Joe Keery performing during the 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival. | Getty Images
Joe Keery is no stranger to commanding attention on screen, but now the Stranger Things star is making waves in the music world as well. Performing under the alias DJO, Keery recently claimed the No. 1 spot on Spotify with his song “End of Beginning,” surpassing Taylor Swift’s chart-topping track “The Fate of Ophelia.” The surge was fueled by fans who revisited the song after watching the hit Netflix series’ highly anticipated finale, proving once again how pop culture moments can spark viral streaming success.
From Screen Favorite to Streaming Standout
Originally released on Keery’s 2022 album Decide, “End of Beginning” found new life thanks to renewed fan enthusiasm. Swift’s song, from her album The Life of a Showgirl, had dominated Spotify for 78 consecutive days before being dethroned. The sudden shift reflects how quickly listening habits can change when audiences connect emotionally with a television moment or an artist’s evolving career. Keery has steadily built credibility as a musician, balancing acting roles on Stranger Things and Fargo with his work in the psychedelic rock band Post Animal and his solo releases as DJO.
The crossover appeal between Keery and Swift adds a charming layer to the story. During a 2024 appearance on The Spout Podcast, Keery recalled running into Swift at Electric Lady Recording Studio in New York City, where she complimented “End of Beginning.” He later shared a humorous version of the encounter on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, describing the confusion of stepping into a crowd expecting to see Swift instead. These moments highlight the mutual respect between artists and the unpredictable ways music travels across audiences.
Live Performances and Growing Momentum
Beyond streaming success, Keery continues to expand his presence as a live performer, including a standout appearance at the 2025 Austin City Limits Music Festival and celebrations tied to the final season of Stranger Things in New York City. His growing momentum demonstrates how multi-hyphenate artists can thrive across entertainment platforms while building dedicated fan bases.
In the end, Keery’s chart-topping moment underscores the powerful impact of fan-driven streaming and cross-media exposure. For listeners, it’s an invitation to explore “End of Beginning,” discover DJO’s broader catalog, and stay tuned to the ever-evolving intersections of television, music, and pop culture.
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