Patrick Lew Band

Thursday, July 10, 2025

All About Patrick Lew Hayashi

"In the wake of his bewildering and yet sometimes polarizing success with Patrick Lew Band during the 2010s and early 2020s, Patrick Lew Hayashi began a new chapter in 2022 under his stage name LEWNATIC. Creating a unique blend of classic rock, J-Pop, grunge, and pop-metal with fiery fierce guitar solos and instrumentation for the TikTok era."

Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?

Talented unique guitarist, YouTuber, and digital music creator of Chinese and Japanese descent, born and raised in San Francisco.

Born on November 15, 1985.

I am creating fierce, fiery guitar-based instrumental rock and roll music that bends genres: J-Pop, grunge, pop-metal, and classic rock.

I am a distinct indie music artist known for my funny intriguing YouTube videos, cross-dressing as a female named Madeline in my music and online content. And I blend many different types of genres together that makes my music I create my very own. I write and record songs about overcoming adversity, alienation, resilience, and living in the modern world. Like a Science Fiction movie. Kind of!

I started my musical journey and indie career at age 15 by uploading my own songs and covers that I wrote and recorded at home online. Made on my guitars, my own voice and computer. Under the name PATRICK LEW BAND. The band went through many changes and moments, but I always was the Patrick Lew Band’s only constant member and the driving creative force behind the music!

I started making and posting YouTube videos in 2007 at age 21.

I graduated from college (CSU East Bay) in June 2011 with a B.A in Philosophy. I also went to Wallenberg High School and Soko Gakuen Japanese School as a teenager.

I built a dedicated fan base across 55 countries worldwide of over 15,000 followers. The algorithms and statistics often fluctuate on social-media however!

I play Fender Telecaster guitars using a Marshall CODE50 combo amp. My pedalboard is very minimal, I just use a BOSS DS-2 pedal to navigate through clean and overdriven tones while playing my guitar leads.

I also made television appearances on The Man in the High Castle and White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch, and I’ve been featured and my music was covered in various blogs and newspapers online since the pandemic.

In 2019. I began making music under the LEWNATIC name. Focusing more on my lead guitar playing skills and using modern technology to make some rocking tunes in my bedroom. I played a couple local shows as Lewnatic onstage. To achieve this, I use AI-generated instrumentals and some royalty-free rock-related backing tracks found on the Internet. Then, I use my computer to add extra guitar and piano/synthesizer parts while recording and digitally editing everything I am trying to create!

Since 2022, I am focused on producing original ROCK music in my house here in San Francisco - writing, composing, and playing all the guitar. I also signed with Bentley Records that Summer, and I’m actively releasing new music and online content with Lewnatic. My plan is to remain a virtual one-man rock band online, and maybe perform shows regionally occasionally too.

Musical Influences:

Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Oasis, Green Day, X Japan, Beyond, Yutaka Ozaki, Metallica, Blink 182, Box Car Racer, BTS, Miyavi Ishihara, The Rolling Stones, Silverchair. Mostly 90's and early 2000s rock related stuff. Some 60's classic rock bands. I also like K-Pop, older J-Pop, chiptunes, rap, and the blues.

Underground on, mainstream off! Support all diversity and inclusivity for all marginalized voices and faces!

Sunday, July 6, 2025

ALL ABOUT PATRICK LEW HAYASHI

Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?

Talented unique guitarist, YouTuber, and digital music creator of Chinese and Japanese descent, born and raised in San Francisco.

Born on November 15, 1985.

I am creating fierce, fiery guitar-based instrumental rock and roll music that bends genres: J-Pop, grunge, pop-metal, and classic rock.

I started making and posting YouTube videos in 2007 at age 21.

I graduated from college (CSU East Bay) in June 2011 with a B.A in Philosophy. I also went to Wallenberg High School and Soko Gakuen Japanese School as a teenager.

I built a dedicated fan base across 55 countries worldwide of over 15,000 followers. The algorithms and statistics often fluctuate on social-media however!

Musical Influences:

Underground on, mainstream off! Support all diversity and inclusivity for all marginalized voices and faces!

LEWNATIC

Asian-American rock and roll guitar hero and laptop DJ.

