Entertainer Andrew W.K. to bring the party to Brooklyn with stop on motivational speaking tour

Party hard!

Musician and motivational speaker Andrew W.K. has certainly broadened the definition of the word “party.” Rather than a group of peers simply getting together at a designated space, the proclaimed “King of Party” has given the word much more significance and a deeper meaning.

Raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, W.K. moved to New York City (Brooklyn being one of his stops), when he turned 18 to pursue a career as a rock musician. After releasing several albums and performing at small clubs, he signed a deal with a Island/Def Jam Records and his name and brand quickly caught on with the likes of MTV and other outlets.

Although it’s been nearly 10 years since his last full length album, to say that he’s kept himself busy is an understatement. He’s produced music for others, opened his own night club, landed a book deal with Simon & Schuster, written a weekly advice column for The Village Voice, and hosted various television shows. But among his most influential ventures has been his focus on motivational speaking.

Unlike conventional lectures, W.K., now 37-years-old, has made an effort to make his format much more engaging. He doesn’t claim to have answers, but he opens the events to the audience and you likely won’t have the same experience if you attend every single one.

Nearly a decade after his first event of its kind, W.K. has embarked on a 50-state speaking engagement tour, called The Power of Partying — and he’s coming to Brooklyn.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first lecture I ever did back at NYU in 2006,” he said. “They made it very clear right away that they actually asked me to avoid discussing the music business and instead focus on just life in general. That was exciting to me because of the freedom it allowed and thinking about life like anyone else.”

The first successful speaking engagement led to a new outlet for the artist.

“Early on, I realized that music for me was a way to get to this powerful feeling,” he said. “It made me feel good about life, but also just talking to people and thinking about ideas and diving into life itself would also give me that feeling sometimes.

“After meeting with people after concerts, it became very clear to me that I wasn’t alone in this,” he went on, “and a lot of people wanted to talk about these things. Now, doing lectures, there’s been this other side of summoning up this celebratory party spirit just through talking and I guess this tour came about.”

One of the more gratifying aspects for W.K. is that he lets the audience dictate the tone of the evening. “For the most part, I’m trying to stay away from my own beliefs and opinions,” he said. “I try to talk about things that go beyond my tastes, my own feelings that day and I’m trying to get to those essential truths we’ve all experienced. I also want to ask people questions.”

Since the tour has coincided with perhaps one of the most surprising presidential elections in history, W.K. hopes all attendees can unite through discussion.

“There are so many reasons to divide and separate ourselves from one another, but all we really need is one reason to relate to each other,” he said. “It doesn’t mean we have to agree, but we can start or keep that fundamental connection that we’re all human beings and we’re here at the same time. We deserve the ability to get along. It takes a little bit of effort, discipline and rigorous dedication to being at our best.”

The Power of Partying tour will stop at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North Sixth Street, on Sunday, November 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and general admission. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.andrewwk.com.