Joe Keery has officially crossed into rare chart territory.
The “Stranger Things” breakout star has moved past the amazing Taylor Swift and into the No. 1 spot on Spotify, marking a major milestone for his music career under the name DJO. Keery’s track “End of Beginning” surged to the top of the streaming platform over the weekend, overtaking Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” which had held the position for 78 consecutive days, per the New York Post.
Originally released in 2022 as part of Keery’s album “Decide,” “End of Beginning” experienced a renewed wave of attention following the emotional series finale of “Stranger Things.” Fans revisiting Keery’s work after the show’s conclusion helped propel the song to No. 1, turning a years-old release into a fresh streaming phenomenon.
The moment is especially notable given Swift’s dominance on the charts and the longevity of her run with “The Fate of Ophelia,” a standout from her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl.” Keery’s chart takeover underscores the power of fan-driven momentum and the crossover appeal of an artist whose acting and music careers now intersect in a very public way.
A Full-Circle Moment With Taylor Swift
Adding to the intrigue is Keery’s past connection to Swift, which makes the chart dethroning feel almost full circle. In a 2024 appearance on “The Spout Podcast,” Keery recalled running into Swift at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, where she unexpectedly complimented “End of Beginning” long before it became a streaming hit.
“She’s like a music lover,” Keery said at the time, explaining that Swift actively seeks out new music and artists. He admitted he was stunned that she had even heard the song, let alone praised it, per Men’s Journal.
Keery later shared a humorous version of the encounter on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” joking about the confusion outside the studio when fans waiting for Swift instead saw him walk out. Despite the competitive chart moment, Keery has consistently spoken warmly about Swift and has not ruled out a future collaboration, suggesting their paths crossing may have “generated something in the universe.”
Music Has Always Been the Endgame
While many fans still associate Keery with Steve Harrington, music has long been central to his creative identity. Before launching DJO, Keery was a member of the psychedelic rock band Post Animal, where he played drums, guitar and handled vocals. He stepped away from the group in 2018 as “Stranger Things” surged in popularity, explaining in past interviews that he wanted the band to succeed without being overshadowed by his acting fame.
Since debuting DJO in 2019, Keery has released three studio albums and steadily built a touring career. In a November 2025 interview with ELLE, he spoke from a greenroom while on tour, emphasizing how deeply embedded music has become in his life. He described touring as communal and creatively fulfilling, noting that being on the road with close friends has shaped both his songwriting and performances.
With “End of Beginning” reaching No. 1 years after its release, Keery’s success signals more than a viral moment. It reflects an artist whose music has found its audience organically, even as his television legacy continues to follow him. As Keery himself once put it, the journey is about growth, reflection and moving forward, one song at a time.
