Over the past several years, Djo, the music project of Joe Keery, has grown from a lesser-known side project into a name that regularly appears on charts, tour lineups and playlists. While many listeners may first recognize Keery from his acting career, Djo’s recent success shows a shift in how he is being viewed. He is no longer just an actor who makes music, but an artist whose work is standing on its own. 

   Djo’s music career began well before it reached mainstream attention. His debut album, Twenty Twenty (2019), introduced a sound that leaned into retro synths, distorted vocals and an intentionally offbeat style. At the time, the project felt experimental and niche, appealing mostly to listeners already familiar with Keery’s work. Rather than chasing quick popularity, Djo continued developing his sound, which became more focused with the release of Decide in 2022. That album helped define the project more clearly, blending alternative pop and rock influences while keeping its slightly unconventional edge (Kurp, 2022). 

   For a while, Djo remained a relatively quiet presence in the music industry. That changed when “End of Beginning” began gaining traction online. Although the song was released earlier, it found new life through social media, where its reflective tone and nostalgic feel resonated with a wide audience. The track’s sudden popularity highlighted how music can evolve beyond its original release and reach listeners in unexpected ways. Rather than being a brief viral moment, “End of Beginning” continued climbing, eventually becoming Djo’s most recognizable song. 

“Djo’s song ‘End of Beginning’ makes me feel close to the place I love most (Chicago),”  Stella Medina (11) says. “It makes me feel happy and reminiscent of all the great memories I have there.”  

   By early 2026, “End of Beginning” had reached No. 1 on major streaming and alternative charts, according to Billboard (Mendez, 2024). This milestone marked a major shift in the scale of Djo’s career. Chart success often opens doors, and in this case, it brought broader attention to Djo’s full catalog rather than focusing solely on one track. The song’s rise also reframed public perception of the project, signaling that Djo’s music was reaching audiences far beyond its original fan base. 

   That momentum carried into Djo’s newest album, The Crux, released April 4, 2025. Unlike earlier releases, The Crux was presented as a confident step forward. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City and co-produced by Keery and Adam Thein, the album reflects a more intentional approach to songwriting and production (Plaugic, 2025). Singles such as “Basic Being Basic,” “Delete Ya,” and “Potion” helped build anticipation and demonstrated a wider range of sound, balancing guitar-driven tracks with the synth-heavy style listeners had come to expect. 

 “I didn’t know Joe had a music career, I’ve only ever seen him acting in Stranger Things,” said Pearl Gloede (11).  

   Touring has also played a key role in Djo’s growth. As his audience expanded, so did the size and reach of his live shows. The Crux tour included dates across multiple regions and further established Djo as a live performer rather than a studio-only artist (Djo, 2026). Live performances test whether an artist’s music connects beyond streaming platforms, and Djo’s ability to bring his sound to the stage has helped solidify his place in the alternative music scene.  Reviews and coverage of Djo’s recent work note that them as energetic and creative, even while noting that the genre-blending nature of the project is still evolving. 

   Keery’s acting career has undoubtedly helped introduce new listeners to Djo, but it is not the sole reason for the project’s success. Name recognition may draw initial attention, but sustained growth requires consistent output and audience connection. Djo’s continued releases, expanding tours and critical recognition suggest that the music is resonating for its own reasons, not simply because of who is behind it (Plaugic, 2025). 

   Looking at Djo’s trajectory over the past five years, the most striking element is how gradual and steady the growth has been. Rather than peaking quickly, the project has built momentum through experimentation, persistence, and evolving audience engagement. In an industry where overnight success often fades just as fast, Djo’s rise stands out as an example of how an artist can grow into their space over time.