The man behind the music: Djo

The song “End of Beginning” by Djo has become the latest TikTok-turned-real-world hit. The song has taken the social media platform and the charts by storm. The identity behind Djo (pronounced “Joe”) is a name that might sound familiar – Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington in Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things.” That’s not the only thing listed on Keery’s resume, which also includes 10 films, eight television shows and five albums.

Keery was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and began acting through a summer performing arts program, continuing his involvement in theater in high school through stage crew. Music didn’t find its way onto his list of accomplishments until college, when he joined a band called Post Animal. He started on their debut album as a guitarist and drummer but changed to guitarist and vocalist for their second album.

Keery stopped touring with the band in 2019, believing that acting was getting in the way of being an active member of Post Animal. One must remember that 2019 was the release of Season 3 of “Stranger Things,” which quickly became the most popular season of the show at that time. He was also concerned about this fame overshadowing other members of the band. The leave was amicable, and he even coordinated a surprise performance of “When I Get Home” and “Dirtpicker” with the band in 2022.

Keery began to release music under the name Djo in 2019 – his first single “Roddy” was released on July 19. Though it didn’t hit the charts, he continued creating music. Keery used the pseudonym Djo so that listeners would be able to detach themselves from the Steve Harrington image and judge him based on the music. 

While his identity isn’t secret, the pseudonym has mostly worked out for him, as some on TikTok admitted their surprise at the connection. During performances, Keery also wears a brown wig that goes to his shoulders and wears glasses, almost as if he’s protecting his identity from show attendees. He has done a great deal to not have his biggest acting role to date overshadow his musical artistry.

In the beginning of this year, a TikTok trend using the lines “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it / Another version of me, I was in it / I wave goodbye to the end of beginning” from the song “End of Beginning” caught the attention of millions. By late February, the song was on charts around the world, hitting the No. 3 spot on Billboard’s Global 200. 

Some used the song in TikToks in remembrance of their hometown or childhood, in line with the meaning Keery intended for the song. Keery attended DePaul University in Chicago for acting and booked his role as Steve Harrington in “Stranger Things” after graduating.

This song has become a standout for Keery as it has helped many discover his music. Through a simple TikTok, his musical talent saw overnight support and celebration at a height not previously seen for him. It will be interesting to see how his music – and acting – career continues.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING STONE