If you think about it, Andrew W.K. has been running on the Party Party platform for years. 2001’s I Get Wet, his debut album, had “Party Hard,” which wasn’t only an anthem and a moderate hit, but really the only song that the singer/motivational speaker is known for. He hasn’t released a proper album since 2009, according to his Wikipedia page. You’ll notice people aren’t clamoring for a new Andrew W.K. album, and that’s because they don’t really need one. He’s taken of a life of his own beyond his music, and the Party Party is just a logical extension of that. However, via a video hosted on Playboy, he says it’s real.
“First and foremost, The Party Party is absolutely real. For a long time now, I’ve pondered the possibility of somehow getting involved in governmental politics, but I wanted to find a way to participate without compromising my celebratory philosophy, or getting sucked into a whirlpool of traditional political career ambitions. I wanted to stay true to my vision of unifying joy, and still contribute something of value to the often distressing political landscape. Could we participate in politics and at the same time transcend it? Could we address the fundamental aspects of our shared national experience without engaging in endless dissonance and conflict? Could we work towards the liberation of the human spirit without succumbing to the temptations of an “us versus them” mentality? In other words, could we make a political party that put partying first and politics last? I thought it was time to try.
He also says that not only have actual politicians declined working with him, but one actually called it a dangerous idea:
Some people have asked if there is a larger political group or other government entity operating behind this project. The answer is no. While I do admit that I initially approached some people in the political sphere, they all declined my offers to get involved and said that The Party Party was an inappropriate project for them – one individual went so far as to say that this sort of effort was dangerous and a counterproductive distraction to their real work in government and the surrounding industry. We agreed to disagree and I didn’t attempt to involve any formal political organizations further. To be honest, I just don’t think they liked partying very much.
He seems to have modest goals, and knows that the Party Party probably won’t be taken seriously by many in the political sphere, however, and seems fine with that:
And even if the State Department ultimately rejects our application, or if we aren’t given full access to the halls of government by the political powers that be, I remain absolutely confident that The Party Party will keep growing, and keep partying. This is a mindset as much as it is a movement. This isn’t just about a certain time or a certain place or promoting a particular political agenda. This is about partying. And true partying doesn’t need to live in Washington D.C. or in some rigid institutional office – this party lives in our hearts and minds, our homes and streets. Most of all, it lives in the spirit of every party we have together. Maybe we actually can subvert the entire political system. Maybe we actually can dismantle the structures dividing us and keeping us at odds with one another. Maybe we don’t have to play the game, and maybe we’ll win even more because of this. No matter what, this party is happening, and it’s happening because of our energy, our enthusiasm, and our sheer force of will. This is the power of partying, and if it’s telling us anything, it’s telling us that life itself is the biggest party of all.”
Hell, he seems to have about as legitimate a platform as anyone does on either side, so if you’re going to write in one candidate for President this year, you might’ve found your man.
