Disappointment lingered for Stranger Things fans after the final episode aired on January 7, failing to deliver a conclusive ending. But beyond the show’s nostalgic soundtrack of ’80s hits, a surprising number of its cast members are forging their own paths in the indie pop-rock scene, and their music might just offer a new way to connect wiht the world of Hawkins.
From Hawkins to the Stage: The ‘Stranger Things’ Cast’s Musical Side Hustles
A look at the musical projects of the actors who brought the Upside Down to life.
- Many Stranger Things actors have active music careers outside of acting.
- Their musical styles generally fall within the indie pop and rock genres.
- There’s a possibility some of these artists could perform in Belgium this summer.
The January 12 broadcast of a making of special did little to quell the desire for more from the series,but the musical talents of the cast offer a different kind of continuation. Several actors and actresses from the show have established musical projects, some gaining considerable traction.
Perhaps the most well-known musical endeavor comes from Maya Hawke, who plays Robin Buckley in Stranger Things. Beyond her role as a radio DJ within the show, Hawke is a singer-songwriter with a growing discography. Hawke released her debut album, Blush, in 2020, followed by Moss in 2022, both receiving critical acclaim for their introspective lyrics and indie-pop sound. She’s currently touring and has opened for artists like Phoebe Bridgers. Her music offers a continuation of the show’s aesthetic,blending vulnerability with a retro sensibility.
While details on other cast members’ projects remain somewhat under the radar, the potential for seeing these artists perform live-even in locations like Belgium this summer-adds another layer of excitement for fans. Noah schnapp, known for his role as Will Byers, has also released music, experimenting with electronic and indie-pop sounds. Finn Wolfhard, who portrays Mike Wheeler, is a member of the band The aubreys, which blends option rock with catchy melodies. Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) and Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) have also expressed interest in pursuing musical endeavors, though their projects are still developing.
The emergence of these musical talents wasn’t a coordinated effort, but rather a natural extension of the actors’ individual passions. many began writing and performing music before landing their roles on the show, and Stranger things provided a platform to reach a wider audience. The “how” of this transition is simple: leveraging their existing talent and newfound fame. The actors are using their platforms to explore their artistic sides, offering fans a different way to connect with the characters they’ve come to love. As of now,there is no definitive end to these musical pursuits; they are ongoing projects that promise to evolve alongside the actors’ careers.
