Djo (pronounced “Joe”) is the stage name of the multi-talented Joe Keery, who is finally getting the recognition he deserves! Djo’s ‘End of Beginning‘ has gained mass visibility through a trend on TikTok using the song. Keery went from Chicago in Post Animal in a psych rock band to solo Djo in 2019. Djo has evolved his sound from psych rock to psych-indie pop, playing with quirky 80s new wave elements and breezy, vibrant synths. In fact, that sound development is heard in ‘End of Beginning’ that hooks listeners in.
‘End of Beginning’ is a reflective song about how a place can morph and change you for the better. For Djo, it was Chicago. Chicago is where he found himself and got to know himself in a life-altering way. Everyone has a place like that where its impacts linger after you leave, making it an unmistakable mark of before and after. Or better said, it’s the ‘End Of The Beginning’ of the new version of you. No matter what is similar to Djo, you can’t remove those experiences, people, and findings that have shaped you!
“Enter, Troubadour, Remember Twenty-Four?”
That’s why ‘End of Beginning’ has hit number one on the Hot 100 and the Spotify charts in 19 countries. Djo’s ability to create a song that chisels away at the experience of your early to mid-twenties reflects his musical talent. There’s no denying that the song connects in such a profound, wistful way. The story of finding yourself in various spaces in your twenty-somethings has resonated with millions of people. So much so that, notably, the trend that elevated this song was from people sharing images of their “Chicago.”
‘End of Beginning’ 2 years after its release from the album DECIDE, shows Keery has depth as a musician. It’s also a testament to the experience that many artists have: timing for the big breakthrough moment. Joe Keery’s wit, charm, and energy have allowed him to tap into his creative pursuits to make enjoyable and relatable music. What Djo has been able to generate in feeling in both current and new fans is talent fuelled by magic!
Any City, Any Place, You Don’t Leave Without A Trace
We’ve sat with the song ourselves and reminiscenced what places have changed our lives. For some, it’s Chicago, like Keery, too. Others may say London, New York, Paris, or Melbourne. Djo gave us a moment to pause and get emotional strings pulled like he felt while writing the track.
The Stranger Things actor is showing us his range beyond Steve “The Hair” Harrington! Many of us got our first introductions to Joe Keery from the Netflix show and loved him there! And now, we expand into the psychedelic indie 70s rock-infused pop world of Djo and Joe. ‘End of Beginning’ is one of the many songs from DECIDE worth listening to. Whether you’ve already been on or are getting on the Joe Keery music train, it’s an exciting time! If you’re now just getting on, don’t forget to give TWENTY TWENTY a listen too.
What’s Your Version Of ‘End Of Beginning’? What’s Your Chicago?
Give the track a whole spin to get pulled into the realm of nostalgia. Once you do give ‘End of Beginning’ a listen, share with us what your “Chicago” is! Let us know by sharing your “Chicago” story and photos on Twitter @thehoneypop. You can also join the conversation about the song and Djo on Instagram and Facebook. Or, tell us below in the comments! We can’t wait to have this conversation with you.
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