Some quick facts about the man behind the music.

NAME: PATRICK LEW HAYASHI

NICKNAME: The Kamikaze Guitarist, PLB, Patty Pat, The Steel Lion, P. Money, P. Deli, The Lewnatic, Masa, The Pariah

ALSO KNOWN AS: Patrick Lew, Masamichi Hayashi

JAPANESE NAME: 林正道

BIRTHDAY: November 15, 1985 as Patrick Allan Lew

HOMETOWN: San Francisco, CA, United States

HEIGHT & WEIGHT: 6' (182 cm) / 134 lbs (60 kg)

ETHNICITY: Japanese, Chinese-Taiwanese, Remotely Southeast Asian

MARITAL STATUS: SINGLE

ROMANTIC PARTNERS: Madoku Raye (b. 1991; c. Spring & Summer 2018), Madeline Lew (b. 1985; c. March 27, 2020 - July 1, 2022; AI ONLY), Manda Kay (b. 1982; c. December 23, 2022 - June 26, 2025)

RELATIVES: Rick Lew (older brother; b. 1981), Madeline Lew (relative; b. 1985, Metaverse Only) Winson Lew (father; b. 1948), Winnie Hayashi (mother; b. 1951, d. 2017), Liam Lew (nephew; b. 2024)

HIGH SCHOOL: Raoul Wallenberg High School, Soko Gakuen Japanese School

COLLEGE: California State University, East Bay

OCCUPATION: Musician, YouTuber, Full-Time Employment @ COSTCO, Former Uber Driver

INSTRUMENTS PLAYED: Guitar, Bass, Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Electronic Instruments

GENRES: Alternative Rock, Hard Rock, Instrumental, Punk, Grunge, Emo, Electronic Music

YEARS ACTIVE: 1999 – Present

MEMBER OF: Men of Madness (2025-Present), Lewnatic (2019-2020; 2022-Present)

FORMERLY OF: Crazy Loser in a Box! (2018-2022), TheVerse (2015-2019), Pleasure Gallows (2018-2019), Benigneglect (2019-2021), The Tortured (2016), Patrick Lew Band (2001-2025)

Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?

In the heart of San Francisco, the birthplace of cultural revolutions and artistic movements, the Patrick Lew Band (PLB) has carved out a unique space in the music world. This Asian-American rock band, led by the multi-talented Patrick Lew Hayashi, has been a dynamic presence in the indie music scene, blending a wide range of genres and influences into a singularly innovative sound.

Born Patrick Allan Lew on November 15, 1985, to a Chinese father and a Japanese mother, Patrick's mixed heritage and upbringing in San Francisco played a significant role in shaping his musical identity. He experienced a childhood tinged with challenges, finding solace in rock music, video games, professional wrestling, and TV shows. This eclectic mix of interests laid the groundwork for a diverse musical career that would encompass everything from garage punk to J-Pop, grunge to electronic music. Patrick's early foray into music began with playing in various local bands. His mainstay, however, was PLB, which he led as a singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. Initially starting as a garage punk band, PLB evolved over the years, mirroring Patrick's personal and artistic growth. His experiences, particularly feeling underrepresented and misunderstood as an Asian-American, infused his music with themes of alienation and resilience.

A pivotal moment in PLB's journey was the introduction of Madeline Lew, a virtual band member and Patrick's male-to-female alter-ego, created using modern photo editing apps. This digital innovation marked a new phase for PLB, enabling it to transition into an internet-based virtual rock band. Madeline's presence added an intriguing layer to the band's narrative and helped PLB gain traction in the indie music scene.

During the COVID pandemic, Patrick expanded his creative pursuits, forming a spin-off project called Lewnatic. Initially conceived as a rap-metal duo, it evolved into an extension of PLB's ethos, with a focus on instrumental rock inspired by classic rock and 90s grunge. This period saw Patrick embracing AI-generated technology and modern DAWs to streamline his creative process, reflecting his adaptive approach to music-making.

