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Andrew W.K.
Andrew W.K.
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Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier (born May 9, 1979), known professionally as Andrew W.K., is an American singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer and motivational speaker. He is known for his combination of rock, metal and pop music and anthemic songs about partying.[4][1] Raised in Michigan, Wilkes-Krier began his musical career in the mid-1990s. He performed in a number of local bands before eventually moving to New York, where he produced his first recordings under the Andrew W.K. moniker.

Key Information

After gaining initial attention with the 2000 EP Girls Own Juice, Wilkes-Krier rose to prominence with the release of his debut studio album I Get Wet in November 2001. He has since released five more studio albums, The Wolf (2003), Close Calls with Brick Walls (2006), 55 Cadillac (2009), You're Not Alone (2018), and God Is Partying (2021). He has also undertaken a number of other musical and non-musical ventures including television and radio work, motivational speaking and writing.

Early life

[edit]

Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier[5] was born in Stanford, California,[6] on May 9, 1979[7] and raised in the outskirts of Los Angeles, until moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of four.[7][8] His father is professor James E. Krier, a legal scholar at the University of Michigan Law School and co-author of the widely used Dukeminier & Krier property casebook.[9] His mother is Wendy Wilkes. His younger brother, Patrick, was a golf professional and is now a golf coach in Michigan.[10] At the age of four, Wilkes-Krier began learning piano at the University of Michigan School of Music.[11] He has recalled early family trips to midnight mass as having had an enormous impact on his love for music.[12][6] He was dubbed Andrew W.K. by an elementary school teacher to differentiate him from his classmates Andrew Cohen and Andrew Gilchrist.[13][6] He later attended the private college preparatory Greenhills School for middle school before attending the alternative Community High School from 1993 to 1997, where he continued to study piano and keyboard.[11]

Music career

[edit]

1993–1999: Early career

[edit]

In 1993, at the age of 14, he joined the band Slam, later to be called Reverse Polarity.[14] In 1996, a song recorded by W.K. entitled "Mr. Surprise" was included on Plant the Flower Seeds, a compilation by the Ypsilanti, Michigan-based record label Westside Audio Laboratories, marking his first publicly released recording.[15] Over the next five years, W.K. would play in a number of Detroit-based punk rock and heavy metal bands,[1] including The Pterodactyls; Lab Lobotomy; Music Band; Mr. Velocity Hopkins; playing drums in grindcore metal band, Kathode;[14] in addition to forming the noise rock project Ancient Art of Boar, later known as AAB, which served as an outlet for his early solo material.[14]

In 1998, W.K. moved from Michigan to New York City, where he worked a variety of short-lived jobs. These included a bubblegum machine salesman, an opera ticket salesman, a fashion photographer, a window decorator at the Bergdorf Goodman department store, and a waiter for a Mexican restaurant. He also worked at the offices of the avant-garde fashion company Comme des Garçons.[13][6] He ended the AAB project and began recording new solo material under his full "Andrew Wilkes-Krier" name; the year saw the release of a cassette-only single entitled Room to Breathe on Hanson Records.[14] A follow-up release entitled You Are What You Eat was scrapped when the master recordings went missing.[14][16] W.K. also recorded the soundtrack for an independent film named Poltergeist made by Aaron Dilloway and himself, one track of which appeared on the Hanson Records compilation Labyrinths & Jokes.[14] In 1999, he moved to Seffner, Florida, to start building his live band with drummer Donald "D.T." Tardy, of death metal band Obituary.[13]

2000–2003: Solo breakthrough, I Get Wet and The Wolf

[edit]

In March 2000, Wilkes-Krier released his first EP, Girls Own Juice, also abbreviated as AWKGOJ, on Bulb Records, his first solo release under the moniker Andrew W.K. (he had first been credited as "Andrew W.K." on a remix entitled "Wolf Eyes Rules (What Kinda Band?)" for the noise rock band Wolf Eyes[17]). Girls Own Juice introduced his hard rock-influenced musical style and experimental tendencies, described as "Judas Priest mixed with Sparks" by Magas, a collaborator of W.K.'s.[18]

Girls Own Juice was well received by critics, and was awarded a five-star rating by the British music magazine Kerrang!.[19] The release increased buzz for W.K., centered around his "hedonistic, so-dumb-it's-smart rawk."[1] He continued to build his reputation by performing various solo gigs in the New York and other East Coast areas. Wilkes-Krier and his then manager Matt Sweeney later shipped out a number of Andrew W.K. demo tapes, each accompanied by a handwritten letter. One tape reached alternative rock musician Dave Grohl; impressed, Grohl offered Andrew W.K. a slot opening for his band Foo Fighters at a concert in San Francisco, which he accepted.[20]

Another tape reached The Island Def Jam Music Group executive Lewis Largent, who liked the demos enough to attend an Andrew W.K. gig at the Mercury Lounge, where Largent was impressed by how W.K. "won over every last person in the audience."[20] Wilkes-Krier reacted with surprise to Island's interest in him, and despite his manager urging him not to accept his very first offer, W.K. was eager to begin work with Island.[20] Girls Own Juice was followed by another Bulb Records EP entitled Party Til You Puke in October 2000.[14] Following the release of Party Til You Puke, Andrew W.K. left Bulb Records amicably to sign with Island Records.[14]

W.K.'s major-label debut studio album, I Get Wet, was released on November 13, 2001, on Island Records.[21][22] Continuing the sound established by his previous Bulb Records EPs, I Get Wet is characterized by its metal and punk rock influences and lyrical content revolving around partying.[1] The album is known for its cover art, a photograph by Roe Ethridge of Andrew W.K. with a stream of blood running from his nose onto his chin and neck,[23] which generated minor controversy in Europe after it was seen to represent cocaine abuse;[24] W.K. achieved the effect by striking himself in the face with a cinderblock during the photo shoot, and subsequently supplementing his own blood with some of an animal obtained from a butcher's shop.[6]

I Get Wet earned positive press from publications such as NME and Kerrang! and featured two UK hit singles, "Party Hard" and "She Is Beautiful", also rising to the top spot on Billboard's Top Heatseekers albums chart.[25] At the same time, W.K. also developed a reputation for his highly energetic live shows.[1] Andrew W.K. joined Ozzy Osbourne's Ozzfest that summer, and a number of I Get Wet's tracks, such as "Party Hard", "It's Time to Party", and "Fun Night" were licensed for use in various video games, films, TV series, and commercials. In 2002, W.K., Gibson Goodness and Alec Rominger re-recorded his song "We Want Fun" from AWKGOJ for the soundtrack of Jackass: The Movie; an accompanying music video was also produced, filmed and directed by Jeff Tremaine with additional camera work by Spike Jonze. By September 2018, the album had sold 267,000 copies in the US.[26]

In late 2003, W.K. released his second studio album The Wolf. In contrast to I Get Wet, which was recorded by W.K. with his live band, The Wolf featured W.K. playing all instruments, with heavy use of overdubbing of these instrument sections in production. The album spawned the singles "Tear It Up" and "Never Let Down" in the United States, while the song "Long Live the Party" was a minor hit in Japan. The single "Tear It Up" was included as menu music in the video-game Nascar Thunder TM 2004.[9] Despite earning Andrew W.K.'s highest chart position ever at #61 on the Billboard 200, it fell off after only a week,[27] and three months after its release the album had only sold 36,098 copies.[28]

On tour for The Wolf, W.K. was injured on stage and broke his foot. After the concert, he signed autographs from the ambulance. Not wanting to let his fans down, he performed the remainder of the tour in a wheelchair.[9][6]

2004–2008: Close Calls with Brick Walls

[edit]
W.K. in 2006

Though Close Calls with Brick Walls failed to see wide release in 2006, W.K. continued to be active; he released a live concert DVD entitled Who Knows? in February of that year and presenting five screenings of the film in New York and Hollywood.[29] In March 2006, during an episode of Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones' radio show Jonesy's Jukebox, W.K. debuted a new song entitled "I'm a Vagabond".[29] On November 26, 2008, under Universal Music Group, he released his fourth studio album, The Japan Covers, which consists of cover versions of J-pop songs, as well as a compilation entitled The Very Best So Far.[29]

2009–2019: 55 Cadillac, You're Not Alone and other releases

[edit]

