Joe Keery doesn’t slow down, not on screen and definitely not in the studio. Every project he touches feels like a leap into something new, and his latest release shows just how far that leap can go.
The longtime actor and musician recently released the deluxe version of his album The Crux, nearly doubling the runtime and adding 44 minutes of new music. Keery, who studied theater at DePaul University, has always had creative roots; he’s been making music since as early as 2013.
Many know Keery as Steve Harrington from Netflix’s Stranger Things. Others know him by his musical alias, Djo. But those aren’t the only names he’s gone by.
Keery first released music in 2013 under the name Cool Cool Cool, shortly before joining the Chicago-based band Post Animal. After a few years with the group, he branched off to focus on his solo career, eventually rebranding as Djo in 2019.
Since going solo, Keery has steadily built his discography, releasing a new album roughly every three years.
His most recent project, The Crux, dropped April 4, 2025, with the deluxe edition released Sept. 12. The album explores themes of longing, impermanence and renewal. Both the original and deluxe versions are rooted in indie rock and synth-heavy sounds, but emotionally they offer very different experiences.
The original release leans upbeat and energetic, while the deluxe version slows things down and dips into more melancholic territory. Some listeners have compared the newer songs to the haunting introspection of Elliott Smith and the experimental boldness of David Bowie, two legends known for turning vulnerability into art.
This emotional shift broadens Keery’s already diverse catalog, showcasing both his versatility and artistic evolution.
The Crux Deluxe also demonstrates Keery’s ability to glide between genres. From alternative and indie rock to electro-pop and synth-pop, he blends sounds effortlessly, paying homage to past musical icons without losing his unique voice.
That’s where Keery shines: not just making music that sounds good, but music that feels lived in, layered with feeling and authenticity.
In an era where viral trends dominate streaming platforms, it’s easy to pump out catchy, emotionless tracks made for a 15-second TikTok clip. Becoming a one-hit wonder has never been easier. Keery, however, is working against that tide. His breakout single “End of Beginning” may have exploded online, racking up more than 1.6 billion streams on Spotify, but his latest release proves he’s more than a viral moment.
With The Crux Deluxe, Keery has struck a golden balance between artistic depth and accessibility. He stays true to his voice, yet manages to create a sound that resonates across tastes and generations.