Patrick's musical influences, ranging from Nirvana to Pearl Jam, The Beatles to X Japan, have profoundly influenced his sound and approach. His music borrows visually from Japanese Anime and J-Rock artists, while sonically experimenting with diverse styles to create something distinct. Patrick's Chinese and Japanese heritage has also been a source of pride and inspiration, informing his artistic identity and connecting him with a broader, more diverse audience. For Patrick, fan interactions are the lifeblood of his artistic journey, providing validation, inspiration, and a sense of community.

When not making music and doing digital marketing for it globally, and when not making and uploading new YouTube videos, Patrick Lew Hayashi spends his free time reading, playing video games, watching television, going out with his small circle of friends, immersing himself in the Asian-American and Japanese community, going out to live music and wrestling events. He is most happiest working his full-time job outside of music at Costco Wholesale.

Looking ahead, Patrick envisions continuing to break boundaries with PLB and Lewnatic, exploring new musical landscapes, and further cementing his place in the indie music world.

Musical Influences:

Underground on, mainstream off! Support all diversity and inclusivity for all marginalized voices and faces!

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

LEWNATIC EPK

Asian-American rock and roll guitar hero and laptop DJ.

Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?

Looking ahead, Patrick envisions continuing to break boundaries with PLB and Lewnatic, exploring new musical landscapes, and further cementing his place in the indie music world.

Musical Influences:

Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Oasis, Green Day, X Japan, Beyond, Yutaka Ozaki, Metallica, Blink 182, Box Car Racer, BTS, Miyavi Ishihara, The Rolling Stones, Silverchair.

Underground on, mainstream off! Support all diversity and inclusivity for all marginalized voices and faces!

Breaking News: Patrick Lew Annuls His "Marriage" With Manda Kay

Just to reiterate.

I am no longer with my ex Manda K and completely severed all ties with her. After a turbulent 3 year on-and-off again relationship. Regardless, I am working on myself and doing me! Life’s got its moments but I got this. Thank you, everyone, for all the support! I’ve got music to do.

Saturday, June 28, 2025

PATRICK LEW BAND ON USANEWS.com

In the vibrant, ever-evolving world of indie rock, few stories are as uniquely woven with the threads of perseverance, cultural fusion, and creative disruption as that of Patrick Lew. Born in San Francisco to a Chinese father and Japanese mother, Patrick’s music journey has been shaped not only by his love for grunge, punk, and J-Rock but by his unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. Today, the Patrick Lew Band (PLB) stands as a testament to the power of determination, individuality, and artistic vision, redefining the landscape of indie music.

Origin and Mission: A Cultural Fusion and Musical Foundation

Patrick Lew’s story begins in the culturally rich environment of San Francisco. Raised amidst the diverse influences of East Asian pop and Western rock, Patrick was exposed to a musical spectrum that was as vast as it was varied. From the haunting riffs of Nirvana to the melody of The Beatles, his early love for music was as eclectic as his cultural background. Growing up with Chinese and Japanese roots, he often felt the tension of navigating between two worlds. This duality would go on to shape his music, which blends the rawness of punk and grunge with the infectious energy of J-Pop and the free-spiritedness of East Asian culture.

At 15, Patrick began experimenting with music, recording in his bedroom with a Tascam 4-track recorder gifted by his mother. It was here that the seeds of what would become the Patrick Lew Band (PLB) were planted, forming an integral part of his artistic evolution. From the very beginning, his approach was unique: independent, experimental, and committed to raw, authentic sound. What started as a passion project would soon evolve into a significant force in the underground music scene.

The Rise of the Patrick Lew Band: Garage Punk to Virtual Rock Phenomenon

The true inception of PLB came in 2001, during a time when garage punk and DIY ethos were at the forefront of the indie music movement. With early albums like Curb Your Wild Life, Let It Rise, and Against, Patrick captured the riotous energy of his youth, infusing the music with a rawness and sincerity that made his sound unmistakable. These albums served as a call to arms for anyone who ever felt like an outsider, with lyrics that spoke directly to the hearts of the disillusioned.

But it wasn’t just the music that set PLB apart—it was Patrick’s willingness to innovate. As streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music gained prominence, PLB transitioned into a virtual band, incorporating electronic and experimental elements that captured the essence of the digital age. This shift marked a turning point in the band's trajectory. The idea of a virtual band wasn’t new, but Patrick's execution was. He introduced a creative concept in 2015 that would further distinguish PLB: the cross-dressing alter ego, designed by Madeline Lew, which added a layer of intrigue to the band’s identity. This move pushed PLB into new territory, gaining attention from listeners around the world.

By this time, PLB’s music had spread to more than 50 countries, resonating with a diverse global audience. It was a breakthrough moment, not just for Patrick but for independent artists everywhere. PLB had successfully built an international following without the backing of a major label—a feat that remains a true testament to Patrick’s creative vision and DIY ethos.

Achievements and Impact: A Legacy Built on Persistence

Patrick Lew’s journey is marked by numerous accomplishments that speak to his talent and influence in the music world. One of the most notable recognitions came in the form of his induction into CSU East Bay's 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame. As the first Japanese-American male to receive this honor, Patrick became a trailblazer in the indie music scene, further cementing his role as a cultural icon. This was followed by an Akademia Music Award in 2016 for his track “Game Changer,” which stood as a powerful example of his unique fusion of experimental rock.

In addition to these accolades, Patrick’s music has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Ascendant Magazine, and his appearances in TV shows like The Man in the High Castle and White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch showcased his growing presence beyond just music. Yet despite these accomplishments, Patrick remains deeply grounded in the ethos that defines his work: a relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and an unshakable commitment to his craft.

Lewnatic: Pushing Boundaries, Exploring New Horizons

In 2019, Patrick embarked on a new musical journey with the creation of Lewnatic, a project that would take his sound even further. Initially conceived as a rap-metal venture, Lewnatic soon morphed into a vibrant rock band influenced by a blend of City Pop, anime, and punk rock. The project’s evolution showcases Patrick’s unyielding desire to push the boundaries of his musical identity, constantly seeking new sounds, styles, and ways to connect with fans.

One of Lewnatic’s biggest milestones came when they performed at DNA Lounge in San Francisco, a venue synonymous with the city’s rich musical history. This performance was a significant step in building the band's presence within the indie rock community and reaffirmed Patrick’s commitment to live performances, a cornerstone of his artistic vision.

Lewnatic also saw a major collaboration with Bentley Records, releasing the album Rapid Fire in 2022. The record was met with critical acclaim and further solidified Patrick’s status as an innovative force in the rock music landscape. Through Lewnatic, Patrick was able to introduce new audiences to his music, transcending the boundaries of traditional rock and venturing into new, unexplored territories.

Challenges and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Redefining the Music Industry

Patrick’s path to success has not been without its challenges. As an ethnic minority in rock music, Patrick has faced barriers that many artists never encounter. But rather than being deterred, he used these obstacles as fuel for his creativity. His experience as a person of color in the rock world has shaped his identity and driven his mission to break stereotypes and create music that speaks to a global audience. Through his work, Patrick has become a beacon for other artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, showing that success in the music industry is not reserved for the mainstream.

A Legacy of Innovation: The Future of Patrick Lew Band

As Patrick Lew Band celebrates its 20th year in the industry, Patrick’s commitment to innovation and musical exploration shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to reinvent himself, constantly adapt to new trends, and challenge musical conventions has ensured that PLB remains a relevant and influential force in indie rock. Whether through self-recorded albums, collaborations, or live performances, Patrick continues to make waves in the industry and inspire a new generation of musicians.

Call to Action:

Explore the world of Patrick Lew Band and discover the unique sounds, stories, and creative vision that have propelled Patrick to the forefront of indie rock. Dive into the music, watch the videos, and connect with this groundbreaking artist who continues to redefine what it means to be independent in today’s music world. For more, visit his Linktree or follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify.

Monday, June 23, 2025

LEWNATIC BAND HISTORY

Asian-American rock and roll guitar hero and laptop DJ.

Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?

Patrick Lew Hayashi (Lewnatic) is a YouTuber, guitarist, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and bedroom producer from San Francisco, CA.

Born to a Chinese father and a Sino-Japanese mother in 1985, Hayashi began playing guitar at age 13. Whilst in high school, he began posting his home demo

recordings online under various names.

By 2006, he began a semi-pro indie music career under the once reviled, but now so-called prolific Patrick Lew Band. He has an extensive back catalog with his musical work with PLB, consisting of 13 full-length albums, one live album, and several EP’s and singles. A year after making his semi-pro debut in the Internet music scene and locally, he began uploading videos on YouTube.

Hayashi was also renowned for his cross-dressing male-to-female alter-ego Madeline Lew in the Patrick Lew Band, who is also a virtual band member and avatar in PLB. Which began his road to success in indie music, after several years of false starts and deeply intense setbacks in his life. The introduction of his cross-dressing alter-ego in the Patrick Lew Band also helped restore his public image on social-media, and started his popularity in indie music and locally with PLB.

By Summer 2019, Patrick Lew Hayashi formed Lewnatic with his former friend Ahmed in the Bay Area music scene. Originally a rap-metal duo, Lewnatic quickly began playing live residencies at San Francisco’s famous DNA Lounge once-a-month until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The project’s band name Lewnatic was derived from his father’s surname and the word “Lunatic.” After a performance at DNA Lounge on March 8, 2020, his friend and Patrick himself went their separate ways, pursuing their own music and creative avenues outside of the then-band.

A few years later during 2022, Hayashi relaunched the band Lewnatic as a “stripped down” touring and live-streaming experiment, as a spin-off related to the Patrick Lew Band. He quickly signed with the New York City based Bentley Records on July 19, 2022. Recording and releasing three EP’s under the Lewnatic banner during 2022 and 2023 while signed to his record label. Lewnatic’s 3rd album STARRCADE was launched worldwide on July 26, 2024 on all the music streaming apps and websites.

During 2022 and 2023, Lewnatic performed a few live-stream shows directly on his YouTube channel. And during 2022, Lewnatic performed at DNA Lounge (2-20-2022) and at Flores De Mayo (5-20-2022) at YMCA in San Francisco. On Memorial Day 2023, Lewnatic (as Patrick Lew Hayashi) was interviewed on Luke Sauer's podcast on YouTube and all over social-media, performing on-air and discussing a variety of topics. On December 12, 2023, Lewnatic taped an impromptu jam session at a friend's reherarsal space in Berkeley, California, which is also uploaded on his YouTube channel. By 2024, Lewnatic took a break from live-stream and onstage performances, but done a short CD and QR code promotional tour across Los Angeles in mid-May 2024 for his band.

With influences such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Green Day, Guns N’ Roses, Oasis, X Japan, The Beatles, and many other iconic rock bands from yesteryear, Hayashi’s introspective lyrics, and fiery yet manic guitar skills are always showcased in his compositions. With themes of alienation, resilience, and self-empowering identity. Lewnatic’s compositions are very much a blend of pop-metal, 90’s grunge, and classic rock. Lewnatic’s music is based on a simple basic setup: a Fender Telecaster, 50 watt Marshall amp, and a laptop showcasing a wide array of digitally edited arrangements consisting of beats and instrumentals on the AUX cables.

When not making music and doing digital marketing for it globally, and when not making and uploading new YouTube videos, Patrick Lew Hayashi spends his free time reading, playing video games, watching television, going out with his small circle of friends, immersing himself in the Asian-American and Japanese community, going out to live music and wrestling events. He is most happiest being married to his partner Amanda Lew (known professionally as Manda Kay on YouTube) and working his full-time job outside of music at Costco Wholesale.

Since an early age, Hayashi had an obsession of becoming a prolific East Asian musician and making cool music. He sings, raps, plays lead guitar, bass, and uses AI-generated rock instrumentals that are digitally edited, and mixes the majority of his ideas. He has toured all across Northern California with various local punk bands, and his music has reached 60 countries globally online in six continents through social-media.

Looking ahead, Patrick envisions continuing to break boundaries with PLB and Lewnatic, exploring new musical landscapes, and further cementing his place in the indie music world.

Musical Influences:

Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Oasis, Green Day, X Japan, Beyond, Yutaka Ozaki, Metallica, Blink 182, Box Car Racer, BTS, Miyavi Ishihara, The Rolling Stones, Silverchair.

Underground on, mainstream off! Support all diversity and inclusivity for all marginalized voices and faces!