Andrew W.K. Destroys All of L.A.

Interview Continued…

UW: You recently put out a solo piano album called “55 Cadillac;” is this something you have wanted to do for a while, or did the idea just pop into your head one day?

WK: I have always wanted to do a solo piano album, and it just seemed like now was the right time. Originally I was going to do an album with piano versions of the Rock songs I had written in the past, but then I got the idea to do a purely improvisational album. I ended up going into the studio without a clue as to what was going to happen, and then I started playing and it all came together. I recorded for about 2 hours straight, and then waited about a week before I decided what was going on the album. When I started listening to the tracks, it was like I was hearing them for the first time. It was a very interesting process.

UW: Sunrise recently had you do a cover album of Mobile Suit Gundam songs to celebrate their 30th Anniversary, do to the success of your Japanese cover songs album. How hard was it to get this concept pushed through the label?

WK: Actually Both of these albums were offered to me by the label. One of the high up execs, approached me last year to do the Japan covers album, and then Sunrise approached me this year to do the Gundam one. It was all a great deal of fun, Gundam is a fantatsic show and I was honored to be a part of the project. 

UW: When did you get the idea to open Santos Party House and how long did the whole process take from concept to doors opening?

WK: I actually got the idea for Santos Party House several years ago after traveling and playing so many clubs all over the world, I just felt the need to open one that would be the perfect place for artists and party goers. We actually built the space from the ground up in NYC so we had ultimate say in how everything was going to look and work. I believe we started the process back in 2005 and opened up the doors in 2008. 

UW: What sets the Party House apart from other clubs?

WK: Most clubs are all about who they exclude, and keep waiting in line, but Santos Party House has an open door policy. We don’t put restrictions on dress code, or anything like that. At Santos’ we are all about making sure the people have a great time, which is why we put most of the money into a state of the art sound and lighting system and actually installed a bounce floor, so when the people are dancing, the floor provides a cushion and feedback, which helps keep the party alive.We are also one of the only clubs in the area to obtain a Cabaret license which allows the audience to keep dancing until 4am.

UW: Do you allow crowd surfing or moshing?

WK: I think the more you try and surpress people from doing things, the more they want to do them. Crowd surfing and Moshing is almost an organic life force, I don’t honestly see a way of keeping it from occurring.

UW: Aside from shows you have been involved in, or shows at your club, what was the last concert you were really excited to go see?

WK:  I would have to say the last show I was really excited to see was T-Pain at the Hiro Ballroom in NYC last year. He has such an amazing voice, and it was great to go back stage and hang out with him, he is a really cool guy. 

UW: Your fans are pretty fanatical, what was the craziest thing anyone has ever given you or done to get your attention?

WK: A little while ago someone made a giant Andrew WK head.  It was probably about 3 feet high and was colored in with sharpies. It looked pretty realistic, that was probably one of the crazier things anyone has done for me. 

UW: You just released 2 new albums, opened up a concert venue, launched a TV show, and recently got married (2 years ago), what is next on the Andrew W.K. Agenda?

WK:  Well I just launched a new record label that I used to put out 55 Cadillac. It is called “Skyscraper Music Maker,” which we are working in conjunction with a UK label for distribution to not upset the balance of the US label that I am on.  In fact, we just released our first album from a new artist on SMM which is AleisterX and entitled “Bangers and Beans.”  Which you should all check out!

To learn more about Andrew W.K. visit www.andrewwk.com and make sure to check him out when he hosts Destroy Build Destroy showing now on Cartoon Network.

Photos below were taken during Andrew’s Stay at The Standard Hotel in West Hollywood, and during his solo piano event at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills.
 

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