Djo: The Psychedelic Pop Project of Joe Keery

Djo is the solo musical venture of American actor and musician Joe Keery, best known for his role in the hit series Stranger Things. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Keery has carved out a distinct lane in the indie music scene with his critically acclaimed sophomore album, 2022's "DECIDE," which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned the viral streaming hit "Glimpse of Us."

Early career

Joe Keery's musical journey began long before his acting fame, rooted in the Chicago music scene. He first gained musical experience as the guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Post Animal, contributing to their early work and 2018 album "When I Think Of You In A Castle."

Keery launched his solo project Djo in 2019, deliberately separating it from his acting persona. His debut album, "Twenty Twenty," was a self-released, home-recorded effort that introduced his brand of fuzzy, synth-laden psychedelic pop to a growing audience.

Breakthrough

Djo's major breakthrough arrived with the 2022 release of his second album, "DECIDE," via the independent label AWAL. The album marked a significant evolution in production and songwriting, debuting at number 11 on the Billboard Top Alternative Albums chart and number 127 on the Billboard 200, solidifying his status as a serious musical artist.

Key tracks

Glimpse of Us — This track became a sleeper hit on TikTok and streaming platforms, amassing hundreds of millions of streams and introducing Djo's music to a massive, global audience.

End of Beginning — A reflective synth-pop anthem that later surged in popularity on social media, becoming a defining song of his catalog and a fan favorite at live shows.

Change — The lead single from "DECIDE" showcased a more polished, danceable sound and received significant airplay on alternative radio stations.

Roddy — A standout from his debut album, this track established the warped, 70s-inspired psychedelic pop sound that defines the Djo project.

The success of "DECIDE" was followed by extensive touring, including a sold-out North American headline run. Djo's music, characterized by layered vocals, intricate synth work, and introspective lyrics, continues to evolve, with fans eagerly awaiting new material that pushes his psychedelic pop genre further.

For a similar blend of modern psychedelia and catchy songcraft, explore Tame Impala, the project shares a foundational love for vintage synth textures and melodic hooks. The intricate, layered production echoes the work of Mild High Club, another act known for its smooth, jazz-inflected psychedelic pop. Fans of the quirky, personal lyricism might also enjoy MGMT, pioneers of the modern psychedelic pop revival. The home-recorded, DIY spirit connects to the earlier work of McCafferty, though with a distinctly more polished and synth-focused approach.

Djo's infectious brand of psychedelic pop has earned consistent rotation on a wide array of radio formats, from college radio stations championing independent artists to major market alternative rock stations seeking the next cutting-edge sound. His tracks are staples on online radio streams dedicated to modern indie and retro-futuristic pop, connecting with listeners who crave melody and experimentation.

You can hear the music of Djo on radio stations featured across our network. Discover and listen to Djo's evolving discography through the curated alternative and indie rock radio stations available on onairium.com.