Keynote Speaker

ANDREW W. K.

Andrew W.K. was born Andrew Wilkes-Krier in Stanford, California, and was raised in Michigan. A piano player since the age of five, he spent his high school years playing in bands, and after graduation, in an effort to expand his creative endeavors, moved to New York City in 1997.

After playing numerous solo gigs, word spread around New York and Europe, and was signed to a record contract with Island Def Jam Records. In 2001, his first album, I Get Wet, was released. Critically acclaimed, Andrew appeared on magazine covers across the country and the globe, including NME, which featured him twice. After the release of the album, he was featured in GQ, Rolling Stone, Spin, Q, New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, the New Yorker, and others, all of whom agreed that with his arrival on the music scene, rock music had a new influence.

Following the release of I Get Wet, Andrew embarked on a world tour, taking part in Ozzfest and Warped Tour, as well as arena and club shows with Aerosmith and The Locust. He made major television appearances on the Tonight Show, the Daily Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, CNN, and many more.

His second album released was The Wolf, which was received with equal enthusiasm. His third album, Close Calls with Brick Walls, was released in 2006.

Currently, Andrew is recording music for new releases, including the albums Young Lord and Carrier, and is working on a solo instrumental piano album.

As he continues on new and exciting musical developments and changes, Andrew W.K. is still having an important influence on the music world, and as he branches out creatively, will remain at the forefront of the music industry and community.

www.andrewwk.com