In February 2009, Wilkes-Krier claimed to have found a loophole in his contractual constraints allowing him to form his own record label, Skyscraper Music Maker, based in London and Manhattan.[30] The label released DAMN! The Mix tape Vol. 1 on May 25, 2009, a compilation of W.K.'s production work for Skyscraper Music Maker artists Bad Brilliance, Aleister X, and Cherie Lily, with music by New York producer, DJ B-Roc.[30] Wilkes-Krier's fifth studio album 55 Cadillac served as the label's second release. Recorded entirely by Wilkes-Krier and consisting of his spontaneous solo piano improvisations, the album was released on September 7, 2009.[31] In a piece written to accompany the release of the album, he explained that the last decade had "been so fraught with legal trouble" that he began to suffer hallucinations, which inspired him to produce the album, and that successful negotiations had allowed him to start a new label and release 55 Cadillac, which he described as "the sound of a piano being played by a free man – nothing more, nothing less."[31] New negotiations were undertaken over the UK release of 55 Cadillac, as "certain people [who] weren't credited because they weren't involved with the recording... had to be given credit," owing to previous contracts.[32] Wilkes-Krier and his management settled by renaming Skyscraper Music Maker as Steev Mike, which the parties involved saw as a reasonable compromise.[32] All prior complaints were dropped and Wilkes-Krier was then allowed to release the album worldwide.[32]

On September 9, Andrew W.K. released a Japan-only album entitled Gundam Rock, consisting of covered music from the Gundam anime television series to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Japan; he had been approached by Japanese animation studio Sunrise Inc. to record the album following the success of The Japan Covers.[33][34][35] With all prior legal disputes over credit and naming settled, in March 2010 Andrew W.K. and the newly named Steev Mike label presented its first official release: a repackaged two-disc version of Close Calls with Brick Walls with a bonus disc of rare and unreleased material entitled Mother of Mankind.[32] To promote the set, Andrew W.K. joined the 2010 Warped Tour as a headlining act for the entire tour.[36] A music video for the single "I Want to See You Go Wild" from Close Calls with Brick Walls, directed by Peter Glantz, was released in June 2010.[37]

In March 2011, Andrew W.K. released a new EP entitled The "Party All Goddamn Night" EP, which consists of five new tracks and two previously released singles.[38] In September 2012, while attending a fan convention for My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, he expressed the possibility of recording a new album.[39] In a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" thread in October 2014, Wilkes-Krier stated that while his other career ventures had kept him from releasing a new studio album, he was eager to record one: "I've been stock-piling new songs for several years. I really want to make a new album as soon as possible."[40]

In September 2017, W.K. announced that a new studio album would be set for release on March 2, 2018, via Sony Music.[41] In November, he announced its title, You're Not Alone, and shared its cover artwork.[42][43] The album was released on March 2, 2018. In August 2018 he revealed to Riff Magazine that he had begun recording his next album.[44]

2020–present: Napalm Records, God Is Partying, and current ventures

[edit]

In October 2020, Andrew W.K. signed with Napalm Records and announced that he was working on a new album.[45] The lead single "Babalon" was released on February 17, 2021.[46] "Babalon" was announced via a Napalm Records press release and made available for limited pre-order on the Napalm Records and Andrew W.K. stores as a 7" vinyl with the instrumental B-Side "The Party Gods".[47][48] The release, limited to 393 copies, marked a departure from Andrew W.K.'s traditionally positive and uplifting themes, and features "swinging drums and a sinister guitar riff opening the track's hellish gates."[47]

Andrew W.K.'s sixth studio album, God Is Partying, was released on September 10, 2021.[49] Co-produced by long-time recording partner Ted Young, the nine-track album features W.K. performing all instruments.[50] The announcement was accompanied by the release of a new single, "I'm in Heaven".[51] On July 14, 2021, the video for "Everybody Sins" was released and features an appearance by Kat Dennings.[52] In September 2021, the album God Is Partying was released alongside the single "Stay True To Your Heart".[53][54]

Shortly after the release of the album, W.K. delayed upcoming shows and deleted his website and social media pages with no explanation; his label also remained quiet on what was happening.[55][56]

Other ventures

[edit]

Self-help and motivational performance

[edit]

During 2007, Andrew performed a series of unpredictable happenings as part of his "One Man Show" tour. Each event began with Andrew improvising on the piano alone on a stage before they frequently evolved into giant parties, with most of the audience dancing on stage with Andrew, themselves playing the piano and singing the lyrics.[9]

In March 2007, The New York Times put Andrew on the front page of its Arts section, in a feature article on Andrew's lectures.[57] In 2008, Andrew's self-help work led to his second appearance as a sit-down guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.[58] In November 2008, Time magazine called him "truly cute".[9]

In June 2012, W.K. announced that he would be appearing at the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fan convention Canterlot Gardens.[59] His appearance was announced as a motivational seminar on "How to Party like Pinkie Pie", based on one of the show's lead characters, Pinkie Pie. The appearance was featured in Rolling Stone,[60] and was co-hosted by musician and personality Klisk Midori.[61][62][63]

In June 2014, Andrew was announced to speak as a guest lecturer at the Oxford Union.[64] W.K.'s keynote, titled Andrew W.K. and The Philosophy of Partying, discussed his signature message of positive power and celebratory self-confidence. Regarding the lecture, Oxford's Nick Fowler said: "In my opinion, Andrew is one of Rock N' Roll's great philosophers." And the Oxford University Rock Society offered their own statement: "We've seen rock stars, we've seen brilliant public speakers, but rarely are they the same person, and rarely do they have as intriguing and broad a background as Andrew W.K."[65]

In September 2014, Andrew gave a lecture on his philosophy of partying at Baltimore School for the Arts as part of The Contemporary museum's speaker series called "CoHosts".[66] In the same month, he also brought his Village Voice advice column, "Ask Andrew W.K.", to life in an intimate setting at New York City nightclub, Santos Party House.[67]

In February 2018, Andrew was named the Person of the Year by the American Association of Suicidology.[68] The AAS stated, "The inaugural Person of the Year Award will be presented to Andrew W.K. due to his consistent and powerful use of positivity to improve the lives of those who hear his music."[69]

Written work

[edit]

Andrew wrote a monthly column in FRONT Magazine in the UK.

Andrew also wrote a monthly advice column in the Japanese magazine "Rockin' On", which ran for 10 years – from 2002 until 2012 – and resulted in a book of all the advice columns compiled, called "I Will Change Your Life".[70]

In September 2013, Andrew announced that his first book about partying, "The Party Bible", will be published by Simon & Schuster. The announcement, first broken on The A.V. Club, is accompanied by a video of the "Party Hard" rock icon's physical and mental preparation for the literary task.[71]

In January 2014, The Village Voice announced a new weekly advice column from Andrew called "Ask Andrew W.K." The column appeared in the print edition of the paper, as well as Village Voice online.[72]

On September 28, 2016, Vice Media announced a new weekly column from Andrew W.K. and published his first piece titled "Andrew W.K. on Pressure".[73] The column appeared on the Vice website with Andrew writing about a singular topic each week.

Other work

[edit]

Outside of his solo work, Andrew also performed with and produced music for the avant-garde ensemble To Live and Shave in L.A. He first appeared on the band's 2004 release God and Country Rally! He co-produced their 2006 studio album Noon and Eternity, and appears on the group's other 2006 release, the "chronological remix" project Horoscopo: Sanatorio de Molière.[9]

In late 2006, Andrew re-worked his song "Fun Night" into a theme song for the Arizona Sundogs, a hockey team. The song was titled "Sundogs (It Just Got Hotter)". The song "Fun Night" also appeared in the film Old School during one of the party scenes.[9] Andrew was also a judge for the 5th and 10th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.[74]

On July 7, 2007, at 7:07 pm, Andrew appeared as one of the 77 drummers in the 77 Boadrum concert held at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, New York which was organized by Japanese noise rock group Boredoms. In September 2007 Andrew's piano playing was featured on a jazz fusion CD release "électricité" with Mike Pachelli on guitar, Rich Russo on drums, and Dennis Harding on bass for Los Angeles-based Fullblast Recordings (2007).[75]

Andrew has also performed and recorded electric bass guitar for the artist Baby Dee, whom he met while playing live as the bassist of Current 93. Andrew played bass and drums on Dee's Safe Inside the Day album, and performed with her group at a 2008 show Manhattan. He also produced and mixed Dee's 2011 album, Regifted Light. Andrew has performed bass guitar with Current 93 at the Donau Festival in Krems, Austria in April 2007, the UK All Tomorrow's Parties festival in May 2007, and their European tour in April 2008.[9]

On Friday, December 5, 2008, an Andrew W.K. fan named Dominic Owen Mallary died after an accident while his band Last Lights performed at Boston University. Dominic had always said that he wanted to have Andrew W.K. play during his funeral. After several friends of Dominic emailed him, Andrew came to the wake, and played classical piano for the entire time after paying his respects.[76][77]

Andrew formed the group The Brill Sisters with guitarist Matt Sweeney and producer Don Fleming. They played their first show (without Fleming) at Santos Party House on April 2, 2009.[78][79] The entire group performed together on April 21, 2009.[80] Andrew has collaborated with Canada's Nardwuar the Human Serviette and his band The Evaporators to record the split 7-inch A Wild Pear, released in 2009. They worked together again on a pair of tracks for The Evaporators' 2012 album Busy Doing Nothing.

