Andrew W. K.
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Andrew W.K. (Wilkes-Krier, born May 9, 1979) is a popular musician in the United States. He is known for his uncomplicated, 'partying' philosophy and music.
Andrew was born in California but brought up in Michigan, and was drummer for the Pterodactyls on (Bulb Records). Later, he released a number of singles with Bulb as a solo musician and performed around New York—including a memorable solo keyboard performance at Starbucks Coffee on St. Marks—and was enthusiastically hyped by the local press, most notably by Gavin McInnes of Vice Magazine. He also released a few songs as a solo keyboardist under the name Ancient Art of Boar. Later, he recorded an EP of songs as a solo artist titled Girls Own Juice in 2000, which included songs such as "Violent Life", "Girls Own Juice", "Make Sex", and "We Want Fun", a few of which he has re-recorded for later releases.
WK released his second solo album, I Get Wet, in 2002 on Island Records. The album was a raunchy hair metal affair, complete with pounding guitars and background synths. It is also known for its highly recognizable cover art: a photo of a greasy-haired Andrew W.K. with a large stream of blood running from his nose, down his chin and onto his throat. This cover art caused a controversy in Europe, as it was seen as endorsing cocaine usage. The album went to #1 on Billboard's 'Heatseekers' list and caused quite a stir, due to its retro sound. That summer, he played Ozzy Osbourne's Ozzfest, along with acts such as Down, Black Sabbath, and System of a Down. I Get Wet was considered one of the best albums of the year, with the songs "Party Hard" and "She is Beautiful" becoming smash singles. His work also showed up in several commercials: the opening track, 'It's Time To Party', was featured in a commercial for Hotwire.com, a Coors spot, and an Expedia.com ad. He also recorded an original song for KitKat chocolate wafers entitled 'Gimme a Break'. In 2002, he re-recorded his old song "We Want Fun" for the soundtrack of Jackass: The Movie. In late 2003, along with all the other hair band revival artists he spawned, he released a sophomore album, The Wolf. In spite of Andrew's party-hearty debut, The Wolf was more of a mature effort, with insightful lyrics and more of a melodic sound. This did not stop it from being a hit, though, and it was an even bigger smash than I Get Wet. It also spawned the hit single, "Tear It Up". In 2004, MTV2 gave Andrew his own reality show, Your Friend, Andrew WK. So far, the show is a hit.
In 2004, Andrew drummed with To Live and Shave in L.A., a band featuring Weasel Walter, Thurston Moore and Tom Smith.
Discography
External links
- AWK World (http://www.awkworld.com/) - Andrew W.K.'s official site
- Ultimate Band List (http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,1022390,00.html?artist=Andrew+W%2EK%2E) - Profile of Andrew W.K.