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 Netflix series "Stranger Things." The project blends psychedelic rock, synth-pop, and funk, establishing Keery as a credible artist beyond his on-screen persona.

Early Career

Joe Keery's musical journey began long before his acting fame, playing in Chicago-based bands during his studies at The Theatre School at DePaul University. He was a member of the psych-rock band Post Animal, contributing guitar and vocals on their early work, including the 2018 album When I Think Of You In A Castle, before amicably departing to focus on his acting career and solo pursuits.

Breakthrough

Keery launched Djo in 2019 with the debut album Twenty Twenty, a self-recorded collection of psychedelic and synth-driven tracks that arrived with little fanfare but gradually built a cult following. His sophomore album, 2022's DECIDE, marked a significant leap in production and scope, leading to viral success on social media platforms and a sold-out headline tour.

Key Tracks

Chateau (Feel Alright) - This laid-back, funk-infused track from the first album became an early fan favorite and a staple of his live sets.

Gloom - A standout from DECIDE, its catchy bassline and introspective lyrics helped drive the album's popularity.

End Of Beginning - The viral TikTok sensation from DECIDE that propelled Djo into the mainstream, soundtracking millions of nostalgic videos and dramatically increasing his audience.

Change - The opening track to DECIDE sets the album's tone with dense vocal harmonies and a dynamic, shifting structure.

Runner - A sleek, synth-pop driven single that showcases the polished and ambitious production of Djo's second album cycle.

The success of DECIDE and the subsequent tour solidified Djo's position as a serious musical act, with Keery deliberately maintaining a degree of separation between his acting and musical identities. The project is noted for its meticulous, self-produced sound that draws from 70s psychedelia and 80s pop.

Fans of Djo's textured synth-pop and retro-futuristic sound may also enjoy the work of Tame Impala, which shares a similar psychedelic and production-heavy approach. The funk-inflected rock of Post Animal connects to Djo's earlier musical roots. The melodic synth-wave of MGMT offers a comparable blend of pop accessibility and experimental flair. Lastly, the intricate compositions of Unknown Mortal Orchestra resonate with Djo's detailed, layered songwriting.