While Joe Keery has become a household name through his portrayal of Steve Harrington in the global phenomenon Stranger Things, the talented 33-year-old has been simultaneously building an impressive musical career under the moniker Djo. Since 2019, he has released several chart-topping singles that have captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing his versatility beyond acting.
The Spontaneous Origin of Djo
Recently, during an appearance on BBC's popular Graham Norton Show, Keery opened up about the intriguing story behind his stage name. The conversation unfolded when host Graham Norton pointed out the unique spelling of Djo, noting that while it's pronounced exactly like "Joe," the written form is distinctly different.
A Last-Minute Decision That Stuck
Keery explained that music began as a passionate hobby alongside his acting career. "I was always doing music just as a hobby," he shared. "I played in bands and stuff, and when I was shooting the second season of 'Stranger Things,' I had a little studio at my Airbnb and was writing and recording music."
The crucial moment arrived when he needed to upload his music to a distribution platform. "And then when it came time to upload this music on this distribution site, I didn't really think about what to call it," Keery revealed. "Last minute I said, 'Djo, it's kind of my name.'"
Now, with his musical identity firmly established, Keery humorously admits he's "stuck" with the name. "It's like Djokovic or Django or something, and so I just... and now I'm stuck with it," he concluded with a laugh.
Djo's Remarkable Musical Journey
Before embarking on his solo career, Joe Keery served as guitarist and vocalist for the psychedelic rock band Post Animal. His transition to a solo artist in 2019 marked the beginning of a new creative chapter.
Chart-Topping Success
Djo achieved significant milestones with his 2022 album Decide, which featured the 2024 viral sensation 'End of Beginning.' This track became a global phenomenon, reaching remarkable heights:
- No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart
- Top position on Spotify's Global Chart
- No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart
This success marked Djo's first major chart-topping achievement and secured him a Top 10 position on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a serious musical force.
A Star-Studded Television Appearance
During his appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Keery shared the spotlight with an impressive lineup of guests. The episode featured British television duo Ant and Dec, acclaimed The Crown actress Claire Foy, and renowned singer-rapper Tinie Tempah, creating a vibrant atmosphere for his revealing conversation about his dual artistic identities.
Joe Keery's journey from Stranger Things heartthrob to chart-topping musician as Djo demonstrates his multifaceted talent and creative evolution. His spontaneous choice of stage name has now become synonymous with musical innovation and success, proving that sometimes the most casual decisions can lead to the most significant artistic identities.
