Andrew W. K. (AWK) slipped from the publics conscious mind. Some say his 15 minutes were up, but we here at BnR refuse to believe this. His infectious party anthems and piano infused rock were just the kind of music needed to navigate post-concert parking lots and my college graduation. We set out to find Andrew W.K and ask him a few questions about what he is doing, the effects of his music on others, and that dreaded A-Team question.

BnR: Are you a classically trained pianist or just a regular pianist?

AWK: Well, I would probably say "regular" pianist, because the training I've had hasn't been limited to just classical - I had jazz lessons, rock lessons, and basic theory lessons. But when I first started piano, we focused on classical music. I sometimes have said I've been "traditionally" trained.

BnR: Who are your biggest inspirations?

AWK: Myself, my family, my friends, and everyone else.

BnR: How did you come up with idea to have the piano in most of your songs?

AWK: Piano was the first musical instrument I ever played, and it's the instrument I've played the most over the years, so it was never really a question as to whether I'd have it in my music or not. It's really the main way I make music, so it would've seemed very strange to not use pianos or keyboards when I wrote most of the songs that way.

BnR: Did you lose a bet with your agent and that is why you had to do the "Your Friend Andrew WK" show?

AWK: Yes.

BnR: Do you still experiment with the cornrow hairstyle?

AWK: I had my hair braided on an MTV television show called, "Crashing with Andrew W.K." I've had my hair braided many times since then, but never the full-on cornrow style. I like it though, so maybe some day I'll do it again.

BnR: Is it safe to assume another Andrew W.K album is in the works? And/or are you working on any other fantastic projects?

AWK: I've been working on three new full length albums for a few years now. I'll release them when it's time. I've been putting most of my time into working with Lee "Scratch" Perry on a new reggae and dub album for him. It's been an honor working with him.

BnR: There is a rumor that you smashed your face with a brick to get the cover of your "I Get Wet" album. Is this true or pure fantasy? If it is fantasy, is it OK if we write that you said it's true?

AWK: Sure.


You heard it hear first BnR readers! Andrew smashed his face with a brick to get the infamous cover "I Get Wet."

BnR: If we buy a copy of "The Wolf," is it too late to get a phone call?

AWK: Yes, the record label took down that contest, but it was really fun while it lasted! And if you up and say hello to me, we can have a conversation in person, and that's even better than the telephone, I think.

BnR: What is the most shameful CD you own?

AWK: I've never been ashamed of liking any music, and I think the idea of guilty pleasures is beyond absurd. We don't need to justify what we like to others, so we certainly don't have to justify it to ourselves. I think life is most fun when we enjoy whatever music makes us feel good, and try not to get caught up in whether it's "good" or "bad" music, or whether it makes sense for us to like it. If it feels good, that's all that matters. It's all MUSIC!!

BnR: In 2001, one of our staff members, Joe Wettner, attended the Ozzfest in Camden, New Jersey. All morning, young Joe suffered from a serious bout with diarrhea. After witnessing your set his stomach was settled and he was free to enjoy the rest of the festival. Can you provide any explanation? Perhaps your music could be marketed as a miracle for digestive health?

AWK: I'm very pleased to hear that Joe had his diarrhea cured by my performance. I've had diarrhea on stage a few times, and I've used the power of the music to help solidify the waste back into pure basic feces. I think all music has the power to restore health and wellness to the listener. Maybe my music is particularly good at helping block up a watery gut!

BnR: If you were a member of the A-Team, which member would it be?

AWK: Face.

Thank you Andrew W. K. for your time. We look forward to hearing the reggae album and the unreleased material...hopefully sooner rather than later.