Andrew WK -

By: Alexis Krellenstein

Andrew Wilkes-Krier, better known as Andrew WK, knows how to keep busy. Not only is he a musician and motivational speaker, but he also hosts a game show for teenagers on Cartoon Newtork called "Destroy Build Destroy". His latest album, 55 Cadillac, hits stores on Sept. 8.

Alexis Krellenstein: You started out as a musician, so how did you get into motivational speaking?

Andrew WK: A lot of times after the shows, I would hang around and thank the fans. I wanted to be connected to them, so I had conversations with them. By doing this, I noticed that there are other ways of communicating, not just through music. That’s what led to the lectures.

AK: What made you release an album in Japan covering Japanese pop songs?

AWK: I have had a long relationship with Japan and the label Universal Music Japan. So this was my gift to them. One of the songs I recorded was a cover of the Mickey Mouse Song, M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. It was very fun and upbeat and different from my own music. I like challenges and I like doing commercial music projects. I am actually releasing another cover album in Japan on Sept. 9 called Gundam Rock, which is another way of reaching out.

AK: Your new solo piano album, 55 Cadillac, comes out on Sept. 8. What made you decide to put out an album like this?

AWK: 55 Cadillac is very different from other albums I've released. It was pretty spontaneous. I had no idea what I was going to play or what I was going to sing. I made up songs as I went along. I just wanted it to sound strange, ridiculous, and foreign. In support of its release, I will be playing shows with the Calder Quartet.

AK: Are you into cars at all?

AWK: Yes, but I have never owned a valuable or old car until I bought a 1955 Cadillac, which is featured on the cover of 55 Cadillac. Andrew Strasser did the photography for the album cover.

AK: Aside from music, you have a show on Cartoon Network called "Destroy Build Destroy". How did the show come about?

AWK: I have been working with Adult Swim and Cartoon Network for a long time. I recorded a song for the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Soundtrack. They wanted to do a live-action show involving young people and explosions, but needed a high-energy host. I loved the idea, so I took on the role as the host. Fortunately, there have been no injuries. The crew is really professional and there are many safety precautions. We are actually about to begin filming a second season.

AK: You've done so much. What can we expect from you next?

AWK: Well, I will be releasing more new albums. My next album will be a rock and roll album. There will be a full tour - a full rock band tour. I also want to put out a book.

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