Djo’s 2025: From The Crux Deluxe to a World Tour, Joe Keery’s Music Takes Centre Stage
For fans of Joe Keery, 2025 has been a year of relentless, welcome surprises. The actor, globally beloved as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, has firmly cemented his second act as Djo, a serious and prolific musician. What began with the announcement of a new album spiralled into a surprise companion release and a massive global tour, proving that Keery’s musical project is far more than a celebrity side hustle—it’s a defining career pillar.
The journey this year started with the highly anticipated album The Crux, a deliberate shift in sonic direction. But the story didn’t end there. In a move that stunned fans and critics alike, Djo doubled down just five months later with a expansive surprise release, ensuring his music remained the headline.
The Crux of the Matter: Two Albums, One Landmark Year
Djo’s third studio album, The Crux, arrived on April 4, 2025, via AWAL Recordings. Promoted by the catchy single “Basic Being Basic,” the album marked a conscious evolution from the synth-heavy bedroom pop of 2022’s DECIDE. The Crux instead spotlighted lush guitars and intricate instrumentation, drawing comparisons to the rich pop sounds of the late 60s and 70s.
“Unlike Keery’s previous albums – bedroom recordings centered around synths – *The Crux* spotlights lush guitars and instrumentation reminiscent of late 60’s and 70’s pop.”
Just as the buzz from The Crux began to settle, Djo executed a perfect surprise drop. On September 12, 2025, he released The Crux Deluxe, a full 12-track companion album. This wasn’t a simple reissue with bonus tracks; it was presented as a brand-new, expansive work featuring songs originally cut from the The Crux sessions, effectively gifting fans a second album within the year.
Djo’s 2025 Album Releases at a Glance
| Album Title | Release Date | Type | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Crux | April 4, 2025 | Studio Album | Third studio album, featuring lead single “Basic Being Basic.” |
| The Crux Deluxe | September 12, 2025 | Companion Album | Surprise release with 12 new songs from the original sessions. |
The Back On You World Tour: Bringing The Crux to Canada and Beyond
Announced in January 2025, the Back On You World Tour is Djo’s most ambitious concert series to date. Spanning 41 shows across Oceania, North America, and Europe from February through June 2025, the tour is in direct support of The Crux. For Canadian fans, the announcement included two highly coveted stops, a rarity that sent ticket demand soaring.
The tour features fellow Chicago-based band Post Animal as support on all North American, UK, and EU dates, creating a cohesive and powerful live experience. This tour solidifies Djo’s transition from a studio project to a formidable live act.
2025 Back On You World Tour: Canadian Dates
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 7, 2025 | Vancouver, BC | Commodore Ballroom |
| April 29, 2025 | Toronto, ON | History |
Joe Keery: The Man Behind Djo
The name “Djo” (pronounced “Joe”) itself has become a topic of fascination. Keery has revealed in interviews that his first considered stage name was far more bizarre, though he’s wisely kept the exact name under wraps. The choice of a moniker separate from his acting career was a deliberate one, allowing the music to stand on its own merits.
As Stranger Things approaches its finale, Keery is navigating a pivotal career transition. He has openly reflected on the emotional weight of saying goodbye to Steve Harrington, a role that launched him into stardom, while simultaneously building his future. His plans are not about reinvention, but expansion—balancing acclaimed acting roles, like the upcoming film Cold Storage, with his deepening commitment to Djo.
“As Stranger Things fades into television history, Joe Keery’s next chapter isn’t about reinvention, but it’s about expansion.”
From Viral Hit to Lasting Legacy
The resurgence of the 2022 track “End of Beginning” in 2024, fueled by its connection to the Stranger Things finale on social media, was a cultural moment. It propelled Djo’s monthly listener count on Spotify to over 40 million and proved the lasting power of his songwriting. This viral success provided a powerful tailwind for the 2025 album and tour cycle, introducing his music to a massive new audience.
With new music, a sold-out world tour, and a clear vision for his career, Joe Keery has successfully ensured that the conversation is no longer just about Steve Harrington. It’s about Djo, the musician—and his story is just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Djo?
Djo is the stage name and musical project of American actor and musician Joe Keery, best known for playing Steve Harrington in Netflix’s Stranger Things. He uses the moniker to separate his music career from his acting work.
What is The Crux Deluxe?
The Crux Deluxe is a surprise companion album to Djo’s 2025 album The Crux. Released on September 12, 2025, it contains 12 new songs that were originally written and recorded during the The Crux sessions but cut from the final tracklist.
Did Djo tour in Canada in 2025?
Yes, as part of the Back On You World Tour, Djo performed two concerts in Canada in 2025: at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC on April 7, and at History in Toronto, ON on April 29.
What is Djo’s most popular song?
Djo’s song “End of Beginning” from his 2022 album DECIDE experienced a massive viral resurgence in 2024, becoming his biggest hit to date and helping him amass over 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify.