WHEN Andrew W.K. released his smash-hit single Party Hard in 2001, few would have guessed it was more than just a snappy song.

Thirteen years later and the hard-rocking singer has turned his love for a good time into a way of life that goes far beyond his music.

The 35-year-old now spends time as a motivational speaker, as an advice columnist and as a writer, as well as rattling through the good-time rock that made his name.

"The only thing that matters to me is the feeling of energy," says Andrew, who gigs at the Classic Grand tonight.

"Music is one way of getting to that feeling. Head-banging and dancing is another way. Even writing is a way to get the feeling of energized enthusiasm. Every way counts.

"I'm not a musician. I'm Andrew W.K. I don't care how people think of me or what I do, as long as something I do helps them get that physical feeling - that rush of excitement about being alive. That's what this word, 'partying' means."

The singer will take those vibes into his Classic Grand gig tonight. It's a stripped back solo show, so there won't be a backing band.

That might surprise a few folk, given that his six albums have always been focused around rowdy, loud rock tunes.

But even armed with just a keyboard and a drum machine, the party spirit will go on.

"When I first started playing music, solo shows were how I began," explains Andrew.

"Before I had a band, I had my keyboard and a drum machine. It's remained important to me to keep playing that style of show - to stay close to where this all began.

"All my music is written on the keyboard. That's my main instrument, so these sorts of shows are really my core.

"When I play with my band, it's like going on a roller coaster at an amusement park.

"When I play solo, it's like the roller coaster is in your bedroom. It's really up close and personal and also exposed. It feels scary to me, just like a roller coaster, and it feels risky."

It was the UK where Andrew first made a name for himself, cheered on by an enthusiastic music press.

He's regularly returned to Scotland in the years since, and is eager for another appearance tonight.

"Some of the first shows I ever played were in Glasgow," he says.

"When I first started doing Andrew W.K. in 2001, we really started touring in the UK.

"So I feel a strong connection to this land and to those first Scotland shows.

"It's really what started it all and I'm incredibly grateful that we are still here 13 years later."

It is not just music that keeps Andrew busy now, though.

HE IS currently working on a book, the Party Bible, and reckons he won't get around to recording a new album til the book is finished.

As the title suggests, it's going to be a look at how he feels having a partying spirit can improve your life.

Such statements can often result in a raised eyebrow and questions over whether Andrew's serious about his party philosophy or if it's all an ironic joke.

He's certainly serious about another avenue of work though, his weekly advice column for the Village Voice newspaper in New York.

The questions Andrew replies to often deal with serious issues, and he's aware of the responsibility that goes with trying to help people.

"I'm really amazed that people open up to me and are brave enough to dive into these intense aspects of life," he says.

"So I also try to be brave and just dive in head first and go for it.

"Even if I can't relate directly to the exact experience someone is going through, I can always work to put myself in their shoes and, most of all, just make them feel like they are not alone."

Given that Andrew's arriving with the Commonwealth Games in full swing, it's not surprising that he reckons there should be medals for partying.

"Partying should be an Olympic sport," he concludes.

"I've already made a career out of it as a professional partier.

"If I could make that dream come true, then no one's dream should seem too unlikely or crazy."

l Andrew W.K., Classic Grand, tonight, £15, 7pm