Why Is Joe Keery Called ‘Djo’? All About the Netflix Star’s Band and Brand Name

Published 01/03/2026, 10:18 AM EST

Joe Keery became a global sensation as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, winning hearts with charm, humor, and depth. Beyond acting, he forged a bold musical identity as Djo, mixing psychedelic textures with infectious melodies that mesmerized listeners worldwide.

His albums and viral singles displayed creativity equal to his screen presence, while tours and collaborations cemented his status as a versatile artist with a very unique name.

Joe Keery revealed the story behind Djo, unraveling the inspiration, creativity, and vision that shaped his musical persona, an electrifying blend of psychedelia, passion, and unmistakable artistry fans have been dying to decode.

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Joe Keery opens up about the name that defines his sound

In a revealing interview with iHeartRadio, Joe Keery shared the origins of his stage name, Djo, explaining that it emerged almost spontaneously. He recounted working with a distribution company that helped artists place music on streaming platforms, initially releasing music under a different name that left him unsure.

Searching for something that felt personal yet distinct, he crafted Djo, a variation of his own name that serves as a subtle disguise. Keery described it as both him and not him, and acknowledged that pronunciation confusions are common but entirely acceptable, adding a playful, human touch to the identity he created.

Joe Keery first made waves as a founding member of the psychedelic rock band Post Animal, leaving in 2018 to pursue acting. Reinventing himself as Djo, he released his debut album 'Twenty Twenty' in 2019, followed by 'Decide' in 2022, which included the viral hit 'End of Beginning.'

In 2025, he unveiled 'The Crux'  and 'The Crux Deluxe', rejoined Post Animal for Iron, and headlined the Back on You World Tour with the band as openers. A milestone that invites a look back at his evolving career.

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Joe Keery has quietly built an extraordinary career, shifting from breakout television star to respected musician, defying expectations at every turn and leaving audiences curious about what move comes next.

Joe Keery journey from breakout star to creative force

Joe Keery's rise reads like a creative slow burn turned explosion. After early commercial work and small television roles, he broke through as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, transforming into a fan favorite.

Instead, his acting choices revealed a steady evolution, moving from fan-favorite roles to more layered, unexpected performances across film and television. Each project sharpened his range, proving his staying power beyond a single breakout moment and solidifying his reputation as a performer willing to take creative risks rather than follow an easy path.

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Joe Keery's momentum did not slow after major releases and global tours, as each creative step amplified fascination beyond the stage. While albums, tours, and collaborations expanded his artistic footprint, his offstage presence sparked equal intrigue.

Carefully guarded yet unmistakably influential, his personal world drew attention without spectacle, reinforcing his cultural pull. Fans followed not only the music and performances, but the man behind them, proving that just as his professional life commands attention, his personal life deepens curiosity and quietly confirms the reach of his influence.

Fact Check: Has 'Stranger Things' Joe Keery Joined the 'American Horror Story'?

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What do you think about Joe Keery stage name? Let us know in the comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1407 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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