Djo Discusses New Music and Touring at Australia’s Laneway Festival

SYDNEY, Australia — Djo, the musical persona of actor Joe Keery, has made his much-anticipated debut at the Laneway Festival on February 13, 2025. Following a captivating performance, he spoke with Mornings‘ Lucy Smith about his latest single, ‘End Of Beginning,’ his upcoming album, and the insights he has gleaned while touring with fellow artists.

With the festival atmosphere buzzing, Djo shared his excitement about performing live after a lengthy hiatus due to his work on ‘Stranger Things.’ ‘We haven’t done a lot of live shows in a long time just because I’ve been doing other stuff,’ he said. ‘We’re kinda cutting our teeth just a little bit, figuring it out. This is the first time we’ve played with this group.’

As he navigates the challenges of live performance, Djo emphasized the importance of authenticity. He explained, ‘It’s important that we take risks, be ourselves on stage, and be loose.’ This sense of freedom was inspired in part by watching fellow festival performers like Clairo and Remi Wolf. Djo expressed his admiration for their unique styles. ‘I feel spoiled to be able to watch how these people do it. Everyone does it in a different way. It’s inspiring to watch.’

Djo’s recent hit, ‘End Of Beginning,’ has resonated deeply with fans, solidifying his place in the music scene. The song represents a personal connection that he now sees reflected in the audience’s enthusiasm. ‘It’s really cool. I didn’t plan for that to happen, you know? The fact that people really connect with the song is amazing,’ he noted. ‘To sing it as a massive group is beyond my wildest dreams.’

Looking ahead, Djo is set to release his third album, ‘The Crux,’ on April 5, 2025. Inspired by various influences, including iconic artist Nick Drake and Alfred Hitchcock films, the album is anticipated to blend personal and musical themes. He describes the album’s lead single, ‘Basic Being Basic,’ as a ‘little spiky song.’

When asked what he considers to be ‘basic,’ Djo reflected on his own vulnerabilities. ‘Being worried, being in your head. I feel basic when I’m in my head. It’s that essence that some people can relate to,’ he explained, highlighting the human experience his music seeks to capture.

Djo’s tour in Australia marks a significant moment in his growth as an artist, and he is eager to see how these experiences will shape his upcoming work. With fans eager to connect with him through his music, the anticipation for ‘The Crux’ only continues to build.