Joe Keery: The Musician Beyond "Stranger Things" & Djo's "The Crux"

24 May, 2025

Is it possible to be both a beloved television star and a critically acclaimed musician? For Joe Keery, the answer is a resounding yes. Beyond the iconic character of Steve Harrington in the global phenomenon "Stranger Things," lies a multifaceted artist who has carved a distinct path in the music world under the moniker Djo, proving that his talents extend far beyond the screen.

Born Joseph David Keery on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Keery's journey began far from the bright lights of Hollywood. Growing up as the second of five children, he attended Newbury High School before pursuing his passion for the arts at DePaul University in Chicago. Graduating in 2014 from the Theatre School, Keery's trajectory quickly took flight, landing him roles in television series like "Sirens" and "Chicago Fire." However, his creative pursuits were not limited to acting, his musical aspirations were already taking shape.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Joseph David Keery
Date of Birth	April 24, 1992
Place of Birth	Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actor, Musician
Known For	Steve Harrington in "Stranger Things," Musician as Djo
Education	DePaul University
Musical Projects	Djo (solo), Post Animal (former member)
Albums as Djo	Twenty Twenty (2019), DECIDE (2022), The Crux (2025)
Relationship Status	In a relationship with Maika Monroe
Years Active	2015-Present
Reference	Wikipedia

Before he was captivating audiences as Steve Harrington, Keery was deeply immersed in the Chicago music scene. He played guitar and contributed vocals to the psychedelic rock band Post Animal. The band released its debut album in 2015, showcasing Keery's early musical talents. Post Animal gained recognition for their unique sound, with Keery as a pivotal member until he left in 2017 to focus on his burgeoning acting career. The band included Dalton Allison, Jake Hirshland, Javi Reyes, Matt Williams, and Wesley Toledo.

Keery's musical endeavors, however, didn't cease with his departure from Post Animal. He adopted the moniker Djo, a stage name that would become synonymous with his solo musical journey. Since 2019, Djo has been making waves in the indie music scene. His most recent work, "The Crux," scheduled for release on April 4, 2025, is highly anticipated, with his fanbase eagerly awaiting his new sounds. The lead single from "The Crux" has already been released, offering a tantalizing glimpse of whats to come. This album marks the first time all five original members of Post Animal have been featured on a Djo project since Keery's acting took off.

The artists breakthrough came in 2024 when his song "End of Beginning" went viral on platforms like TikTok. This exposure propelled Djo into the spotlight, solidifying his place in the music industry. His music is characterized by its electro-indie sound, a departure from Post Animals psychedelic rock. Djos music displays a mature exploration of genre. This ability to seamlessly transition between musical styles underscores Keery's growth as an artist and the breadth of his creative vision.

Beyond the music and the acting, Keery has also been involved in other creative projects. He appeared in the teaser trailer for "Sound+Vision: A Pavement Story," playing the role of Stephen Malkmus. He also showcases his acting in films such as "Free Guy" and "Spree."

Keery's life is not just about his professional successes; it is about his personal journey. Keery was born to Thomas and Laura Keery, and grew up with four sisters. Keery has been in a relationship with Maika Monroe since 2017, and they have built a life together. These personal relationships contribute to the holistic view of who Keery is, enriching the narrative around his artistic endeavors.

The upcoming album "The Crux" (scheduled for release on April 4, 2025) marks a significant milestone. The album features all of the original members of Post Animal together. The first song since reuniting with Keery is already out, building excitement around the release. This reunion underscores the lasting connections and the shared history of Keery and his bandmates.

The juxtaposition of his roles the beloved Steve Harrington and the creative force behind Djo is a testament to his versatility. His work demonstrates an ability to master different artistic forms. His acting career has found great success, and his musical journey, while starting in a psychedelic rock band, has now transitioned to the solo project, which allows for an exploration of indie electro music.

Keery's story is one of artistic exploration and the courage to pursue diverse passions. From the early days in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to the stages of Chicago and the soundstages of Hollywood, Joe Keery continues to evolve. As he prepares to release The Crux," Joe Keery is ready to continue to make his mark on the entertainment landscape.

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