When Team DIY had the fortunate opportunity to hear Djo's new album a few months back, the first thing that caught our attention was the vastness of its musicality. Like a cheerful musical magpie, ‘The Crux’ showcases Joe Keery immersing himself in a sonic wonderland, drawing inspiration from artists ranging from The Strokes to The Beatles, all while clearly relishing the experience. This was one of the reasons we recognized him as the ideal cover star for our April 2025 issue. So, whether you know him from Stranger Things or from last year’s popular track ‘End of Beginning’, get ready to embrace his vibrant new world. “I had mostly created music at home using my computer, so I was really inspired by the experience of recording analogue instruments in a studio,” Joe shares, reflecting on the recording process at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. “With access to this fantastic new resource, I wanted to capture the essence of the records that inspired me growing up, as a way to pay tribute to those albums by taking full advantage of the studio.” You can sense that both his youthful curiosity and his adult musician side thrived during the recording. “What would 14-year-old me enjoy?” he enthusiastically asks. “I loved AC/DC, T-Rex, and classic glam rock. ‘Gap Tooth Smile’ is a song I feel like I nearly wrote for myself as a young person - I think I would’ve been proud of that one.”
In this month's issue, we also delve into Lucy Dacus’ romantic phase with her beautiful fourth album ‘Forever Is A Feeling’, discuss the importance of friendship with Sunflower Bean as they prepare to release their upcoming album ‘Mortal Primetime’, and reflect and move forward with Jensen McRae. We explore the latest developments from Black Country, New Road, discuss resilience with Momma, and provide insights on the upcoming new album from the experimental London ensemble caroline.
In the Neu section—your go-to for all things new music—we get to know d4vd, music’s fastest rising star, ahead of his eagerly awaited debut album, and catch up with the American band Wishy, as well as South London’s standout Alien Chicks, who have plenty to share about public transport. Additionally, we connect with the remarkable Obongjayar in our latest In Deep profile, reminisce about Antony Szmierek’s unforgettable London headline performance, and offer our DIY review of new albums from Bon Iver, Viagra Boys, Prima Queen, recent cover star Self Esteem, and so much more.
To explore all this and beyond, simply click the button below to obtain a print copy of our April 2025 issue, order from our online shop, or check out the digital edition below. See you soon!
In our newest edition, we also include conversations with Lucy Dacus, Sunflower Bean, Black Country, New Road, and many others.
