Andrew WK Biography

Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, known professionally as Andrew W.K., was born on May 9, 1979, in Palo Alto, California. Raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he began his musical journey at an early age by studying classical piano in preschool. His musical education expanded as he explored various genres, including classical and jazz, while attending multiple music schools.

At the age of fourteen, Andrew W.K. joined his first pop band, Slam, marking the beginning of his involvement in the music scene. This experience led to a series of musical endeavors until a pivotal move to New York City in the late 1990s shifted his focus toward a solo career. After arriving in New York, he recorded a series of demos and released the EP "AWKGOJ" in 2000. This effort caught the attention of Island Def Jam Records, and he signed with the label later that year.

His debut studio album, "I Get Wet", was released in November 2001 under Island Def Jam. The album achieved significant success, reaching the top position on the Heatseekers chart and featuring the popular single "Party Hard." The song became widely recognized, appearing in various video games and DVDs, while subsequent singles such as "It's Time To Party" and "Fun Night" were used in commercials and movies, further solidifying his presence in popular culture.

Following the success of "I Get Wet", Andrew W.K. released his second album, "The Wolf", in 2003, which included singles like "The Wolf," "Long Live the Party," and "Tear It Up." While the album did not achieve the same level of commercial success as its predecessor, Andrew diversified his career by becoming a motivational speaker, engaging university students across the country. His lectures gained popularity, leading to recognition as a sought-after speaker known for his philosophical insights on life and positivity.

Andrew W.K. has continued to pursue his musical career while maintaining his role as a motivational speaker. He has released several additional albums, including "Close Calls With Brick Walls" (2006), "The Japan Covers" (2008), "55 Cadillac" (2009), "You're Not Alone" (2018), and "God Is Partying" (2021). In addition to his music, he has launched his own record label and has taken on production roles for other musicians.

In recent years, Andrews has expanded his media presence by hosting the Cartoon Network series "Destroy Build Destroy" and writing a weekly advice column titled "Ask Andrew W.K." for the Village Voice. His multifaceted career continues to blend music, motivational speaking, and television, further establishing Andrew W.K. as a unique figure in the entertainment industry.