Andrew Wilkes-Krier, best known for his stage name Andrew W.K., is gearing up for a rare release of new music, according to his Twitter account. The alternative rock singer, who was born in California but raised in Michigan, has experienced difficulty in releasing new music since he broke out with his debut album I Get Wet in 2001. This is partially due to his business arrangements – while they are confusing, what it boils down to is that, following the breakout of the debut LP, Wilkes-Krier and a man/entity named Steev Mike both claimed the rights to the Andrew W.K. name.
Because of that, it has been extremely difficult for Andrew W.K. (Wilkes-Krier) to release new music. He was able to issue a sophomore album in 2003 called The Wolf, which came out with little controversy. However, the third album, Close Calls With Brick Walls, was a bear of an album to release. It first was only released in Japan, as the Andrew W.K. name was not owned by Wilkes-Krier in the United States at the time, but eventually saw the light of day through the now-defunct experimental New England record label Load Records.
Andrew W.K. has since released two covers of Japanese songs, a split EP with Canadian band The Evaporators and his “fourth studio album” 55 Cadillac, which is an instrumental solo piano album. Most recently, he released an EP of original music in Japan titled The “Party All Goddamn Night” EP, which came out in 2011. If true, this could be the chance for America to truly get a taste of what has been going on in Wilkes-Krier’s head for the last decade or so.
Also, keep your eyes peeled because Andrew W.K. has hinted at the announcement of a tour, which should come on Monday (6/12).
UPDATE (6/13): In addition to announcing tour today, Andrew W.K. has confirmed the release of his next album via a press release. The record will be released via Sony Music Worldwide and will be his first in nearly a decade.
Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
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