Djo, the musical project helmed by actor-musician Joe Keery, has officially ascended to the summit of Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart. His single, ‘Basic Being Basic,’ climbed two places to secure the No. 1 position on the chart dated July 26, 2025. This milestone marks Djo’s first-ever airplay chart reign, solidifying his presence in the alternative music scene. Previously, Djo reached as high as No. 4 on the Alternative Airplay chart with ‘End of Beginning’ in July 2024. This article delves into the details of Djo’s achievement, the broader context of first-time chart-toppers in 2025, and the trajectory of ‘Basic Being Basic’ across various Billboard charts.
The rise of ‘Basic Being Basic’ is noteworthy not only for Djo but also in the larger context of alternative airplay trends. As we explore Djo’s journey to No. 1, we’ll also examine related stories and explore other rising artists in the alternative music landscape. This accomplishment underscores Djo’s growing influence and appeal within the alternative music community. We’ll dissect the elements that contributed to the song’s success, from its initial release to its ascent on the charts.
Djo’s ‘Basic Being Basic’ Reaches the Top
Djo’s ‘Basic Being Basic’ has officially claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart, marking a significant milestone for the musician Joe Keery. This achievement signifies his first airplay chart reign, with the single ascending two places to the top as of July 26, 2025. Keery, known for his work as an actor and musician, has been steadily gaining traction in the alternative music scene, and this No. 1 hit underscores his growing influence and popularity.
The track’s ascent to the top spot reflects its resonance with listeners and the effectiveness of its airplay strategy. ‘Basic Being Basic’ showcases Djo’s distinctive musical style, blending catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. This combination has struck a chord with fans, propelling the song to the forefront of alternative airplay charts. Securing the No. 1 position is a testament to Djo’s artistic vision and the dedication of his fanbase.
Prior to this achievement, Djo’s single ‘End of Beginning’ peaked at No. 4 on the Alternative Airplay chart in July 2024. While this was an impressive feat, reaching the top spot with ‘Basic Being Basic’ represents a significant step forward in his music career. The song’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its catchy hooks, relatable themes, and effective promotion. As Djo continues to evolve as an artist, ‘Basic Being Basic’ stands as a highlight in his discography and a testament to his potential.
The Rise of First-Time Leaders on Alternative Airplay
Djo is the eighth first-time leader on Alternative Airplay in 2025, underscoring a trend of new acts making significant impacts on the charts. This year has seen maiden reigns for several artists, including sombr (‘Back to Friends’), Jonah Kagen (‘God Needs the Devil’), Lola Young (‘Messy’), Balu Brigada (‘So Cold’), Justice and Tame Impala (both on ‘Neverender’), and (‘Can’t Slow Down’). The emergence of these fresh voices signals a dynamic shift within the alternative music scene, with new artists capturing the attention of listeners and gaining substantial airplay.
The fact that 2025 has already produced eight rookie No. 1 acts is notable. This figure is the highest since 2012, when eight acts also led Alternative Airplay for the first time. This surge in new chart-toppers suggests that the alternative music landscape is becoming more inclusive and receptive to emerging talent. The presence of these first-time leaders adds vibrancy and diversity to the charts, offering listeners a broader range of sounds and styles to explore.
The distinction between lead acts and featured vocalists further highlights the significance of this trend. In 2012, six of the eight first-time leaders were lead acts, while two were featured vocalists. In contrast, all eight of 2025’s first-time No. 1 acts have been lead acts. This indicates a growing emphasis on solo artists and bands taking the helm, driving their own creative visions and achieving chart success independently. As we continue through 2025, it will be interesting to see if this trend persists and how it shapes the future of alternative airplay charts.
Looking Back: Historical Trends of Rookie No. 1 Acts
To fully appreciate the significance of 2025’s surge in first-time No. 1 acts, it’s essential to look back at historical trends in alternative airplay. Limiting the criteria to just lead acts, one must go back to 2010 to find a comparable year. Fifteen years ago, nine acts—including eight with lead artist billing—reached No. 1 for the first time. This group included Phoenix, Cage the Elephant, Crash Kings, Stone Temple Pilots, Dirty Heads, Neon Trees, Mumford & Sons, and The Black Keys, as well as Rome as a featured artist on Dirty Heads’ “Lay Me Down.”