In 2012, it was believed that the United States State Department had named W.K. the U.S. Cultural Ambassador to Bahrain.[81] In reality, he had been merely asked to speak at the Embassy as part of a cultural speakers program, an invitation which, upon further reflection, was repealed "because it did not meet the standards of the State Department."[82] Andrew set a world record for Longest Drum Session in a Retail Store at the MTV Music Awards on Thursday, June 20, 2013, after drumming non-stop for 24 hours.[83] On Thursday, June 12, 2014, Andrew co-hosted the Relentless Kerrang! Awards alongside Scott Ian of Anthrax. The event was held at East London's Troxy.[84]

Andrew also made an appearance as himself in the Cyanide & Happiness show. Most recently, he appeared as a fictional version of himself, "Intern Andrew W.K.", in a live show for Welcome to Night Vale, entitled "The Librarian". Andrew is featured on Nekrogoblikon's album titled Heavy Meta released on June 2, 2015.[85] Andrew appeared on Ken Reid's TV Guidance Counselor podcast on December 11, 2015. Andrew played the role of the character known as "Redeye" in the game Fallout 4 in the Nuka-World DLC.[86]

TV and film appearances

[edit]

Andrew has made multiple appearances on MTV, MTV2, and VH1, hosting shows such as The Most Outrageous Frontmen, with Johnny Knoxville and Backstage Pass at the Warped Tour. Andrew was the focus of a televised live performance at Cleveland's Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame, broadcast on MTV. He's also made appearances on the shows, I Love The 90's, I Love The New Millennium, Black to the Future, I Love The Holidays, The Great Debate, Best Week Ever and The Osbournes. Andrew was also featured on a popular MTV show called Crashing With Andrew W.K., which documented Andrew's visit to a girl's dorm at North Carolina Central University.

In 2004, Andrew had a television show on MTV2 titled Your Friend, Andrew W.K.. In the series, fans would write letters to Andrew, asking for his help. Andrew would pick certain letters and go to visit them. The series lasted for 11 episodes, each about 9 or 10 minutes in length. During the filming of the show, Andrew was in a car crash but sustained no serious injuries.

Andrew has performed on TV shows such as Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Last Call with Carson Daly, Saturday Night Live, and the Spike TV Video Game Awards. His most recent performance was with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He had a cameo in the show Aqua Teen Hunger Force, singing "Party Party Party", a song that combines elements of multiple previous Andrew W.K. songs. The song was released on Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters the Soundtrack. Andrew's only confirmed movie role is in Punk Rock Holocaust, playing himself.

Andrew was also featured on the finale of the third season of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List as Kathy's date in New York. The two attended one of Andrew's performance art shows. Late Night with Conan O'Brien has twice featured Andrew as a sit-down interview guest—the first in 2003 to speak about the Your Friend, Andrew W.K. show, and then again in 2007, to speak about his motivational performance tours. Andrew was a frequent guest on the Fox News late-night program, Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld. Despite this, he claimed to have no party affiliation and just "always wanted to see what was in that building."[87] Andrew has also been a featured interviewer and guest on The Daily Show.[citation needed] In 2011, he appeared in A Day to Remember's video for "All I Want". Andrew also appears on the vocal-instructional DVD The Zen of Screaming.[88]

Cartoon Network also used Andrew W.K. in a music video about the network's new live-action shows. The song and video, "Hearing What I Say" (adapted from Andrew's 2006 song, "Not Going to Bed") aired extensively on Cartoon Network and was available on YouTube. Later the clip was replaced by another bumper. In 2011, Andrew was part of a pyrotechnic stunt with motocross superstar Robbie Maddison performing a backflip on his motorcycle while Andrew presented the event for Cartoon Network's Hall of Game Awards.[89]

Andrew presented Cartoon Network's live-action show Destroy Build Destroy. Andrew had a cameo on Cartoon Network's Mad, in the episode "Kung Fu Blander / Destroy Bob the Builder Destroy", which spoofed both Destroy Build Destroy and Bob the Builder. In 2014, Andrew appeared on Fuse TV's Insane Clown Posse Theater with Insane Clown Posse. Andrew also starred in Lil BUB's Special Special on Animal Planet alongside Lil Bub herself and Amy Sedaris. The TV special premiered on Saturday, February 8.

Andrew's trip to a safari park is the subject of the documentary film, Party Safari (2014),[90] by Nik Box & Chris Hines. In August 2014, Andrew hosted his own show on Kerrang! TV called Andrew W.K.'s Party Hard 100 in which he counted down some of the most party videos on Earth. Andrew also guest co-hosted six episodes of Pivot's TakePart Live alongside Meghan McCain and Jacob Soboroff.[91]

Andrew appeared as a guest on The SDR Show with Ralph Sutton and Big Jay Oakerson. He also made a comeback to Cartoon Network in late March on Pete Browngart's animated series Uncle Grandpa as himself hosting a party alongside Pizza Steve and Mr. Gus in the episode, "Shower Party".

Production work

[edit]

In addition to producing his own music on the albums I Get Wet, The Wolf, Close Calls with Brick Walls, and You're Not Alone, Andrew has produced and mixed music for other artists as well as working on special commercial music projects. These include the production of music exclusively for commercial use on television and radio.

In 2008, Andrew gained new notoriety for recording a song called "The McLaughlin Groove", based on an exchange between Pat Buchanan and John McLaughlin on the political television show The McLaughlin Group. The song was commissioned by the Public Radio International show Fair Game, on which Andrew has appeared for interviews.[92]

In 2004, Andrew recorded a television jingle for Kit Kat candy bars, and rewrote their trademark "Give Me a Break" slogan into a new song.[6] The recording appeared in a variety of 30-second, 45-second, and 1 minute commercials, broadcast on television worldwide. "I avoided working with other people for many years, partly out of paranoia, and partly out of an earnest desire to stand on my own. After a while, I got tired of thinking that way, and it just seemed natural to do the opposite of what I had done before. I like making music with other people. I can still make music by myself too."[93]

Andrew's earliest external production work was with the group Wolf Eyes, on their now out-of-print 12-inch EP Fortune Dove. The last track on that album, "What Kind of Band?" features Andrew W.K. on vocals explaining why he enjoys listening to Wolf Eyes. Since then, he's chosen to work on a select and seemingly random set of projects, beginning with production and mixing on the album, Through The Panama, by Brooklyn, NY based three-piece art rock band, Sightings. The album was jointly released by Load Records and Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! label in October 2007.

At the end of 2007, Andrew accepted an invitation to produce a new album, Repentance, for veteran reggae artist Lee "Scratch" Perry. The two had met when Andrew interviewed Perry for DirecTV.[94] Repentance was nominated for "Best Reggae Album" in the 2009 Grammy Awards.[95] On February 20, 2008, Andrew released an exclusive ringtone commissioned by Universal Music Japan for the Japanese mobile phone market. The song is called, "Sonna no Kankei Ne Rock", which celebrates a then popular catch-phrase by a TV Talent, "Sonna no Kankei Ne, Hai Oppappi!" This translates to, "I Don't Give A Damn, Yes Oppappi!" The ringtone was first announced on a Japanese national T.V. program called Music Station and had over 3,500 downloads that day. Cumulative sales of ringtone are over 20,000. Andrew's song debuted at No.1 in Label Mobile's International daily ringtone chart. Label Mobile is the biggest mobile retailer in Japan.[96]

Live music venue

[edit]

In the spring of 2008, Andrew and three partners opened a multi-level nightclub and live concert hall in downtown Manhattan, New York City. The venue was named Santos Party House, and featured 8,000 square feet (740 m2) of dance floor and concert facilities, and over 150 loud-speakers.[97] The space was designed for disco dancing and live music. It was one of the few new venues in New York City to be granted a liquor license and a cabaret license. The cabaret license means people can legally dance until 4 am.[98] Santos Party House received numerous awards, including The People's Choice Award for Best Night Club, Best New Club, Best DJ Night (from Paper Magazine),[99] Best New Dance Floor (from The Village Voice),[100] and many more. In May 2009, Wilkes-Krier and his work with Santos was the subject of an extensive four-page article in New York Magazine.[101] In 2010, the Zagat Survey rated Santos Party House the "Top Dance Club" in all of New York City.[102]

Santos Party House's last night of operation was May 29, 2016.[103]

Ghostwriting allegations

[edit]

In November 2004, W.K.'s official website was hacked with threats of blackmail from someone who claimed to have co-created Andrew W.K.'s persona, and demanded to be included in the production of the third album, claiming to be "Steev Mike".[104] W.K. responded stating, "Please don't believe Steev Mike. I used to call myself Steev Mike a long time ago and it's nothing now. Someone is trying to confuse you and make me look bad."[105]

In subsequent years, W.K. denied various theories accusing him of being a fake entity, declaring himself to be "a real person who thinks for himself" and "not the victim of anyone or group of people trying to influence my career or life".[106][107][108] He clarified that "the nature of how we presented my initial offerings caused some confusion, even though I tried to make it as straightforward as possible... Different people I've worked with and different parts of my back story have gotten twisted and changed. But I made the music on my albums – I had a lot of help from incredible people, but not the kind of help that some people think."[109]

Due to legal disputes regarding the ownership of the name "Andrew W.K.", Close Calls with Brick Walls (2006) was initially only released in Japan and Korea. On August 18, 2007, it was given a limited release in America only on vinyl on Load Records with 5 exclusive bonus tracks, but only became widely available on CD to the rest of the world in March 2010, bundled with a second disc containing a collection of rare and unreleased songs entitled Mother of Mankind.

