ‘When I Think of You in a Castle’ (2018). But as ‘Stranger Things’ took off, he stepped away from touring and eventually left the band to focus on acting. Still, his time with Post Animal had a big influence on his later musical style.
He’s Now Flying Solo
In 2019, Keery launched his solo project, Djo, kicking things off with the single ‘Roddy.’ He quickly followed it up with his debut album, ‘Twenty Twenty,’ which leaned into experimental, psychedelic sounds. The album got a lot of attention for its creative production, and NME called Keery ‘a musician of very high caliber.’
His second album, ‘Decide’ (2022), took things even further, adding electronic influences and more personal lyrics. One of its tracks, ‘End of Beginning,’ blew up in 2024, becoming one of the most streamed songs of the year and making charts worldwide.
What’s Next For Djo?
Keery’s next album, ‘The Crux,’ is set to drop on April 4, 2025. He recorded it at Electric Lady Studios, and it’s expected to take his sound in new directions.
So far, he’s released two singles—’Basic Being Basic’ and ‘Delete Ya’—building excitement for the full album. He’s also hitting the road for the Back on You World Tour, with Post Animal opening for him, bringing his journey full circle.
