Werk and Party Hard: Andrew WK and Cherie Lily!
By: Jeff Chatterton
Andrew WK seems like something of an immortal character from my childhood. He reminds me of the teenagers I idolized as a kid in the 80s, the ones who listened to Def Leppard and Lita Ford… part badass, part doofus. The guys that Wayne’s World were inspired by. Its all very tongue-in-cheek and self aware, its no wonder that his song “Party Hard” became a well known internet meme. In my research I discovered he and I grew up just a few hours from each other (he in Michigan, I across the border in Ontario, Canada), and it somehow explains a lot about his sensibilities, and sense of humor.
If I were born a woman, I hope I would be something like Cherie Lily. Performer, vocalist, fitness guru, dancer, and much more. She’s also “Mrs. Andrew WK” (to his “Mr. Cherie Lily”), the two married in 2008 in the club that Andrew co-owns, NYC’s legendary Santos Party House. She’s developed a sound, nay, a lifestyle, called Houserobics, combining the beats of dance music with elements of fitness.
I’m a big fan of people who can multitask. Like Edina Monsoon on an episode of Absolutely Fabulous: ”I’ve got my hands in loads of pies darling. Darling! Sweetie! EDDIE PIE HANDS!” Andrew and Cherie have their hands in loads of pies. Andrew tours, produces, co-owns Santos Party House, has his own show on The Cartoon Network called Destroy Build Destroy, and somehow still finds the time to find new uses for the word “Party” (used properly as an adjective: “Guys, my life is so Party right now!”). Cherie also tours, instructs Houserobics classes, is releasing a new album, curates Cherie Lily Presents at Santos Party House, and is married to Andrew WK, which in itself is probably a full-time job:
I had the opportunity to interview both Andrew and Cherie this week, while Andrew was in LA and Cherie was in Chicago. I asked them the questions separately, but, even from thousands of miles away, they still seem to be completing each others thoughts.
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Jeff: What did you guys do for Halloween?
Cherie: We went out to a lovely Italian restaurant on 59th and 1st Avenue in Manhattan called Trattoria Pesce Pasta. After that we went back to our apartment and partied a bit together before I went to party with friends at Santos Party House.
Andrew: (That weekend) we performed at a party in Atlanta that was insane. I ate some pizza too… I think. That’s all I can remember from that entire weekend, so I must’ve had fun.
Jeff: Which one of you is most addicted to Twitter?
Cherie: We both use Twitter a lot and love it. After just looking at both of our profiles (@CherieLily & @AndrewWK), Andrew has tweeted about 1,000 more tweets than me…so I guess he currently claims the title.
Andrew: I think it might be a mutual co-dependent addition. We’ve been enabling each other through heavy doses of smartphone.
Jeff: Lets talk about Santos Party House! I’ve worked there a few times (for “Click+Drag”), and always love the vibe and the staff. Is nightlife an important element to what you both do as artists?
Cherie: Yes, 100%. We’re both obsessed with everything New York City and especially the energy that fills the streets, clubs, and city at night. Santos Party House is one of the best clubs in NYC and I’m so proud of Andrew and his partners for their determination and invaluable contribution to New York City and the nightlife scene. I love going, performing, and, of course, partying hard at Santos Party House!
Andrew: The “Click+Drag” parties are some of the most awesome events we’ve ever had at Santos. It’s a privilege to provide a space for such fantastic people and partying. For me, there’s no separation between the idea of “what I do” and “nightlife” – it”s all partying.
Jeff: Does Andrew do Houserobics?
Cherie: Yes! He’s always pumping up and hyping my Houserobics performances! He’s one of my biggest fans and I’m so grateful for his support. He’s the best.
Andrew: In my own special way, I’m a Houserobics master.
Jeff: Who would win: Cherie Lily on Destroy Build Destroy, or Andrew W.K. on Drag Race?
Cherie: HAHA!! That’s so good! I’m a bit of a tomboy, so I think I’d do well on Destroy, Build, Destroy…but at the same time, Andrew would be so good on Drag Race. He dressed in a variation of drag when he was performing with Kembra Pfahler’s group for the art parade in New York City a few years ago. He looked amazing. Legs and lips for FOREVAHHHHH!
Andrew: Cherie is as hardcore as they come, so she would totally win on Destroy Build Destroy, but at the same time, I have a fantastic set of legs that are ready for Ru.
Jeff: Give a proper example of “Party” as an adjective:
Cherie: I’ll let the party master handle this one.
Andrew: Going to Taco Bell for Thanksgiving dinner is super party.
Jeff: If you were gay, who would be on your radar?
Cherie: I love dancers and have an affinity for strippers and strip clubs, so that’s probably where you’d find me…on ladies night.
Andrew: As the legendary Rob Halford once said, “Howie Long”.
Jeff: I was kind of hoping you would both have said me, but that’s ok. (I would totally go lesbian for Cherie Lily, and it goes without saying that I’d go gay for Andrew WK)
(Howie Long)
Jeff: Big question! Boxers or Briefs?
Cherie: Boxer briefs!
Andrew: Briefs. I require support and smashing.
Jeff: Apparently there’s a small (and hilarious) group of people
online that think “Andrew WK” is a hired actor, and one of
many “Andrew WKs”. What would a group of Andrews do
together?
Cherie: PARTY HARD!
Andrew: Adult films, obviously.
Jeff: If there were dolls of Cherie and Andrew, what phrase would most likely come out of their mouths when you pull the string on the back?
Cherie: “WERK!” & “PARTY HARD”
Andrew: “Stop pulling that string and just dance, werk, party, and sweat!” and “PARTY HARD FOREVER”
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Cherie Lily’s next release will be coming out early 2012 including tracks with Jonté Moaning and ballroom DJ Vjuan Allure. She will be performing at Sugarland’s Anniversary Party on Friday, 11/11 (Brooklyn), at Circus Hollywood on Saturday, 11/19 (Los Angeles), and at at Rebel on Wednesday, 11/23 (San Francisco).
Andrew WK is hosting the Turbonegro concert at Santos Party House on November 18, 2011, and doing a tour of British Columbia, Canada in late November. He can also be seen on Destroy Build Destroy on the Cartoon Network.