The comparison between 2010 and 2025 reveals a pattern of cyclical emergence of new talent in the alternative music scene. Both years saw a high number of acts breaking through and achieving chart-topping success for the first time. This suggests that the alternative genre is continually evolving, with fresh voices and innovative sounds finding their way to the forefront. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting emerging artists, as they often bring new perspectives and creativity to the music landscape.
Could 2025 surpass 2010’s mark? Not only are there more than five months left in the year to do so, but it’s also worth noting that two acts currently in the chart’s top 10—Turnstile and Wet Leg—have never led and are still rising as of the July 26-dated ranking. This potential for additional first-time leaders adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the remainder of the year. As these artists continue to gain momentum, they could very well join the ranks of Djo and other rookie No. 1 acts, further enriching the alternative music scene.
‘Basic Being Basic’ on Rock & Alternative Airplay Chart
In addition to its success on the Alternative Airplay chart, Djo’s ‘Basic Being Basic’ is making waves on the broader all-rock-format Rock & Alternative Airplay chart. The song leaps from 22 to 16, demonstrating its increasing popularity across different rock formats. This rise is supported by 2.3 million audience impressions, marking a 20% increase in the week ending July 17, according to Luminate. The cross-format appeal of ‘Basic Being Basic’ underscores its versatility and broad-reaching potential.
The Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, which measures audience impressions across various rock formats, provides a comprehensive view of a song’s performance. The significant jump in audience impressions for ‘Basic Being Basic’ indicates that the song is resonating not only with alternative music fans but also with a wider rock audience. This broad appeal could be attributed to the song’s catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, or its unique blend of alternative and rock elements. Whatever the reason, the song’s success on this chart is a positive sign for Djo’s continued growth.
As ‘Basic Being Basic’ continues to climb the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, it has the potential to reach an even wider audience and solidify Djo’s position as a prominent figure in the rock and alternative music scenes. This cross-format success also highlights the song’s potential for long-term impact, as it gains traction across different listener demographics. With its rising popularity and strong audience impressions, ‘Basic Being Basic’ is poised to make a lasting impression on the rock and alternative music landscape.
‘The Crux’ and Djo’s Album Success
‘Basic Being Basic’ is the lead single from ‘The Crux,’ Djo’s third studio album. The album debuted at No. 6 on the Top Alternative Albums chart dated April 19 and has earned 79,000 equivalent album units to date. The success of ‘The Crux’ further cements Djo’s status as a significant artist in the alternative music scene, demonstrating his ability to create a cohesive and compelling body of work.
The debut of ‘The Crux’ at No. 6 on the Top Alternative Albums chart is a testament to Djo’s growing fanbase and the anticipation surrounding his new music. Earning 79,000 equivalent album units to date reflects the album’s strong performance in terms of sales, streams, and other metrics. The album’s success is likely driven by the popularity of ‘Basic Being Basic’ and the positive reception from critics and fans alike.
As Djo continues to promote ‘The Crux’ and release new music, there is potential for the album to gain even more traction and climb higher on the charts. The album’s success is a reflection of Djo’s artistic growth and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. With ‘Basic Being Basic’ leading the way, ‘The Crux’ is poised to make a lasting impact on the alternative music landscape, solidifying Djo’s position as a rising star.
Conclusion: Djo’s Bright Future in Alternative Music
Djo’s ascent to No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart with ‘Basic Being Basic’ marks a pivotal moment in his music career. This achievement underscores his growing influence and popularity within the alternative music scene. Furthermore, it places him among a notable group of first-time leaders in 2025, signaling a dynamic shift in the genre.
The success of ‘Basic Being Basic’ is not only a testament to Djo’s musical talent but also reflects broader trends in the alternative music landscape. The increasing number of first-time No. 1 acts suggests a more inclusive and vibrant scene, with emerging artists finding greater opportunities for recognition. Djo’s journey, from his early work to this chart-topping hit, exemplifies the potential for artists to break through and make a significant impact.
As Djo continues to evolve as an artist and explore new musical directions, his future looks exceptionally bright. With ‘Basic Being Basic’ paving the way, Djo is well-positioned to continue his ascent in the alternative music scene, captivating audiences and solidifying his place among the genre’s leading voices. The success of ‘The Crux’ further reinforces his potential for long-term impact. Djo’s trajectory is a compelling narrative of growth, innovation, and the ever-evolving landscape of alternative music.
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