He’s the embodiment of rock n’ roll with a larger than life personality, from high energy, live shows, to collaboration projects with countless artists, his own television series, and that’s just the beginning, and he does it all with a positive, uplifting spin on things. Check out my interview below for a peak inside the prolific world of Andrew W.K.

 

 

Can you talk about the Andrew W.K. philosophy, and what “PARTY” means to you?

I've always liked the word "party" because it seemed the most direct means to create an atmosphere of fun, possibility, and freedom. Everyone has their own idea of what's fun for them, and everyone has their own way they like to celebrate that stuff. To me, partying is doing what you love to do and being very aware that you have this chance to do it. Some people think you're only supposed to party about certain things - like your birthday, or the New Year, or that the weekend has arrived. But if you're excited about life, you can celebrate that constantly, and party all day, everyday.

 

Let’s talk about Destroy Build Destroy. How did the show come about and how did you get involved?

The show [Destroy Build Destroy] was created by an amazing man named, Dan Taberski. I had worked with Dan years ago in NYC when I was a guest on the Daily Show - he was writing and producing for them. Later on I became friends with Nick Weidenfeld at Adult Swim, and we worked together on some special music stuff I did with Aqua Teen Hunger Force. That lead to me shooting a pilot for a show where I was the host. Once I heard they were looking for a host for Destroy Build Destroy, it was like my whole life had been leading to that moment. I said, "I want to be on this show!"

Why did you decide to host a show on the Cartoon Network in particular?

I think I'm pretty good example of a real life cartoon. And I love what they do. They can get away with a lot on that station - it's really free.

Did you like to blow stuff up as a kid?

Of course!

 

Have any crazy stories from filming?

Every single day of filming is crazy! Just think about it! We have 500 foot fire balls exploding every few minutes! The whole thing is crazy! One time we saw a rattlesnake, and another time we saw a really weird bug. That's about it. The craziest stuff is always what's going on during the show itself.

Has hosting Destroy Build Destroy influenced your music at all? If so, in what way?

Everything I do influences everything else I do, and fortunately, all my different work in entertainment has helped me be a better performer over all. For example, all my singing and screaming as a rock 'n' roller has helped me do all the shouting on Destroy Build Destroy. Learning how to be the ring-leader of an intense competition has also helped me develop even more performance power that I can take back on the stage. It's all one big thing and I try to learn from all of it.

Previous Andrew W.K. records have been filled with high-energy sing-along anthems, to soul-soothing piano riffs, and your albums are often one big party. What can fans expect from your next record?

I'm rocking it up and making it as intense as I can. In one way or another, I just try to go for intensity - always. Rock and roll and party and keep it intense.

One of the coolest Daytrotter Sessions I’ve heard to date is your session with Matt
Sweeney of Superwolf. What was that experience like?

The Daytrotter guys are super nice and working with them was a blast. Matt Sweeney is one of my oldest friends from New York City. Playing with him is always a joy - I've learned a lot from him. I'm really glad you heard that session and enjoyed it! We really had no idea what we were doing.

Is there anyone else on your dream list to collaborate with?

Yes and no. I feel like my plate is completely full for the next three years. I have a lot of music of my own I want to record. I think my dream is to collaborate with myself, most of all. And the other folks that I dream of will come to me, if it's meant to be. I have faith!

If you had to pick a food to describe your music what would it be and why?

Nachos, probably.

 

Your one-man show, live appearances, internet videos, rock shows. What motivates you to do what you do every single day?

I'm not really sure what motivates me beyond the desire to feel good, or at least as good as possible. All my work is centered on basic emotions, and then trying to tear away at those.

You’ve often been described as a New York version of Henry Rollins. How you feel about that comparison?

I feel fine about it! Henry Rollins is really strong!

What is your favorite sound and why?

I don't have a favorite sound and try to avoid picking favorites when it comes to stuff I like. There are way too many amazing sounds to pick just one. I like the sound of roller coasters a lot. But I also like the sound of opening a soda can. It's hard to choose! I think life is more fun when we have LOTS of favorites.

I couldn’t agree more. When you were younger did either of your parents’ sing/play music for you? If so, what songs?

My Mom would sing me lullabies. She would sing Adelweiss from The Sound of Music. My Dad played piano for years and took lessons when I was real young. That's how I got interested in the piano as a little baby. He would play the song, "Misty".

You’ve done everything from Fox News weather forecasts, your own shows on MTV, VH1 and the Cartoon Network, countless tours, started your own record label, and the list goes on, what’s next for Andrew W.K.?

I want to do everything. I feel like I've done about 13% of everything so far. I've got a ways to go. Lots and lots of music. Lots and lots of entertainment. Lots and lots of partying.

I’d like to keep things fun and “party” with a few word associations. Just say the first thing that comes to mind when you hear this word.

Twitter
Glitter

Party
Hounds

Groupies
Rounds

Lady Gaga
Yellow hair

Santos Party House
Party

NYC
The best

Family
Kitchens

 

Finish this sentence:

 

It drives me crazy when... I'm rushing.

 

At night when I’m trying to fall asleep I’m thinking about... my fantasies.

 

The song that always gets stuck in my head is... "Tales of Kidd Funkadelic (Opusdelite Years)"

 

I never leave the house without... keys.

 

Want to party?

OK!