When Joe Keery — widely recognized as Steve Harrington in the acclaimed Netflix show Stranger Things — launched his musical project Djo in 2019, few could have predicted the artistic depth he would explore. His latest single, ‘Potion,’ encapsulates a breezy yet introspective vibe reminiscent of the sounds that defined the Laurel Canyon scene of the 1970s. “If Harry Nilsson and Lindsey Buckingham had a baby,” Keery describes the track, it’s a combination of warm melodies and intricate arrangements—a fitting preview to his upcoming album, The Crux, set for release on April 4, 2025.
This announcement follows his earlier singles ‘Basic Being Basic’ and ‘Delete Ya,’ each weaving together components of folk-rock and pop through a lens of personal storytelling. In a world where many celebrities step into multiple roles, Keery's ability to merge his acting and musical aspirations stands out as particularly significant, prompting discussions on the nature of artistic identity and expression.
Djo, which Keery described as an emotional and artistic extension of himself, first debuted with his album Twenty Twenty. Since then, he has adeptly transitioned from an actor to a musician, albeit not without challenges. Following the success of Stranger Things, much of his narrative has been drawn from his own life experiences, crafting an authentic connection with listeners.
Keery's choice to root Potion in the vibes of legends like Fleetwood Mac speaks volumes about his influences. The pastoral soundscapes and lyrical introspection prevalent in 'Potion' harken back to a time when music was about storytelling and shared experiences. For Keery, crafting this sort of music seems to be a natural progression, allowing him to reflect on his own life journey while honoring the legacies that shape modern music.
The creation of ‘Potion’ uniquely combines Keery's diverse sonic interests, melding traditional acoustic textures with modern production. The song features Keery's nuanced vocal layering alongside instrumentation that includes acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and Mellotron—a nod to the period's experimental spirit.
In interviews, Keery has emphasized the collaborative essence of his work. For 'Potion,' he drew inspiration not only from personal memories but also from the creative collaborations that guided its development. As he describes, the studio sessions were akin to intimate gatherings of friends coming together to bring a shared vision to life.
“The process was methodical yet fluid, much like the way the song flows itself,” Keery explains. “It’s as if we created a tapestry, each thread representing our collective experiences and influences.”
The thematic fabric of The Crux revolves around introspection. From grappling with fame to understanding his sense of self, Keery's songs act as a diary. 'Potion', in particular, resonates as a representation of growth — a metaphorical take on finding solace in familiar comforts, much like slipping into a pair of well-worn jeans.
Keery's dual career prompts intrigue regarding his work-life balance. He notes how both acting and music fulfill different aspects of his creative spirit. During a discussion about managing these passions, Keery highlighted that each forms an essential outlet enabling him to express diversely.
"Having these two worlds intertwined has pushed me to explore new dimensions of my creativity," Keery remarked. "Each outlet uniquely feeds the other."
With the release of The Crux, Keery is gearing up for an extensive tour across North America, the UK, and Europe. This represents a significant step for Djo, evolving from a studio project to a dynamic, live organizational effort.
Live performances are anticipated to showcase Djo's melodic richness and lyrical depth, with Keery underscoring his hopes to create memorable experiences for fans. "There's a thrill that comes with sharing these songs live, allowing a collective moment of connection and expression," he shares.
Djo's music is primarily a blend of indie pop, folk-rock, and vintage influences, reminiscent of classic artists.
The Crux will be available on April 4, 2025.
Keery emphasizes the complementarity of acting and music, with each enhancing his overall creative expression.
'Potion' is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Yes, Djo plans an extensive tour across North America, the UK, and Europe following the album's release.
In embracing the complexities of his identity as an artist, Joe Keery’s Djo continues to evolve, crafting music that not only honors the past but also boldly steps into the future. As we await The Crux, there is no doubt that listeners will find strips of intimacy and sincerity woven through the fabric of Djo's sound.
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