Andrew W.K. is Not a Puppet

The ‘net’s been abuzz, questioning the verifiability of Andrew W.K.’s identity in music.

Andrew recently opened up and let people know the attacks he’s suffered due to his musical evolution and identity in the pop realm:

Since 2001, I have been accused of being part of a conspiracy in which I knowingly entered into a contract with creative directors called Steev Mike, who proceeded to invent a new identity for me to perform under. I’m here to say this is simply not true and a gross exaggeration of easily explainable and common-place music industry practices. Of course I work with people who choose not to include their whole names or real names in the credits, or who aren’t on stage with me during my shows – but taking advice and guidance from other people doesn’t mean I’m a victim of mind-control. That’s like science fiction! Andrew W.K. is about partying and doing what you want! We want fun, and that really is what I am about.

Though I often question the “puppetry” of big industry-promoted acts, I never questioned the musician known as Andrew W.K. The absolute sincerity with which Andrew W.K. has been able to express himself in his music since 2001’s I Get Wet left no doubt in my mind that this guy takes himself seriously. Whereas other artists may make ironic music on the same wavelength of Andrew W.K.’s first album, it’s a shallow comparison and lacks the absolute belief in the message that’s filled Andrew W.K.’s music.

It seems that a lot of the recent questioning that Andrew W.K. has been facing comes from this RockFeedback TV video. In it, Andrew W.K. “confesses” that his image was created by a committee. And yet, anyone who knows what “humor” is, or can see the mischievousness in his eyes can tell that it’s something of a joke, something that Andrew W.K. is trying to tie in with his discussion on identity that’s captured in the video.

One thing Andrew touched upon briefly throughout this “identity” crisis: Identity is in the eye of the beholder. Clearly, those folks who want to kick the guy will find all the ammo they can. Those that love him will support him. I may be in the later category, but all I can say is I hope Andrew W.K. will continue to party hard in whatever way he wants to.