Djo has achieved a significant milestone by reaching the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart with his catchy single “Basic Being Basic,” which impressively climbed two spots to take the top position in the chart dated July 26. This achievement showcases the growing popularity of the track and highlights Djo’s rising influence in the alternative music scene.
This notable achievement marks Djo’s first reign atop the airplay chart, representing a major breakthrough for the musical project of actor-musician Joe Keery. Prior to this, his single “End of Beginning” peaked at No. 4 on Alternative Airplay in July 2024, indicating a steady progression in his music career and the increasing recognition of his artistic talents.
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Djo has now become the eighth artist to achieve their first No. 1 position on the Alternative Airplay chart in 2025, joining a notable list of newcomers, including sombr with “Back to Friends,” Jonah Kagen with “God Needs the Devil,” Lola Young with “Messy,” Balu Brigada with “So Cold,” and the prominent acts Justice and Tame Impala with “Neverender,” along with almost monday who secured their place with “Can’t Slow Down.” This trend illustrates a vibrant and dynamic alternative music industry that continues to evolve and surprise fans.
As we look ahead to the remaining months of 2025, it’s noteworthy that the tally of eight rookie No. 1 acts has already set a record for the most since 2012. Back then, eight acts also achieved their first-time leadership on the Alternative Airplay chart. However, it is interesting to note that out of those eight, six were recognized as lead acts, such as Gotye, Grouplove, Of Monsters and Men, fun., Alex Clare, and The Lumineers, while two were featured vocalists. In contrast, all eight acts in 2025 have made their mark as lead artists, showcasing the strength and talent emerging in the music scene.
To narrow the focus to only lead acts, one must look back to 2010, when a total of nine acts reached the No. 1 spot for the first time, with eight of them holding lead artist billing. This includes notable names such as Phoenix, Cage the Elephant, Crash Kings, Stone Temple Pilots, Dirty Heads, Neon Trees, Mumford & Sons, and The Black Keys, alongside Rome, who was featured on Dirty Heads’ “Lay Me Down.” This historical context highlights the evolving nature of the Alternative Airplay chart and the significance of emerging artists.
Is it possible for 2025 to exceed the record set in 2010? With over five months remaining in the year, there is ample opportunity for new artists to break into the top rankings. Furthermore, two acts currently making waves in the chart’s top 10—Turnstile and Wet Leg—have yet to reach a No. 1 position and continue to gain momentum as evidenced by their climbing ranks as of the July 26-dated chart. This suggests an exciting and competitive atmosphere in the alternative music landscape.
Focusing back on Djo, his single “Basic Being Basic” has also made significant strides on the overall rock format, jumping from No. 22 to No. 16 on the all-rock-format audience-driven Rock & Alternative Airplay chart. The song garnered approximately 2.3 million audience impressions, reflecting a robust 20% increase in the week ending July 17, as reported by Luminate. This growth indicates Djo’s expanding reach and popularity within the broader rock audience.
“Basic Being Basic” serves as the lead single from The Crux, Djo’s highly anticipated third studio album. This album made a strong debut, entering at No. 6 on the Top Alternative Albums chart dated April 19 and has already amassed an impressive 79,000 equivalent album units. Such success underscores Djo’s artistic evolution and the positive reception his work has garnered from both audiences and critics alike.
All updates to the Billboard charts dated July 26 will be released on Tuesday, July 22, providing further insights into the changing dynamics of the music industry and showcasing the latest trends and artist achievements.