In September 2009, writing in the British newspaper, The Guardian, Andrew W.K. acknowledged legal disputes around his name: "At the end of 2004, an old friend of mine got in some business trouble and basically decided to take it out on me. To cut a long story short, this person is someone I worked very closely with and had a formal and family business relationship with. Due to various complaints this person had with me, they were able to turn my life and career upside down. I wasn't allowed to use my own name within certain areas of the US entertainment industry and we were in a debate about who owned the rights to my image, and who should get credit for 'inventing' it. This made my life complicated and intense for a few years, but I kept working and doing whatever I could to keep moving forward."[31]

Artistry

[edit]

Andrew W.K.'s work has featured occult symbolism and addressed themes associated with Thelema, such as personal transformation, freedom and following one's own True Will.[110][111][112][113] Additionally, his work has regularly explored concepts of authenticity, duality and the relationship between confusion and clarity.[114][115][116][117]

Physical appearance

[edit]
W.K. in 2011 wearing his usual concert outfit

W.K. is known for his long hair and wearing a usually dirty all white outfit, consisting of a white t-shirt, white jeans, black digital watch and sneakers.[118] The album artwork for I Get Wet featured a photo of Andrew with a bloody nose;[119] this image is used frequently in his merchandise and persona.[120] W.K. has six tattoos, all of which are straight lines on his arms.[121] In 2011, Kesha gave Andrew a line tattoo with a pen and a safety pin that resulted in an infection.[122]

Personal life

[edit]

Andrew W.K. previously lived in Midtown Manhattan but left in 2006 or 2007, "bouncing between short-term situations" in other locations outside New York.[123][124] He married Cherie Lily on October 4, 2008, in a traditional Persian wedding ceremony.[125] Lily performed with W.K.'s band as a vocalist and hypewoman from 2006 until 2018.[126] W.K. has two children but keeps them out of the public eye.[127][128][129] W.K. has a younger brother, Patrick Wilkes-Krier, who is a professional golfer.[130]

In May 2021, W.K. announced via a press release that he and his former wife Cherie had begun amicable divorce proceedings in late 2019. He also confirmed that he was dating actress Kat Dennings, after the two met in Los Angeles in early 2021.[131] A week later, on May 13, 2021, the couple announced their engagement on Instagram.[132] They married on November 27, 2023, at their Los Angeles home.[133]

Live band members

[edit]

Current

[edit]
  • Erik Payne – guitars, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Gregg Roberts – bass, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Dave Pino – guitars, backing vocals (2012–present)
  • Amanda Lepre – guitars, backing vocals (2016–present)
  • Clark Kegley – drums (2016–present)

Former

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  • Donald Tardy – drums (1998–2003)
  • Frank Werner – guitars, backing vocals (1999–2013)
  • Jimmy Coup – guitars, backing vocals (1999–2004)
  • Jeff Victor – keyboards (2001–2002)
  • Rich Russo – drums (2003–2016)
  • Kenny Andrews – guitars, backing vocals (2003–2011)
  • Johnny "Beans" Sutton (2004–2005)
  • Derek Weiland – keyboards (2006–2007)
  • Cherie Lily – vocals (2006–2018)
  • Justin Payne – guitars (2008–2013)
  • Blake Canaris – bass, backing vocals (2010–2016)
  • Erica E.T. Pino – keyboards, backing vocals (2018–2019)

Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]

Films

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Year Title Role Notes
2002 Jackass: The Movie Soundtrack
2012 I Spill Your Guts Crazy Hobo
2013 Cool as Hell Andrew
2015 Dude Bro Party Massacre III Rip Stick
2016 Midnight Show Theater voice
2017 (Romance) in the Digital Age Himself
2020 Your Friend Andrew W.K. Himself Documentary

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2002 Jackass Backyard BBQ Himself TV special
2004 Your Friend, Andrew WK Host
2006 Aqua Teen Hunger Force[134] Episode: "Party All the Time", voice role
2006 I Love the New Millennium Commentator, 8 episodes
2010 Food Party Santa Episode: "Zit Butter"
2011 Destroy Build Destroy[135] Himself Host, all episodes
2011 Mad[136] Episode: "Kung Fu Blander/Destroy, Bob the Builder, Destroy", voice role
2012 Let's Big Happy[137] Episodes: "Pilot" and "Andrew W.K."[137]
2014 Meet Me at the Reck YouTube series, all episodes
2015 Uncle Grandpa Episode: "Shower Party", voice role
2016 Idiotsitter Kerry Episode: "GED Prom"
2021 American Dad! Palmer Voice
Episode: "The Wondercabinet"

Video games

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Year Title Role Notes
2003 Madden NFL 2003 Soundtrack artist Madden NFL 2003 Soundtrack, Party Hard
2003 NASCAR Thunder 2004 Soundtrack artist NASCAR Thunder 2004, Tear it Up
2004 Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood Himself
2009 Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Soundtrack artist Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Soundtrack, Party Hard
2016 Fallout 4: Nuka-World RedEye DLC

References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Andrew W.K. (born Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier; May 9, 1979) is an , , songwriter, , , author, and celebrated for his bombastic anthems that blend metal, pop, and piano-driven energy to promote themes of fun, resilience, and positive living. Born in , and raised in , after his family relocated there when he was four, Wilkes-Krier grew up in a musical household as the son of law professor James E. Krier. He began classical piano lessons at age four with a professor at the and developed an early passion for music that shaped his prolific output as a and performer. In his late teens, he moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the underground music scene, experimenting with noise rock and industrial sounds before signing with Island Def Jam Records. His major-label debut album, I Get Wet (2001)—produced by Dave Sardy—propelled him to fame with its lead single "Party Hard," a high-octane track that became an enduring anthem and defined his persona as the self-proclaimed "King of Partying." The album's success led to tours with acts like Blink-182 and his music featured in films such as Old School (2003) and Freaky Friday (2003). W.K. released subsequent studio albums including The Wolf (2003), Close Calls with Brick Walls (2006), You're Not Alone (2018), and God Is Partying (2021), evolving his sound while maintaining its motivational core amid label disputes and independent ventures. Beyond recording, he explored piano on albums such as 55 Cadillac (2009) and Mother of Mankind (2012). Expanding his influence, W.K. hosted the Cartoon Network engineering competition (2009–2010) and co-owned the influential New York venue Santos Party House (2004–2016). He authored books such as The Party Bible (2009), served as an advice columnist for (2014–2019) and , and became a sought-after , delivering talks at Yale, , Carnegie Mellon, and Oxford University on topics like perseverance and joy. In 2018, he was named Person of the Year by the American Association of Suicidology for his uplifting message.

Early life

Family background

Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier was born on May 9, 1979, in . At age four, his family moved from California to , where his father, James E. Krier, took up a position as a law professor at the . Krier, a prominent legal scholar, co-authored the widely used textbook , contributing to the family's academic orientation. His mother, Wendy Wilkes, provided strong encouragement for creative expression, often envisioning her son pursuing an artistic path. The household placed significant emphasis on alongside scholarly endeavors, fostering an environment that valued intellectual and artistic development. This early setting introduced Wilkes-Krier to music through formal piano lessons starting at age four at the School of Music, where he studied classical repertoire under graduate student instructors.

