Actor-turned-musician Joe Keery, best known for his role as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, returns under his musical alias Djo with his third studio album, The Crux. Released on April 4, 2025, this ambitious and deeply personal project blends psychedelic pop, indie rock, and synth textures into a vivid conceptual journey — all brought to life within the historic Electric Lady Studios in New York City.
Joe Keery’s Musical Evolution: From Stranger Things to Djo
Joe Keery’s music career has evolved far beyond side-project status. After his debut as Djo in 2019 and a strong follow-up with Decide in 2022, The Crux demonstrates Keery’s maturation as an artist. His musical identity under Djo merges quirky charm with sonic sophistication, drawing influences from artists like The Cars, LCD Soundsystem, and Steely Dan.
The Concept Behind The Crux: A Hotel of Personal Crossroads
The Crux is a conceptual album, imagined as a surreal hotel where each guest represents an emotional or existential crossroads.
Exploring Identity, Change, and Transformation in Music
Each track explores identity, reinvention, and self-acceptance. Keery, with producer Adam Thein, creates a compelling sonic story of people navigating life’s most pivotal moments. It’s a concept that resonates both lyrically and musically, offering something deeper with every listen.
Recording The Crux at the Legendary Electric Lady Studios
The atmosphere and creative possibilities at Electric Lady Studios were integral to the making of The Crux. Founded by Jimi Hendrix in 1970, Electric Lady remains one of the most iconic recording spaces in the world.
Using Vintage Gear for Modern Psychedelia
Keery and Thein took full advantage of the studio’s incredible collection of vintage synthesizers, tape machines, and analog outboard gear. Joe described the recording process as playful and organic:
“We were using all the toys… This piece of gear was laying around, so let’s mess with it. And it ends up, it informs the whole track.”
Spontaneity and Experimentation in the Studio
Many sonic textures on the album — from warbling synths to ambient background vocals — came from spontaneous moments during studio sessions. The freedom to experiment allowed The Crux to achieve its layered, unpredictable sound.
Track Highlights: Basic Being Basic, Delete Ya, and Potion
The album’s lead single, “Basic Being Basic,” is a funky, synth-driven critique of shallow modern culture, featuring Keery’s catchy falsetto chorus.
“Delete Ya” and “Potion” continue the vibrant yet introspective vibe, blending danceable grooves with themes of escapism and reinvention.
Each track contributes to the broader conceptual narrative without losing standalone appeal.
Collaborations, Family Contributions, and Unique Sound Elements
One of the most endearing aspects of The Crux is the inclusion of Keery’s family members — Emma, Kate, and Lizzy Keery — who provide backing vocals and percussion.
Actor Charlie Heaton also makes a guest vocal appearance, lending a haunting atmosphere to “Track 8”.
Live instruments like saxophone, cello, and violin are seamlessly blended with synthesizers to enrich the album’s sonic landscape.
Back on You World Tour: Djo’s Global Journey in 2025
Keery kicked off the Back on You World Tour in February 2025, featuring stops across North America, Europe, and Australia.
Notably, Keery’s former band Post Animal serves as the opening act, marking a nostalgic return to his indie roots.
Fans have praised the tour for its dazzling visuals, immersive stage design, and Keery’s energetic performances. It’s a fitting live complement to The Crux‘s otherworldly vibe.
Electric Lady Studios: A Legacy of Innovation
Beyond Djo, Electric Lady Studios continues to attract top-tier talent. Recent projects recorded at the studio include:
- SZA – sessions for her acclaimed SOS album
- Dominic Fike – new singles and soundtrack contributions
- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – parts of Weathervanes recorded here
- Taylor Swift – rumoured secret recordings
Electric Lady’s mix of vintage character and cutting-edge technology keeps it at the heart of musical innovation more than 50 years after it opened.
The Enduring Appeal of Hendrix’s Vision
Jimi Hendrix designed Electric Lady Studios to feel less like a sterile workspace and more like a creative playground — a vision that artists like Joe Keery continue to bring to life.
Final Thoughts: Why The Crux Is a Landmark Album for Djo
The Crux stands as Joe Keery’s most ambitious and personal album yet.
Blending a rich conceptual story, a kaleidoscope of musical styles, and the historic magic of Electric Lady Studios, Keery has firmly established himself not just as a television star, but as one of the most creative new voices in psychedelic pop and indie music today.