Sat Apr 05 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Stranger Things Star Joe Keery’s Musical Project Djo Takes Flight with New Album “The Crux”
**NEW YORK, NY** – Joe Keery, best known for his role in the hit Netflix series *Stranger Things*, solidifies his status as a serious musician with the release of his third album as Djo, *The Crux*. The album, a departure from his previous mellow indie-pop sound, sees Keery embracing a retro 70s and 80s aesthetic, drawing inspiration from artists like Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, and David Bowie.
Recorded at New York’s Electric Lady Studios, *The Crux* showcases a significant leap in production quality and lyrical depth compared to Djo’s earlier work. Keery co-wrote and co-produced every track, playing numerous instruments himself. The album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with lyrics that are both introspective and relatable.
Singles like “Basic Being Basic,” a cheeky critique of superficiality, and “Delete Ya,” a catchy breakup anthem with a Prince-inspired riff, highlight the album’s diverse sound. Other standout tracks include the heartfelt soft-rock ballad “Potion” and the psychedelic “Fly,” which reflects on moving on from a past relationship. While some tracks, such as “Charlies’ Garden,” may feel like stylistic experiments, the album’s overall energy and cohesiveness are undeniable.
Keery’s previous single, “End of Beginning,” achieved 1.5 billion streams, but *The Crux* demonstrates that this success was no fluke. The album showcases a fully realized artist, confident in his musical vision and ready to expand his reach beyond his acting career. With its polished production and emotionally resonant lyrics, *The Crux* is poised to solidify Djo’s place in the music world.
First Piper 