Musical education and influences

Andrew Wilkes-Krier, known professionally as Andrew W.K., began his formal musical education at the age of four, shortly after his family relocated to , where he started classical lessons at the School of Music. He studied under various teachers, primarily graduate students participating in the school's program, who introduced him to rigorous classical techniques and inspired his early compositions through their passionate demonstrations. This training emphasized melody and rhythm, with Wilkes-Krier practicing for hours daily and experimenting with effects like the to create echoing sounds in his original pieces. Throughout his high school years at Community High School in Ann Arbor, Wilkes-Krier continued studies while branching into keyboard, broadening his technical foundation. His family's academic environment, centered around his father's professorship at the , offered a supportive backdrop that encouraged creative exploration without formal pressure. During this period, he formed his first bands, collaborating with schoolmates including a and to perform noise and hardcore-infused music at local venues like Unitarian church basements. Wilkes-Krier's early influences spanned classical composers and punk and genres, shaping his eclectic approach. He drew melodic inspiration from figures like , appreciating their rhythmic intensity and tempo shifts as akin to rock's drive. acts such as Black Flag ignited his interest in raw energy and live performance, while experimental pioneers like provided a sense of "good vibes" through their provocative soundscapes. These elements converged in his teenage experiments, prioritizing emotional release over genre boundaries.

Music career

Early projects (1993–1999)

In 1993, at the age of 14, Andrew Wilkes-Krier (later known as Andrew W.K.) joined the band Slam in his hometown of , which was subsequently renamed Reverse Polarity. Over the following years, he participated in numerous local bands, immersing himself in the mid-1990s noise and scenes centered around labels like Bulb Records, where he became a notable figure amid the underground punk and community. His first public recording, the track "Mr. Surprise," appeared on the 1996 Plant the Seed, marking an early foray into releasing music within Michigan's harsh noise circles. Building on his childhood piano training, Wilkes-Krier continued exploring musical ideas through self-recorded demos during this period, often incorporating raw, energetic compositions that blended elements with rock influences. In 1998, he relocated to to pursue music more intensively, working odd jobs like selling bubblegum machines to support himself while diving into the city's vibrant underground scene. There, he engaged with and experimental communities, recording additional demos that foreshadowed his later style but attracted no immediate major label attention, remaining confined to niche audiences.

Breakthrough era (2000–2003)

In 2000, Andrew W.K. signed a with Island Def Jam, marking a pivotal shift from his independent releases to major-label support. This deal followed buzz from his performances in the underground scene, where his high-energy shows began attracting attention from industry figures. His debut major-label album, , was released on November 13, 2001, via Island Def Jam. Produced primarily by W.K. alongside and others, the record featured a polished yet aggressive sound blending , piano-driven anthems, and electronic elements, recorded across studios in New York and . The album's themes centered on unapologetic partying, positivity, and escapist joy, standing out against the era's prevalent nu-metal angst through tracks like the title song and "It's Time to Party." Key singles "Party Hard" and "She Is Beautiful" propelled its success, with "Party Hard" achieving significant rotation and peaking at No. 19 on the UK Singles Chart, while the album reached No. 84 on the 200. The breakthrough extended to live performances, including early MTV appearances such as live sessions and video premieres that amplified W.K.'s manic stage persona. By 2002, he was headlining U.S. and international tours, including slots on and packages with bands like , solidifying his reputation for chaotic, crowd-engaging shows. W.K.'s follow-up, The Wolf, arrived on September 9, 2003, also through , maintaining the high-octane party rock formula with tracks emphasizing fun and resilience. Singles "Tear It Up" and "Never Let Down" received radio play and video airtime, though the album faced internal label challenges that limited promotion. These issues contributed to tour disruptions later in the year, including scaled-back dates amid contractual disputes, yet W.K. still performed at major events like .

Transitional releases (2004–2008)

Following the commercial success of his second album The Wolf in 2003, Andrew W.K. departed from amid legal disputes with his former manager, which restricted his ability to release new material in the United States. These issues delayed widespread distribution of his third studio album, Close Calls with Brick Walls, which was recorded during sessions in 2004 and 2005. The album was initially released on July 5, 2006, exclusively in through Universal , accompanied by a bonus DVD featuring live footage and interviews tailored for the Asian market. Close Calls with Brick Walls marked a stylistic evolution, incorporating more piano-driven arrangements—such as the opener "I Came for You"—while blending high-energy rock with experimental noise elements and earnest themes emphasizing perseverance and living fully in the moment. Despite its bombastic production and party-anthem spirit echoing earlier works like , the record received limited promotion outside due to ongoing contractual constraints, resulting in only a small U.S. vinyl edition on Load in August 2007. During this period, Andrew W.K. cultivated a dedicated following in , where his energetic persona and rock style resonated strongly with audiences. This growth led to region-specific releases, including the compilation Premium Collection: The Very Best So Far in 2008 via , which gathered key tracks from his catalog alongside Japanese covers to appeal to local fans.

Independent phase (2009–2019)

In 2009, Andrew W.K. established his own , Skyscraper Music Maker (later renamed Steev Mike), marking a shift toward greater creative control in his music production. That year, he released 55 Cadillac, an instrumental solo album recorded spontaneously in just two hours in , , inspired by a 1955 that served as both muse and visual motif for the project. The album features eight tracks of new-age-style improvisations without vocals or traditional elements, diverging from his earlier high-energy style to explore ambient and meditative soundscapes. Initially released in on September 8, it built on his established popularity there from prior covers projects, with U.S. and U.K. editions following on September 1 and 7, respectively. The following year, 2010, saw the release of the double album Close Calls with Brick Walls / Mother of Mankind via his independent label Steev Mike, combining a reissue of his 2006 material with a bonus disc of rarities, covers, and new compositions. This collection emphasized themes of communal unity and perseverance, incorporating piano-driven arrangements alongside rock elements to convey messages of collective strength and emotional resilience. The album's introspective tone reflected W.K.'s evolving focus on motivational content, blending familiar party anthems with more contemplative pieces. Throughout the decade, W.K. issued sporadic singles, EPs, and compilations, often through independent channels, signaling a gradual incorporation of electronic and pop influences into his sound. Notable among these was the 2011 EP Party All Goddamn Night, featuring five new tracks and remixes of earlier singles, which maintained his high-octane energy while experimenting with synth-heavy production. In 2012, expanded editions like the 10th-anniversary reissue of I Get Wet included bonus material and live recordings, highlighting collaborations with artists such as Mark Hoppus in promotional contexts. By the late 2010s, releases like the 2018 album You're Not Alone on Sony further embraced pop orchestration and electronic textures, with piano-centric tracks reinforcing unity and positivity amid orchestral swells. These efforts underscored W.K.'s independent experimentation, prioritizing thematic depth over commercial volume.

Recent developments (2020–present)

In October 2020, Andrew W.K. signed an exclusive worldwide with , marking a new chapter in his music career following years of independent releases. This deal led to the announcement of upcoming music, with W.K. having spent the prior two years developing material. The partnership culminated in the release of his sixth studio album, , on September 10, 2021, via . Produced and performed almost entirely by W.K. himself, the record blended his signature high-energy rock with introspective themes, including tracks like the singles "Babalon," released in March 2021, and "Everybody Sins," which debuted in June 2021. The album received mixed reviews for its dual nature, balancing party anthems with more experimental elements. To promote God Is Partying, W.K. announced a U.S. tour in late 2021, but the dates were postponed to 2022 amid ongoing challenges in the touring industry. Shortly after, he deleted all of his accounts and took his website offline, resulting in a period of significantly reduced public visibility and fan concern over his status. W.K. began resurfacing in December 2023, marking his first major media appearances since 2021 through interviews that addressed his hiatus and ongoing projects. By 2025, he had not released any new studio albums, shifting emphasis toward live performances and occasional public engagements, including discussions on vocal techniques and performance intensity.

Other ventures

Motivational and self-help work

Andrew W.K. began incorporating motivational elements into his public appearances in the mid-2000s, transitioning from his music career's emphasis on relentless partying into structured seminars that promoted personal effort and communal joy as pathways to self-improvement. By 2005, he started delivering talks framed around the "party hard" philosophy, encouraging audiences to embrace optimism and perseverance in daily challenges. These early efforts evolved his high-energy rock persona into full-fledged motivational performances, where he blended storytelling, audience interaction, and physical exertion to foster a sense of shared resilience. Key events in his speaking career included a 2011 performance-seminar at SXSW, described as a hybrid of motivational speech and live show that highlighted themes of courage and collective positivity. In 2016, he launched "The Power of Partying" tour, a nationwide series of talks across all 50 U.S. states organized under his Party Party initiative, focusing on joy as an active practice requiring effort and community involvement. Other notable appearances, such as his keynote at the 2016 Pizza Summit, underscored these ideas through enthusiastic exhortations to live with enthusiasm and mutual support. In the 2010s, W.K. expanded his motivational outreach with a weekly in titled "Ask Andrew W.K.," where he provided guidance on personal growth, relationships, and overcoming adversity, often tying back to principles of positivity and hard work. He also announced plans for a book, The Party Bible, in 2013, intended as an extension of his seminars with unpublished excerpts shared online to inspire readers on embracing life's "great times" through partying as a . Entering the 2020s, following a personal hiatus in 2021 during which he postponed tours and stepped away from , W.K. resurfaced in 2023 with renewed online presence, sharing reflections on resilience and the sustaining power of positivity amid life's disruptions. His post-hiatus content emphasized rebuilding through community and inner strength, aligning with his longstanding motivational ethos. As of 2025, W.K. continued sharing motivational insights through interviews and , emphasizing positivity and effort.

