The film that sparked Joe Keery’s passion for music
Joe Keery, best known for portraying Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, also has a thriving music career under the moniker DJO. Before his acting breakthrough, Keery found a deep fascination with sound and performance that eventually led him to record albums merging vintage synth-pop with psychedelic tones.
In a recent interview, Keery credited one particular film as the unexpected catalyst for his musical ambitions. Recalling the experience, he said he “felt a magnetic pull” while watching the movie—an emotional and artistic shift that changed how he viewed creative expression.
The movie that changed everything
The film in question was The Blues Brothers (1980), John Landis’s cult musical comedy starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. As Keery explained, the film’s mix of humor, soul music, and iconic performances resonated deeply with him.
“It was the first time I understood how music and character could fuse together to tell a story,” Keery reflected.
He pointed out the raw, infectious energy of the movie’s rhythm-and-blues soundtracks and how it showcased musicianship as both narrative and performance. The unapologetic joy and chaos of the film made him want to explore that same connection between sound and emotion in his own work.
From screen to stage
Though acting came first—culminating in his breakout in Stranger Things—Keery’s parallel music journey never faded. Through DJO, he crafts music with a nostalgic yet modern edge, drawing inspiration from artists like Tame Impala and Talking Heads while synthesizing his cinematic influences.
For Keery, the relationship between film and sound remains inseparable. The same storytelling instincts that guide his acting also shape his songwriting and production choices.
“It all comes from wanting to tell stories, whether through music or character,” he noted.
Author’s summary: Inspired by the vibrant soul of The Blues Brothers, Joe Keery found his creative compass, blending storytelling and music into a unified artistic path.
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