a striking milestone that underscores the crossing of acting fame and musical credibility, Djo’s “End of Beginning” has officially surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify — making it the first song from the project to achieve this extraordinary global benchmark.
The achievement places Djo, the musical alias of Joe Keery (best known to millions as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things), in rarefied territory. While actors-turned-musicians are not unheard of, few have managed to build a music career that stands on its own merits at this scale. End of Beginning is now proof positive that Keery’s creative reach extends far beyond the screen.
Originally released in 2019 as part of Keery’s debut album under the Djo moniker, End of Beginning quickly garnered attention for its moody synth textures, sharp melodic hooks, and introspective lyricism. The song’s blend of electronic rock, new wave influences, and cinematic production helped it stand out from mainstream pop and alternative playlists alike. Over time, End of Beginning became a staple on curated playlists, TikTok sound explorations, and international streaming rotations — steadily building toward this 2-billion mark.
Spotify’s global audience, which spans diverse regions, generations, and listening styles, has now streamed the track more than many long-established anthems from veteran artists. For an artist whose primary fame began on a TV set, the milestone signals not just popularity, but lasting engagement — listeners are returning, sharing, and replaying the song over years and cultural shifts.
From Screen to Stage: Joe Keery’s Musical Evolution
Joe Keery’s transition from actor to musician didn’t happen overnight. Known to fans early on as part of the band Post Animal — a Chicago-based psych-rock outfit with an underground following — Keery brought real musical roots into his solo work as Djo. That foundation mattered: it meant his music wasn’t a celebrity side project, but a genuine artistic pursuit.
End of Beginning emerged as a personal statement — both stylistically and thematically — and its acceptance by listeners around the world reaffirms that authenticity resonates. As Djo, Keery has maintained creative control over writing, production choices, and aesthetic direction, building a sound that is distinctly his own.
The 2-billion-stream milestone is more than just a number; it’s a global vote of confidence from listeners who’ve connected with the track on platforms ranging from streaming services to social media and live performances.
In today’s digital ecosystem, streaming numbers are not merely metrics — they are cultural currency. Songs that reach the billions on Spotify have transcended borders and demographics, pulling in casual listeners, devoted fans, and algorithm-driven discovery alike.
For a track like End of Beginning to hit 2 billion streams, it must be more than catchy. It must be sticky — a song that listeners return to, share, and re-interpret in countless contexts. It suggests that: Djo’s sound has enduring appeal rather than seasonal buzz. The track resonates emotionally across diverse audiences. Keery’s artistic brand exists independently of his television fame — even as it intersects with it.
Fans have responded to the milestone with celebration on social media, sharing memories of when End of Beginning first hit them and how the song became part of their personal soundtracks. While Keery himself has remained characteristically grounded about the achievement, interviews and fan interactions suggest he’s deeply appreciative of the connection listeners have forged with the music.
Industry observers have also taken note — this achievement situates Djo among a relatively small group of artists whose streaming milestones rival those of megastar pop acts and long-established bands.
With End of Beginning now a bona fide streaming phenomenon, all eyes are on what Djo/ Joe Keery will do next. Whether through new singles, future albums, touring expansion, or cross-medium projects that play to his cinematic and musical strengths, the path forward is wide open.
If this milestone has proven anything, it’s that Joe Keery’s music career isn’t just an extension of his screen success — it’s a vital, evolving force in its own right, and one that millions of listeners around the world are eager to follow.
