Joe Keery, known for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things and his musical persona DJO, is preparing to release his new album, The Crux, on April 4th. Keery is well aware of his music’s potential and is both excited and anxious about how it will be received, considering the success of his previous viral hit, “End of Beginning.”
The album represents a shift in Keery’s sound, moving away from his previous synthesiser-centric, bedroom-recorded style to a more vibrant, guitar-driven sound reminiscent of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Recording at New York’s iconic Electric Lady Studios – a studio founded by Jimi Hendrix – profoundly influenced the album’s sound. Keery aimed for an authentic, organic feel by using analog techniques and minimizing digital involvement.
Keery, who balances his acting career on Stranger Things with his music, insists that his experiences as Steve Harrington do not infiltrate his music. However, his personal and societal experiences, including political and current events, have inspired the deeply personal nature of The Crux, which he describes as a diary of his life.
The album aims to convey a message of holding onto what’s important and appreciating life’s significant moments. Keery acknowledges the vulnerability of sharing personal experiences through his music but finds the process cathartic andurgfully needed for genuine connection.
Keery does not feel pressured by the viral success of “End of Beginning,” which was widely popular on platforms such as TikTok. He recognizes the unpredictability of viral hits, and while he understands the desire to repeat such success, his focus remains on enjoying the musical process and letting his songs resonate with others authentically.
Regarding the trend of shorter songs potentially going viral faster, Keery reflects on the importance of artistic integrity. However, he admits to initially considering the duration of songs in hopes of tapping into viral popularity.
Going forward, DJO plans to share his music authentically, whether it goes viral or not. Ahead of The Crux‘s release, he has dropped the single “Delete Ya” and is set to tour in the US and Europe, expressing excitement particularly about experiencing new cities and performing with friends.
For Keery, the upcoming tour is more than just performances; it’s an experience to be cherished and appreciated. He’s determined to make the most of these moments, aware of their transient nature and the importance of living in the present.
