Joe Keery Feels ‘Validated’ as His Song ‘End of Beginning’ Goes Viral (Exclusive)
The multi-talented singer/actor, known for his role as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, is finding success with his indie music project, Djo. His song “End of Beginning” has surged into the Top 40 of the Hot 100 chart.
Before Joe Keery rose to fame as Steve Harrington in the hit series Stranger Things, he was a prominent figure in the Chicago music scene. As a member of the psych-rock group Post Animal, he mingled with indie icons like Twin Peaks and Whitney, carving out a niche in the local community.
It’s both heartwarming and surreal for Keery to see his solo track “End of Beginning” gain viral traction, breaking into the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. The reflective song delves into his formative years spent in Chicago, capturing a nostalgic essence that resonates deeply with listeners.
“It’s pretty crazy to see the reaction to the song,” Keery reflects, revealing that he initially released it over a year and a half ago on his 2022 album DECIDE. “I have not totally moved on, but I’ve put it out and am at peace with it, so to see it now take new life has kind of made me reflect again on that time.”
Reflecting on the camaraderie among bands in the Chicago music scene, Keery fondly recalls the supportive environment where artists uplifted each other. “Everybody was giving each other a leg up,” he reminisces. “Obviously, you wanted to perform well and write something interesting, but it was also a real sense of getting into it and doing something for the love of being creative.”
In “End of Beginning,” Keery muses on both cherishing a bygone era and embracing the inevitability of change. The chorus encapsulates this sentiment as he croons, “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it / Another version of me, I was in it / I wave goodbye to the end of beginning,” symbolizing a bittersweet farewell to his past while embracing his evolving journey.
Now a successful actor with roles in blockbuster films like Free Guy and Fargo, Keery acknowledges that he’s “halfway there” in his quest for self-improvement, as advocated in “End of Beginning.” While grateful for the song’s viral success, he remains focused on personal growth and creative fulfillment.
“It’s validating to see how much this song has resonated with people,” Keery admits, expressing gratitude for the unexpected surge in popularity. “It’s crazy because I know that things like this don’t happen very often and it’s something to be proud of and appreciate.”
As he prepares to release his third studio album as Djo, Keery anticipates potential collaborations and envisions embarking on his first-ever tour. While reminiscing about his DIY roots in Chicago, he looks forward to sharing the stage with friends and creating unforgettable experiences for fans.
With a nostalgic nod to his past and an eye toward the future, Joe Keery’s musical journey continues to captivate audiences, proving that “End of Beginning” is just the beginning of his artistic evolution.