Writing and media contributions

Andrew W.K. began contributing to media through a monthly in the Japanese music magazine Rockin' On, which ran from 2002 to 2012 and focused on personal guidance infused with his philosophy of positivity and communal joy. The column's popularity led to a 2009 compilation book in , collecting five years of his writings on topics ranging from relationships to self-improvement, presented through his lens of "partying" as a metaphor for embracing life's intensity. In January 2014, he launched the weekly "Ask Andrew W.K." column for , offering advice on life challenges, relationships, and existential dilemmas, often framing responses around themes of resilience and unbridled enthusiasm for . Examples include guidance on dealing with fear in physical confrontations, such as fistfights, and exploring the essence of "partying" as a release from societal pressures to take life overly seriously. The column, which emphasized practical wisdom drawn from his experiences, continued until December 2018. Following the Village Voice run, Andrew W.K. shifted to a weekly column for VICE magazine starting in 2016, where he delved into essays on partying as a philosophical practice for navigating personal struggles, including rock bottom moments, external pressures, and loving one's enemies. These pieces, running through at least early 2017, portrayed partying not as mere revelry but as a deliberate mindset for fostering human connection and overcoming isolation. In one entry, he reflected on a real-life act of compassion during a riot, using it to illustrate the transformative power of empathy in chaotic situations. Among his limited or unpublished works, Andrew W.K. announced The Party Bible in 2013, intended as a comprehensive guide to his of partying as a life-affirming ethic, but the project was ultimately shelved by the publisher. Andrew W.K. has frequently appeared on podcasts to his , emphasizing partying as a of radical positivity and shared human experience that aligns with his motivational speaking themes of perseverance and joy. Notable discussions include explorations of the "party hard mindset" as a tool for mental resilience and communal bonding, as shared in interviews where he recounts personal anecdotes to underscore life's celebratory potential amid adversity.

Television, film, and production roles

Andrew W.K. made cameo appearances in two early 2000s comedy films, showcasing his high-energy persona alongside his musical contributions. In Old School (2003), directed by Todd Phillips, he appeared as a partygoer in a fraternity-themed scene, aligning with the film's chaotic humor. Similarly, in Freaky Friday (2003), directed by Mark Waters, W.K. featured in a brief role during a concert sequence, complementing the movie's teen rock vibe. On television, W.K. expanded his presence through guest spots and hosting opportunities. He appeared as himself in the Jackass Backyard BBQ TV special (2002), a spin-off of the MTV stunt series, where he participated in the show's irreverent antics alongside the core cast. In 2006, he served as a guest performer and personality on the Japanese music variety program Rock Fujiyama, hosted by Marty Friedman, where he engaged in high-energy rock challenges and performances, including a collaboration on "Party Hard." This appearance highlighted his international appeal in visual media. W.K. has also contributed to production roles behind the scenes. He co-produced and mixed tracks for experimental acts such as Wolf Eyes' Fortune Dove EP (2000) and To Live and Shave in L.A.'s Noon and Eternity (2006), bringing his raw, energetic sound to underground projects. Additionally, he provided soundtrack contributions to various films and TV, including original songs for Jackass: The Movie (2002) with "We Want Fun," and placements of "Fun Night" in Old School and "She Is Beautiful" in Freaky Friday, enhancing their party-centric narratives. In voice acting, W.K. lent his distinctive, enthusiastic delivery to animated and projects. He voiced characters in episodes of the Cartoon Network series (2003–2004), including a memorable self-insert role tied to his track "Party Party Party." For s, he provided the voice of RedEye, the raider radio DJ, in the Fallout 4: Nuka-World expansion (2016), infusing the post-apocalyptic setting with motivational broadcasts. He later voiced RUCKAS, a chaotic antagonist, in (2019), drawing on his party-hard ethos for the character's bombastic lines. These roles extended his media footprint beyond music into interactive entertainment.

Business and venue ownership

In 2008, Andrew W.K. co-opened and co-owned the nightclub Santos Party House in partnership with artist Spencer Sweeney, restaurateur Ron Castellano, and promoter Larry Golden, aiming to create an inclusive space for diverse music genres including , hip-hop, , and punk performances. The venue, located at 100A in Manhattan's Chinatown-Tribeca border, quickly became a hub for the independent and scenes, hosting acts such as Q-Tip, , and while emphasizing community building through affordable entry, high-quality sound systems, and a non-exclusive atmosphere that encouraged direct artist-audience interaction. W.K. actively curated events, designed promotional materials, and engaged patrons to foster a sense of shared positivity, aligning with his broader motivational ethos of unity through celebration. Santos Party House operated for eight years, from 2008 until its permanent closure on May 29, 2016, contributing to New York City's nightlife by democratizing access to live music and parties without the barriers of high costs or typical of other clubs. However, the venue closed following the expiration of its 10-year lease, amid controversy over hosting the NYC ! Fest, a punk event with alleged ties to neo-Nazi groups that drew condemnation from organizations like the . Co-owner Despot stated the closure was unrelated to the event, which he had attempted to cancel upon learning of its problematic affiliations, though W.K. did not publicly comment at the time. Following the closure, W.K. shifted toward pop-up style events and performances that continued to emphasize community engagement, such as his annual appearances at festivals like , where he connected with fans through high-energy sets promoting collective joy. In 2016, he headlined the grand opening of Houston's The Secret Group, a comedy and music venue, helping to launch its focus on live arts and social gatherings, though he was not an owner. W.K. has expanded into merchandise partnerships centered on his "party" theme, operating The Andrew W.K. Party Store, which sells apparel, posters, and party gear like custom accessories to extend the celebratory experience beyond live events. These ventures include limited-edition collaborations, such as a 2014 charity T-shirt with hardcore band Converge, where all proceeds supported music education initiatives, raising over $1,250. In 2009, amid ongoing contractual disputes with his prior label that limited U.S. releases, W.K. established the independent Music Maker in and as a means to regain creative and financial control over his output. The label debuted with his instrumental piano album and later issued compilations like DAMN! The Mix Tape Vol. 1, allowing direct distribution and artist signings without major-label interference, though specific financial metrics remain undisclosed. This move enabled W.K. to sustain independent production costs through international sales and licensing, marking a pivotal step in his entrepreneurial shift.

Controversies

Ghostwriting claims

In 2010, former associate and Steev Mike publicly claimed that Andrew W.K. was a manufactured originating from a collaborative project involving multiple individuals, including himself, designed to create a commercial rock act around 2001. These allegations, which had circulated online since 2004, suggested that the initial Andrew W.K. identity was developed by a team of creative directors who auditioned performers to embody the character. Specific accusations included reports of the role being shared among multiple performers during early 2000s tours, where inconsistencies in the performer's appearance were allegedly identified, implying efforts to maintain the high-energy stage presence. Proponents of the pointed to abrupt changes in W.K.'s physical appearance and vocal style post-2003 as evidence of fabrication tied to his era band collaborations. Andrew W.K. firmly denied the claims in a January 2010 statement on his , asserting that he entered into standard creative partnerships but was not a fabricated front or subject to mind control. He described as a "gross " of commonplace industry collaborations with managers and producers using pseudonyms, emphasizing that his work reflects a genuine, party-focused artistic process rather than deception. In a subsequent March 2010 town hall event, he reiterated his authenticity while citing contractual constraints that limited fuller disclosure. The parties reached a involving the use of the "Steev Mike," after which all prior complaints were dropped, with no further legal action. The ghostwriting fueled media speculation about W.K.'s authenticity, casting doubt on his solo artist status and amplifying perceptions of him as a corporate construct, though it did not halt his trajectory.

