Stranger Things cast members’ dual careers: exploring their musical endeavors

A significant portion of the “Stranger Things” ensemble cast maintains active musical careers in addition to their acclaimed acting roles. While some actors from the popular production have released individual singles or contributed to soundtracks, others have established more stable musical ventures, often featuring multiple album releases. Their artistic pursuits extend beyond the screen, attracting dedicated fans to both their on-screen performances and their vocal talents.

This crossover phenomenon highlights the multifaceted talents present within the show’s cast. Many of these young artists began exploring music before or during their time on the series, cultivating distinct sounds ranging from psychedelic rock to indie pop and R&B. Their dedication to both crafts demonstrates a commitment to diverse artistic expression.

The transition from acting to music, or vice versa, often involves navigating demanding schedules and creative processes. For some, music offers a personal outlet, while for others, it’s a professional path that runs parallel to their acting commitments. Each actor’s journey presents a unique narrative of artistic ambition and versatility.

Joe Keery’s psychedelic rock ventures

Joe Keery, widely recognized for his portrayal of Steve Harrington, has actively pursued a robust career in psychedelic rock since his early twenties. He initially garnered attention by releasing singles under the distinctive moniker Cool Cool Cool, quickly carving out his unique space within the music scene. Keery was also a foundational member of the band Post Animal, which officially debuted in 2014, showcasing his diverse instrumental capabilities and vocal range.

The band’s debut album, “When I Think of You in a Castle,” saw its release in 2018, featuring Keery’s contributions on vocals, drums, and guitar. His tenure with Post Animal concluded due to scheduling conflicts stemming from the demanding production schedule of “Stranger Things.” In 2019, Keery launched his highly successful solo musical endeavor under the name Djo, releasing the critically acclaimed album “Twenty Twenty.” His most recent contribution to his discography is the deluxe version of “The Crux,” a project that continued to explore his intricate soundscapes.

Jamie Campbell Bower’s evolving sound

Jamie Campbell Bower, who lent his menacing voice to Vecna, possesses a musical talent that contrasts sharply with his villainous on-screen persona. He previously fronted the punk band Counterfeit, a group known for its intense energy and compelling sound. Their album, “Together We Are Stronger,” was released in 2017, solidifying their presence within the punk rock community.

The band ceased releasing new material after 2020, prompting a significant shift in Bower’s musical path. This period allowed him to independently explore new creative territories, building upon the stage experience and vocal prowess he developed with Counterfeit. His dedication to music remained evident, signaling an impending solo venture.

Bower subsequently embarked on a solo career, delving into a country-rock style that provided a fresh canvas for his artistic expression. This new direction enabled him to fully explore the unique depth and gravitas of his voice, showcasing a different artistic dimension. His solo debut was marked by the release of the EP “Prologue (Live from the Alter)” in 2020, warmly received by fans.

Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to music, Bower’s most recent project is the single “The Witch of a Bodmin Moor,” released in 2025. This track further solidifies his diverse musical identity and capacity to traverse various genres, continually captivating audiences beyond his celebrated acting roles.

Finn Wolfhard’s band projects

Finn Wolfhard, widely recognized as Mike Wheeler from the series, channels his creative energy into music, trading his Dungeons & Dragons dice for guitar and vocal duties. In 2017, he ventured into the rock music scene as the vocalist and guitarist for the band Calpurnia. The group quickly gained traction, showcasing their indie rock sound.

Calpurnia released their debut EP, “Scout,” in 2018, which was met with positive reviews from music critics and fans alike. Despite their promising start, the band officially disbanded the following year, concluding their journey together. Wolfhard’s passion for music, however, remained unwavering.

Following Calpurnia’s dissolution, Wolfhard co-founded a new musical project, The Aubreys, alongside Malcom Craig, who was the drummer for his previous band. This new collaborative effort officially launched with the release of their inaugural single, “Getting Better (otherwise),” in 2020. The Aubreys continued their trajectory, releasing their debut album, “Karaoke Alone,” in 2021, further cementing Wolfhard’s active and evolving presence in the independent music landscape.

Maya Hawke’s indie-pop ascent

Maya Hawke, known for her role as Robin and as the daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, has successfully forged a career as a singer-songwriter in the indie and pop genres. She officially launched her musical journey in 2019 with the simultaneous release of the singles “To Love a Boy” and “Stay Open.” Her distinctive lyrical narratives and ethereal vocal delivery swiftly drew considerable attention within the independent music community.

In 2021, Hawke further solidified her musical presence with the release of her debut album, “One,” which underscored her innate talent for crafting introspective and emotionally resonant songs. Three years later, in 2024, she followed up this success with the release of the EP “Clipped Wings,” a collection featuring four new and compelling tracks. Beyond her recordings, Hawke is also celebrated for her creatively directed and visually striking music videos, which often intricately complement the storytelling and atmospheric mood of her musical compositions.

Caleb McLaughlin’s solo R&B debut

Caleb McLaughlin, who embodies Lucas in the hit series “Stranger Things,” brought his extensive background in live theater to his budding music career. Prior to his acclaimed television role, McLaughlin demonstrated his vocal and stage presence by performing as Young Simba in the Broadway production of “The Lion King,” a pivotal experience that honed his performing skills from a young age.

In 2021, McLaughlin embarked on an independent solo R&B music project, marking a significant new phase in his artistic development. His official music debut was made with the release of the captivating single “Neighborhood.” The following year, in 2022, he continued to expand his musical portfolio by releasing the track “Soul Travel,” further establishing his distinctive sound and artistic direction within the contemporary R&B genre.

Broadway’s “Stranger Things” talents

While actors Sadie Sink and Gaten Matarazzo may not be headlining major music festivals, their performance careers prominently feature the prestigious theatrical stages of Broadway. Both have significant experience in musical theater, demonstrating their impressive vocal and acting abilities to live audiences, highlighting a different facet of musical performance compared to their castmates’ recording careers. Gaten Matarazzo, beloved as Dustin in the series, began his Broadway journey in 2011 as Benjamin in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” later portraying Gavroche in “Les Misérables” from 2013 to 2015, a testament to his dedication as he continued stage work alongside his demanding television commitments, including roles in “Into the Woods” in 2019 and “Dear Evan Hansen” in 2022. Similarly, Sadie Sink, recognized as Max Mayfield, starred as the titular character in the acclaimed Broadway production of “Annie,” a compelling performance that garnered her a nomination for a prestigious Tony Award, solidifying her reputation as a formidable stage actress alongside her celebrated screen work.