#147 - Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet

#147 - Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet

From Riff Worship by Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, and Justin Swindle

March 26, 2026 · 1h 58m · Episode 147

About this episode

The episode explores the origins and impact of Andrew W.K. and his debut album 'I Get Wet' with guest Tom Orr.

This week on Riff Worship, we’re diving into the bizarre, blood-soaked, and fiercely persistent origins of Andrew W.K. and his 2001 landmark debut, I Get Wet. We trace the transformation of an Ann Arbor piano prodigy into a global party icon, navigating his journey from Michigan’s eclectic underground to the mainstream spotlight. Alongside special guest Tom Orr (Last Breath Zine), we’ll discuss: Andrew’s move to New York City and the pivotal connection with Matt Sweeney (Skunk, Chavez, Zwan) that paved the way to signing with Island Def Jam. How I Get Wet evolved from raw apartment demos into sessions with producer Scott Humphrey (Metallica, The Melvins, Rob Zombie) at his legendary Los Angeles recording studio, The Chop Shop. The recruitment of Florida Death Metal legend and Obituary drummer Donald Tardy, who helped establish Andrew’s live band. Andrew’s rapid pop culture takeover fueled by hits like “Party Hard” and “She is Beautiful,” as well as iconic appearances on MTV, SNL, and more! Support the Nicole Garrett GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b62ea58f6 Follow Tom Orr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastbreathzine/ Website: https://lastbreath.bigcartel.com/ Recommendations…

People in this episode

Hosts: Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, Justin Swindle

Guest: Tom Orr

Topics covered

  • Andrew W.K.
  • music history
  • party culture
  • recording process
  • pop culture
  • guest interviews

Keywords

  • Andrew W.K.
  • I Get Wet
  • music
  • party
  • pop culture
  • recording
  • interview

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Island Def Jam, The Chop Shop, Last Breath Zine

Books & works: I Get Wet, Spider-Man, Gigantor, Stop The Future, Fables Of The Reconstruction, Into Oblivion, Eternal Celestial Energy, Kathode 7"

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