Public persona disputes

In late 2021, Andrew W.K. abruptly postponed his planned U.S. tour dates from fall 2021 to 2022, as announced in a now-deleted post, and subsequently deleted all of his accounts while his official website became inaccessible. This sudden withdrawal from public view, occurring shortly after the release of his album , fueled widespread fan speculation regarding potential burnout or personal challenges, though no official explanation was provided at the time. Throughout his career, W.K.'s "party hard" persona has faced criticism for being perceived as superficial or overly gimmicky, with some observers viewing it as a manufactured construct lacking depth amid the post-9/11 cultural landscape. In response, W.K. has consistently emphasized the sincerity of his approach, describing it as a genuine of positivity and human connection born from a desire to counter societal darkness through unapologetic celebration, rather than mere . He has reiterated in interviews that the persona is an extension of his authentic self, not a performative facade, and has defended it against detractors by highlighting its role in fostering communal joy. Disputes over W.K.'s public image have also extended to his political and social stances, notably in when the U.S. State Department rescinded an invitation for him to serve as a cultural to due to an administrative error. W.K. expressed disappointment in the decision, framing it as a misunderstanding of his motivational intent to promote unity and positivity across divides, a theme he later explored in his launch of the "Party Party," an apolitical movement aimed at transcending partisan conflicts through shared human experiences. His advice columns, such as a 2014 Village Voice piece urging reconciliation between politically opposed family members, further positioned him as a bridge-builder, though some media portrayals questioned the depth of these efforts in light of his exuberant image. W.K. resurfaced publicly in December 2023, announcing his marriage to actress via , marking his first major online activity since the 2021 hiatus and prompting renewed media interest in his personal evolution. Coverage in outlets like The Atlantic and Consequence has traced his persona's development post-2010 authenticity allegations—such as claims of ghostwriting and identity fabrication—portraying a shift toward multifaceted roles as a and , while he maintained that these challenges only reinforced the core sincerity of his "party hard" ethos. This period highlighted a broader maturation, with W.K. integrating deeper philosophical elements into his public image without abandoning its foundational exuberance.

Artistry

Musical style and evolution

Andrew W.K.'s musical style is characterized by a high-energy fusion of , heavy metal, piano-driven pop, and elements, often featuring anthemic choruses and lyrics centered on themes of partying, joy, and emotional . His debut I Get Wet (2001) exemplifies this approach with its frenetic, industrial-tinged sound, blending pounding riffs, aggressive guitar work, and four-on-the-floor beats to create a triumphant, major-key intensity that evokes collective celebration. Production techniques like heavy multi-tracking and contribute to an orchestral, wall-of-sound density, amplifying the sense of communal while drawing from his classical training and noise-punk roots. Over time, W.K.'s sound evolved from raw, punk-infused party anthems to more experimental and introspective forms, reflecting shifts in production and thematic depth. The follow-up The Wolf (2003) maintained the bombastic metal-pop hybrid but introduced slightly more polished arrangements, while Close Calls with Brick Walls (2006) leaned into noise-art influences with rawer vocals and less compressed dynamics, revealing underlying experimental tendencies. A stark departure came with 55 Cadillac (2009), a collection of spontaneous solo piano improvisations that returned to his classical origins, eschewing rock instrumentation for stream-of-consciousness instrumental pieces evoking art-rock minimalism. Later works like You're Not Alone (2018) incorporated synth-metal and operatic excess with a slower, more deliberate tempo, emphasizing self-help motifs through dense, maximalist layers and group sing-alongs. In recent years, W.K. has expanded toward symphonic and heavier metal textures, as seen in (2021), which builds on earlier positivity with brooding synths, crashing communal riffs, and explorations of mortality and transcendence, all while preserving anthemic . Critics have debated whether this high-energy rock is ironic or sincere exuberance, often praising its genuine motivational force amid an art-rock foundation. Throughout, recurring motifs of partying as a tool for joy and resilience underscore his , evolving from straightforward exuberance to layered philosophical reflections.

Performance techniques

Andrew W.K.'s live performances are renowned for their unrelenting high energy, often culminating in physical feats such as smashing and intense crowd interaction that create a , immersive party atmosphere. During shows, he frequently pounds and occasionally destroys pianos as part of the spectacle, channeling through rapid, forceful playing that blends technical skill with abandon. This approach fosters a sweat-drenched aesthetic, where W.K. and the audience alike emerge drenched from the exertion, emphasizing themes of communal excess and endurance. His vocal style centers on shouting and gruff, high-volume delivery, designed to cut through the noise of rowdy environments and sustain prolonged intensity. Early performances featured buzzsaw-like shouted vocals amid head-banging, evolving over time to incorporate more tuneful elements while maintaining a core of aggressive projection. W.K. has emphasized the physical demands of this technique, requiring to push vocal limits during extended sets, as discussed in recent reflections on maintaining performance stamina. W.K. adapts his shows fluidly between solo and band formats, leveraging piano-centric solo outings for intimate and crowd participation, such as inviting audience members onstage, while band performances amplify the rock spectacle with layered instrumentation. In both setups, he incorporates party props like to heighten celebratory moments, showering crowds during climactic songs to symbolize explosive joy. These adaptations allow versatility, from stripped-down acoustic elements to full-throttle ensemble energy, always prioritizing direct audience connection. Touring has presented significant challenges, testing W.K.'s resilience and adaptability. In 2003, during promotion of The Wolf, guitarist Jimmy Coup departed the band mid-tour due to musical differences, forcing abrupt lineup changes and continuation with reduced personnel. Similarly, in 2021, following the release of , W.K. postponed his headlining tour to 2022 amid personal and logistical issues, including a temporary deletion of all accounts, yet performed at select festivals like . These disruptions highlight the demands of sustaining his high-octane style across grueling schedules.

Personal life

Relationships

Andrew W.K., born Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, was married to musician and performer Cherie Lily (born Cherie Pourtabib) from 2008 until their amicable divorce in late 2019. The couple met in Manhattan's music scene around 2004 through a mutual friend in the music business. They wed on October 4, 2008, at Santos Party House in , a venue co-owned by W.K. at the time. Lily occasionally contributed vocals to W.K.'s projects and pursued her own career in and fitness instruction. The pair share two children, born during their , though W.K. has consistently kept details about his family private to protect their well-being. Following his divorce, W.K. entered a relationship with actress in early 2021. The couple, who have described their initial meeting as unfolding under "mystical circumstances," maintained a low-profile romance away from public scrutiny. They became engaged that May after mutual proposals in their kitchen, and married on November 27, 2023, in an intimate backyard ceremony at their home with approximately 15 guests, including actors and . Dennings wore a vintage gown, while W.K. donned a custom Brioni suit; the event was DIY in nature, with the couple handling planning and floral arrangements themselves shortly after Dennings' father's passing. W.K. and Dennings have no children together. W.K. has no other publicly known long-term partnerships or family dynamics beyond these marriages. In his motivational writings and interviews, he has emphasized and commitment as central to personal growth, stating that "love and hope for all humanity is not a naïve fantasy" and that " remains the only answer" amid life's challenges. His relationships have informed themes of emotional resilience and positivity in his creative output, including columns exploring how fuels artistic endeavor.

Health and lifestyle

Andrew W.K. has sustained several injuries during his high-energy live performances, reflecting the physical demands of his stage antics. In 2002, while performing on the music show SPACE, he broke his hand after repeatedly bashing the piano with intense force during an improvised segment. Similarly, during a November 2003 concert in while touring for his album The Wolf, he fractured his right foot after tangling in stage cables but continued the show and signed autographs from an before completing the tour in a . In September 2021, Andrew W.K. announced the postponement of his tour dates and subsequently went offline from , marking a hiatus from public activities that lasted until late 2023; this period has been speculated by observers to relate to challenges, aligning with his prior openness about struggles with anxiety and depression. During interviews, he has described music and "partying" as tools for managing these issues, emphasizing a shift toward as a core part of his wellness focus since at least the mid-2010s. He has maintained from drugs and alcohol, viewing it as essential to sustaining his high-energy persona without the destructive effects he witnessed in others. His daily routines incorporate practices aimed at fostering a positive and physical vitality. Andrew W.K. practices to cultivate stillness and , recommending it as a way to clear the mind or engage in focused thinking without needing external guidance. He integrates exercise into his regimen as an intrinsic part of his identity, often pushing to exhaustion through activities like intense workouts or air drumming sessions, which he sees as aligned with his of unrelenting effort. These habits support his emphasis on and perseverance, helping him navigate emotional lows while maintaining the exuberance central to his public image. Dietarily, Andrew W.K. follows an unstructured yet indulgent approach tied to his partying , consuming a wide variety of foods including nuts as a staple side, and occasionally until hunger intensifies the thrill of eating. This flexible style, combined with his fitness practices, underpins his ability to sustain a high-energy , allowing him to channel vitality into performances and motivational work without rigid constraints.

