Editorial Department

Text and Photography by Chris Chafin

Who (or what) the fuck is Andrew W.K.? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Conspiracy theories on the Internet, which may or may not have been started by him or the people who "created" him, abound. The theories surround a mysterious entity of a man named Steev Mike the origins of Andrew W.K., the cartoonishly rock and roll character with absurdly positive vibes who broke out with a handful of major label albums.

Andrew W.K. continues to lead a deeply eclectic career that has included a permanent addition to the party-rock pantheon (“Party Hard”), a popular Japanese advice column, a gig hosting a Cartoon Network show where children blow things up, stints as a noise musician collaborating with Thurston Moore, an improvisational piano double-album, and a new life as the owner of one of Manhattan’s oddest and coolest clubs (Santos Party House). But recently, the conspiracy theories have threatened to overshadow the positives Andrew W.K. has been accruing, and he felt the need to address the public about them. He has recently been coming clean in a series of appearances, both at Santos and in the U.K. about the origin, goals, and true identity of the conundrum in bloody white denim formerly known as “Andrew W.K.”

The event held at Santos on the evening of February 23rd was less a straightforward question and answer session than a Kaufman-esque mélange of satire, obfuscation, and self-help pabulum, open to the public: a performance art piece wherein Andrew W.K. gives his impression of the confessional celebrity news conference. He opened by haltingly reading a prepared statement, pretending to lose his place on his remarks several times, acting flustered and repeating himself like someone in a play who can’t remember their lines. Then, he opened the floor to audience questions. Most of those in attendance wanted relationship or hair care advice, but some real answers about Andrew W.K. did emerge. 

For the record: Andrew W.K. is one person. “I am Andrew W.K.,” he stated. “I am the same Andrew W.K. that has existed and performed for you at all appearances, including this one.”
 
For the record: Andrew W.K. might not have written and performed all of the recorded music under the name “Andrew W.K.” As part of a non-answer to the question “Who is Steev Mike?” the man on stage said, “everything since I Get Wet came out, I take responsibility for.” This leaves open the possibility that he’s not responsible for anything before the release of I Get Wet, including the creation of the Andrew W.K. persona and the writing and/or performing of its recorded music.
 
For the record: the father of the man who performs as Andrew W.K may have had something to do with the creation of the “Andrew W.K.” persona. Andrew W.K. implied several times that his character was not his idea, saying that he “signed up” to be a part of the Andrew W.K. venture, and that “The people who were involved in making me exist in a physical form were also involved in making me exist in a philosophical [form].” 
 
For the record: the Andrew W.K. project is about “making people happy . . .making people feel in touch with their greatest potential.” He frequently returned to the idea that Andrew W.K. is about positivity, connecting humanity in a party, and living your dreams (this is where the pabulum comes in).  Indeed, if you Google “Santos Party House,” it says “EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE” as part of the two-sentence description.
 
Then again, it could have all been self-promotional nonsense.  Andrew W.K.’s new record comes out exactly one month from the day of the event.  The place was packed with press, a precious commodity, especially to someone doing something as outdated as selling music. After all, when your goal is as lofty as helping humanity reach its “greatest potential” through the unifying positivity of your pro-party message, what’s a little bullshit?