Djo's End of Beginning: Joe Keery's synth-pop track goes viral with TikTok trend

If you've opened TikTok recently, we'd put money on the algorithm having served you a video soundtracked by Djo's End of Beginning.

A song originally released in 2022 by singer-songwriter and actor Djo (the alias of Stranger Things' Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington), End of Beginning's experiencing a surge in popularity as it goes viral on social. Consequently, the track's impact is transcending TikTok to see Official Chart success; eyeing huge week-on-week uplift.

Last week, Djo's DECIDE album track earned the Massachusetts-born artist his first-ever UK chart appearances, debuting at Number 100 on the Official Singles Chart, Number 13 on the Official Independent Singles Breakers Chart and entering the Official Trending Chart at Number 9.

Now, as the song is predicted to vault into this week's Top 20, we tell the story behind End of Beginning's success.

MORE: See Djo's UK chart story so far

Who is Djo?

Djo is the alias of singer, songwriter and actor Joe Keery. Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA on April 24 1992, Keery is famed for roles in sci-fi series Stranger Things, 2021 action comedy film Free Guy and crime drama show Fargo.

Wait, so Djo is Stranger Things' Joe Keery? As in Steve Harrington?

He is indeed. Keery's appeared in The Duffer Brothers' series since its debut in 2016, playing Steve Harrington.

When was Djo's End of Beginning released?

End of Beginning was released in 2022, appearing on Djo's second studio album DECIDE. While the track didn't receive official single treatment at the time, it began to see social media success in early 2024; with TikTok users joining an End of Beginning trend soundtracked by the song.

What is the End of Beginning TikTok trend?

The trend sees users post travel videos soundtracked by Djo's End of Beginning, set to the lyrics: '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.'

MORE: Everything you need to know about Djo's DECIDE album

What is Djo's End of Beginning's UK Singles Chart peak so far?

At present, End of Everything's Official Singles Chart peak is Number 100.

How many solo albums has Djo released?

To date, Djo has released two solo studio albums: 2019's Twenty Twenty and 2022's DECIDE.

Listen to Djo's End of Beginning below:

When was Djo - aka Joe Keery - in Post Animal?

Keery was a member of American psychedelic outfit Post Animal's touring band from 2016-2019, leaving the group to pursue solo projects.

Djo's End of Beginning is out now via AWAL Recordings.