Joe Keery, best known for playing Steve Harrington in Netflix's Stranger Things, has found himself at the centre of another viral moment. His song 'End of Beginning', from his 2022 album Decide, recently became associated with the election of Pope Francis, after fans paired the lyrics with videos of the new pontiff. 'It was a crazy situation – this song that I wrote was being linked to the head of the Catholic church,' Keery said, sounding incredulous.
The 33-year-old actor and musician, who performs under the name Djo, is currently on tour supporting his third album The Crux. The record arrives as the final season of Stranger Things is set to be released on 26 November, marking the end of a nine-year chapter. Keery described the album as 'about the journey to reconnect with your roots and your family and your friends, and to rediscover what your real priorities are.'
Speaking at a north London pub, Keery reflected on his dual career. He hails from a creative family and grew up listening to a wide range of music, from Bruce Springsteen to Sheryl Crow. While his previous album Decide was heavily influenced by electronic artists, The Crux is more organic, drawing on his earlier inspirations. Keery also recently rejoined his pre-Stranger Things band Post Animal, who are supporting him on tour.
Keery studied drama in Chicago, where he fell in love with the city's art scene and affordable living. He recalled the early days of Post Animal as 'a cool bonding experience', adding that 'sometimes it sucks and you bomb' but that those moments were formative. Despite his success, Keery admitted to feeling impostor syndrome: 'I've been incredibly lucky. I have heavy impostor syndrome.'
