What’s with all the ‘Stranger Things’ bands?
Stranger Things has been a cultural TV staple since it first aired in 2016. Not only did the series present a fresh take on the supernatural horror genre, but it also introduced us to several extremely talented breakout stars. In fact, you could argue that it has almost birthed an entire new subculture. From fashion to VHS and cassette fads, the influence of Stranger Things extends far beyond the show itself.
The beauty of the show, beyond its brilliant story, is the aesthetic it achieves. From the second the synth intro sounds off, you are welcomed into another world—a world just a few decades and a pair of rose-tinted shades away from our own. It is a universe that is fully realised, and it feels organic and immersive. Part of the reason behind this facet is the fact it largely swerved stars we already know, giving youngsters the chance to shine.
In doing so, it has subsequently proved how profound an impact on culture that can have. Suddenly, a slew of kids were being celebrated for their talents and reared in an environment of genuine artistry. They weren’t gaining experience of the entertainment industry via some commercial sham or fast-fashion equivalent—they were part of cool, considered series that looked at creativity as an inclusive engine of engagement.
So, it comes as little surprise that a frankly strange number of the young stars in the show’s ranks have since gone on to create their own music. It could be possible that in the not-too-distant future, a fair chunk of the alternative music charts will be dominated by songs written and performed by people attached to Stranger Things. It’s an oddity, but it is one that also seems understandable: give kids a chance and they’ll shine in ways you couldn’t have begun to imagine.
The bands and artists from Stranger Things:
Finn Wolfhard – The Aubreys, Calpurnia
Finn Wolfhard, whose name even screams ‘rockstar’, is undoubtedly one of the most active in the music industry. Quickly after the first two seasons of Stranger Things were released, the actor playing Mike Wheeler introduced us to his band, Calpurnia. This Canadian indie rock band drew elements of classic rock and gave it an alternative edge, giving us songs like ‘Greyhound’ and ‘City Boy’. The four-piece was especially charming for fulfilling the teenage dream of garage-band-to-the-mainstage trajectory. They embarked on their own UK and US tours in 2018, before disbanding in 2019.
This was not the end for Wolfhard and his music, though. His current project, The Aubreys, sees him partner with drummer Malcolm Craig. The duo leans toward a more stripped-back, indie-rock sound that combines elements of the dream pop sonic landscape—the perfect coming-of-age soundtrack for a star who still seems to be gathering up his musical chops.
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke was introduced to the Stranger Things universe as Robin Buckley in season four. Since then, Hawke has established herself as a singer-songwriter, embracing a folk-leaning, indie-pop style. Hawke’s music is deeply personal, often reflecting on love, identity, and self-discovery. She’s released three albums so far, each leading with her delicately raw vocals and introspective songwriting.
Her debut album, Blush, was released in 2020. It introduced us to her poetic lyricism and drew comparisons to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Elliott Smith. But since then, she has developed her stylings further. As the child of two famous actors, she has even tackled the issue of nepotism in her music—and it is that open honesty that, in many ways, typifies the sense of creative authenticity that has made Stranger Things feel a lot more like a progressive hub of talent rather than a Mickey Mouse Club.
Joe Keery – Djo, Post Animal
Among his peers, fan-favourite Joe Keery has arguably had the most critical acclaim with his music. Keery was the guitarist and drummer for the Chicago psych-rock band Post Animal. Joining as an early member in 2014, he stepped away in 2019 due to acting commitments. In an interview with Bustle, he also hinted that he didn’t want the band to be associated with the hit TV series, sharing: “Those guys are such talented musicians… I think it’s important that they’re hitting the pavement for a while and making a name for themselves, and it’s not necessarily associated with Stranger Things.” That’s a sagacious and sensible outlook for an artist so young, typifying the same self-awareness that made his character acting so beloved.
But music didn’t stop there for him. In fact, it is just getting started. Keery embraces a synth-heavy, psych-rock sound as a solo artist going under the alias Djo. His 2022 sophomore album DECIDE was reminiscent of the same Tame Impala sound that is slightly echoed in the Stranger Things theme itself. While 2025’s The Crux, hinted that he is still searching for his musical identity, it certainly proves he has the potential to find it and flourish.
Charlie Heaton – Comanechi, Half Loon
Before becoming Jonathan Byers, Charlie Heaton was the drummer in London-based noise-punk band Comanechi. The group released an album in 2013 and did a bit of touring, until Heaton left the band to pursue acting. Heaton was also associated with the indie-psychedelic band Half Loon until around the same time.
His inverse trajectory to his peers further proves the point that the Duffer brothers are happy to take creative risks with the show and simply surround themselves with creative people. Culture, as a whole, has been the benefactor of this cool and progressive outlook.