Band and discography

Live band members

Andrew W.K.'s live performances have relied on a rotating lineup of musicians drawn from rock, metal, and other genres, creating a dynamic and energetic stage presence that complements his party-themed music. The band's composition has shifted across album cycles, with early tours featuring a core group that emphasized heavy instrumentation to match the intensity of albums like . Later years saw more flexible ensembles, including solo piano sets and collaborations, reflecting his multifaceted career. The initial touring band formed in the late 1990s, coinciding with the promotion of his debut album. Drummer Donald Tardy, known for his work with the death metal band , provided powerful rhythms from 1998 to 2003, infusing the live shows with ferocity that blended seamlessly with Andrew W.K.'s keyboard-driven anthems. Guitarist Erik Payne joined in 1999, contributing guitars and backing vocals through much of the 2000s and into the 2010s; his background in Florida's death-thrash scene added a raw edge to the live sound during tours supporting The Wolf and subsequent releases.
MemberRolePeriodNotable Contributions
Donald TardyDrums1998–2003Brought intensity to early tours, enhancing the high-energy party vibe.
Erik PayneGuitars, backing vocals1999–2010sLong-term collaborator who shaped the rock foundation of live performances across multiple album eras.
Gregg RobertsBass, backing vocals2000s–2010sProvided foundational bass lines and vocals for early major tours, including support for .
Frank WernerGuitarsEarly 2000sContributed to the guitar-heavy sound during the breakthrough era tours.
Jimmy CoupGuitars, backing vocals2000sAdded guitar and vocal support in live settings during the period.
By the mid-2010s, the live setup became more varied, with Andrew W.K. occasionally performing solo or with minimal backing during speaking tours and special events, allowing for intimate yet explosive interpretations of his catalog. As of November 2025, no fixed touring band has been announced amid a focus on studio and motivational work, though past members like Payne have continued associations through occasional collaborations.

Studio albums and releases

Andrew W.K. has released six studio albums since his debut in 2001, primarily through major labels like Island Records early in his career before shifting to independent imprints. His discography emphasizes high-energy rock anthems, with production often handled by the artist himself alongside collaborators. Key releases include instrumental works and EPs that expand on his party-themed ethos. Chart performance has been modest, with peaks in the US and UK primarily from his early albums.
TitleRelease DateLabelProducer(s)Chart Performance
I Get WetNovember 13, 2001Island RecordsDave SardyUS Billboard 200: #84; UK Albums Chart: #71
The WolfSeptember 9, 2003Island RecordsAndrew W.K., Scott Humphrey, John Fields (co-producer on select tracks)-
Close Calls with Brick WallsJuly 5, 2006 (Japan); March 22, 2010 (US)Universal Music (Japan); Steev Mike (US)Andrew W.K., Don Fleming-
55 CadillacSeptember 8, 2009The End Records / Skyscraper Music MakerAndrew W.K.-
You're Not AloneMarch 2, 2018Sony Music / Red MusicAndrew W.K.US Billboard 200: #61
God Is PartyingSeptember 10, 2021Napalm RecordsAndrew W.K., Ted Young (co-producer)-
Notable EPs include Mother of Mankind (2010 bundled with US reissue of Close Calls with Brick Walls; 2012 standalone compilation, Steev Mike), featuring 21 tracks of experimental, acoustic, and piano instrumental material produced by Andrew W.K. and Mario Dane. Non-album singles are limited, with occasional standalone releases like "Babalon" (2021, from God Is Partying sessions but issued early via ), but his output focuses more on full-length projects than isolated tracks. Overall, W.K.'s recorded works total over 100 songs across these releases, blending rock, piano instrumentals, and motivational themes without significant commercial breakthroughs beyond initial hype.

Filmography

Film roles

Andrew W.K. made his initial forays into acting through brief cameo appearances in mainstream comedy films during the early 2000s, aligning with the peak of his music career. In the 2003 comedy Old School, directed by , he appeared uncredited as a partygoer during one of the film's raucous fraternity party scenes, embodying his high-energy "party hard" persona. Similarly, in the Disney body-swap comedy that same year, W.K. had a cameo as a performing at a club, tying into the film's soundtrack where his song "She Is Beautiful" also featured prominently. These early roles were music-adjacent, leveraging his stage presence without demanding extensive dialogue or character development. As his career progressed, W.K. took on more substantial parts in independent films, shifting toward narrative-driven indie projects that allowed for eccentric character portrayals. In the 2004 low-budget horror-comedy Punk Rock Holocaust, he played a supporting role amid the film's satirical take on the punk scene, marking an early expansion beyond cameos. This evolution continued in later indie works, such as his portrayal of the deranged "Crazy Hobo" in the 2012 slasher parody I Spill Your Guts, where he delivered a manic performance that echoed his musical intensity, voice work as the theater voice in the horror film Midnight Show (2016), a cameo as himself in the comedy (Romance) in the Digital Age (2017), and an appearance as himself in the documentary Your Friend Andrew W.K. (2020), further blending his persona with genre and personal projects. By 2015, he assumed the lead antagonistic role of Rip Stick in the cult horror-comedy Dude Bro Party Massacre III, a self-aware spoof on fraternity slasher tropes, showcasing his ability to anchor a feature-length narrative with over-the-top villainy. Other indie credits include playing a character named Andrew in the 2013 supernatural thriller Cool as Hell, further demonstrating his willingness to engage in genre filmmaking outside the mainstream. Throughout his acting endeavors, W.K. has contributed to numerous film soundtracks with songs like "She Is Beautiful," "We Want Fun," and "Party Hard," enhancing party and coming-of-age sequences in movies such as American Pie Presents: Band Camp (2005), Jackass: The Movie (2002), and (2016), but he has not pursued or secured any lead roles in feature films. His film work thus reflects a progression from fleeting, persona-driven appearances to more immersive indie characters, consistently blending his musical roots with on-screen energy.

Television appearances

Andrew W.K. made his television debut as a musical guest on on April 13, 2002, where he performed "Party Hard" and "I Get Wet" alongside host Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. His energetic stage presence, characterized by and audience interaction, helped solidify his image as a high-energy rock performer during the early 2000s rock revival. He frequently appeared on late-night talk shows, including multiple visits to . Notable performances included "She Is Beautiful" on July 11, 2002, and additional sets in 2003 and 2004, where he discussed his songwriting philosophy emphasizing joy and communal celebration. In 2007, he returned for an interview segment focusing on his transition into motivational speaking and public events. In 2004, Andrew W.K. hosted the reality series Your Friend, Andrew W.K., an 11-episode advice show in which fans submitted letters seeking guidance on personal issues, and he responded with on-location interventions blending humor, empathy, and his signature positivity. The program highlighted his off-stage persona as a life coach figure, drawing from his experiences in music and . From 2009 to 2011, he hosted on , a competition series where teams of teenagers used heavy machinery and explosives to demolish structures before rebuilding them into new creations, promoting themes of teamwork and . The show ran for two seasons and featured Andrew W.K. as the enthusiastic host, often participating in the chaos to encourage participants. Andrew W.K. ventured into with guest roles in . In 2006, he voiced himself in the episode "Party All the Time," where his character attempts to liven up a depressed household, and contributed the original song "Party Party Party" to the soundtrack. He also provided voice work for the 2010 Cartoon Network sketch comedy Mad, appearing in segments that parodied pop culture with his bombastic style. In the , Andrew W.K. made cameo appearances on various talk and variety shows, including Conan in 2011, where he performed "Party Hard" in a segment celebrating his career . These spots often tied into his evolving role as a , with discussions on resilience and the of partying as a for perseverance.

Video game contributions

Andrew W.K. has made notable contributions to the primarily through the licensing of his music for soundtracks and his roles, enhancing the energetic and thematic elements of several titles. His breakthrough single "Party Hard" from the 2001 album has been a staple in rhythm-based games, appearing as in the Rock Band series starting with in 2010, where players can perform the track using simulated instruments. The song also featured in the franchise, including (2015) and the streaming service Guitar Hero TV, allowing fans to rock out to its high-energy riffs in competitive gameplay modes. Beyond rhythm games, "Party Hard" has seen repeated placements in sports titles, such as Madden NFL 2003 (2002), Madden NFL 18 (2017), and Madden NFL 25 (2024), underscoring its enduring appeal for motivational in-game audio. Other tracks like "Tear It Up" from The Wolf (2003) appeared in NASCAR Thunder 2004 (2003) and Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home (2003), while Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood (2004) included both "Party Hard" and "Your Rules," with W.K.'s likeness incorporated as a playable wrestler character, blending his persona directly into the game's over-the-top combat mechanics. In voice acting, Andrew W.K. lent his distinctive, enthusiastic delivery to radio host roles in open-world games, voicing the bandit DJ RedEye on the Nuka-World Radio station in the Fallout 4 expansion Nuka-World (2016), where his commentary complemented the post-apocalyptic theme park setting. He reprised a similar energetic broadcasting style as the character RUCKAS in Rage 2 (2019), a post-apocalyptic shooter that tied into promotional efforts, including a live performance of his song "Ready to Die" at Bethesda's E3 2018 showcase to hype the game's soundtrack integration. These roles parallel his television hosting experience in fostering immersive, interactive media environments. While W.K.'s music has appeared in mainstream franchises, soundtrack placements in indie games remain limited, with no major documented tie-ins beyond broader crossovers like Beatstar (), a mobile title featuring "Party Hard." He has not been involved in or composition for original scores.

References

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