PATRICK LEW BAND
Active: 2000s, 2010s
Formed: 2001 in San Francisco, CA
Styles: Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Grunge, Punk
Group Members: Patrick Lew (2001-2012; 2015-Present), David Arceo (2006-2012; 2015-2016), Eddie Blackburn (2001-2005; 2007), Jeremy Alfonso (2009-2011), Greg Lynch (2009-2012), David Hunter (2009-2012), Tommy Loi (2001-2005), Madeline Lew (2015-Present)
Related Bands: Nocturnal Rock Turtles, Distorted Harmony, TheVerse, The Steel Lions, OC Bay, Band of Asians, The Tortured
Discography:
Studio Albums:
Psychotic Love (2003)
Curb Your Wild Life (2009)
Let It Rise And Against (2009)
Murder Bay (2011)
To the Promised Land (2015)
Bubblegum Babylon (2015)
Oakland (2017)
Home Videos:
Live, Tonight, Not Really Sold Out, LMAO (2016)
EPs:
Fire in the Sky (2016)
Shortcuts to Fame (2016)
Demos:
Live! Like a Garage Band (2002)
“Be Yourself. Imitation is suicide.”
This is one of the creeds that 31 year old singer, songwriter, and guitarist Patrick Lew has lived by in his life, and his music. Born in San Francisco CA, Lew is a second generation Asian-American of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese descent, now based out of Antioch, CA. Whether by fate or coincidence, the eclecticism of Lew’s heritage is mirrored by the path his music has taken. Sometimes it’s credited to his Patrick Lew Band, and other times to his musical pseudonym, The Steel Lions, but the music is always a raw and loose mix of garage punk, grunge, and no nonsense rock and roll. Lew has been spending well over a decade practicing his craft, perfecting his sound, building an internet fan base, and putting himself into a position to take the music community by storm.
The Patrick Lew Band’s story doesn’t start off too atypically, it’s the age-old tale of a young thirteen year-old boy that picks up the guitar and finds out that rock & roll makes life a whole lot cooler than what it was. Flash forward through the years of friends, start-up bands, school, life in general, and eventually Lew found himself playing with his group, Band of Asians before having to invest his energies fulltime into college. Once he enrolled in California State University, going for his B.A. in Philosophy and Music, Lew found himself too busy to keep performing live. His musical talent still flourished in his writing and self-recording, especially partway through college in 2009. It was around this point that he began investing time into the Patrick Lew Band.
While primarily a rhythm guitar player, Lew’s been able to self-record much of his own music with a larger band sound by picking up the bass and programming some drum and percussion tracks to accompany him. Through the magic of the internet and home recording equipment, Lew’s also been able to collaborate with a lot of different musicians over the last ten years, each of them contributing to the library of songs in Lew’s arsenal. The legion of talented performers has included drummers David Arceo and Tommy Loi, basisst David Hunter and guitarists Eddie Blackburn, Greg Lynch and Jeremy Alfonso.
Amongst the reasons why so many musicians have been willing to lend their skills to the Patrick Lew Band and its various forms are the uniqueness and the sheer quality of the music Lew creates. With influences that span four decades worth of music, Lew has developed a sonic blend, inspired by some of the best guitarists and songwriters in the history of popular music. Musicians like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, and songwriters like John Lennon, Joe Stummer of The Clash, Eddie Vedder, Noel Gallagher; they all have impacted Lew and elements of their work show up in his.
Most of Lew’s material is instrumental, and self-described as well as described by others as “garage punk and grunge meets 70’s classic rock.” When Lew does sing, his voice has been compared to Kurt Cobain’s and Liam Gallagher’s, a compliment held in high esteem by Lew, considering his love for those musicians. Regardless of vocal comparisons, Lew defines himself as an “unconventional yet interesting punk rock musician.” He fully acknowledges that some of his east coast contemporaries may be making music that’s more “radio-friendly,” but stylistically, Lew would, “If presented with the choice, I’d rather be an artist than an entertainer.” Ever since leaving Band of Asians, this is the direction his music has gone in, and the results have been very impressive.
Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions has steadily been gaining popularity due to the entrepreneurial efforts of Patrick Lew and David Arceo. Popular independent music website, ReverbNation.com ranked the band as the #1 group on the Punk genre charts from the Contra Costa County section of the Bay Area in 2012, and again, in 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Similar distinctions have been earned from the continued success of Lew’s music on other musical websites such as SoundCloud and SoundClick. Full versions of several of Lew’s songs can be found on these sites, and the reviews coming in have been stellar:
“I swear when it comes time to hear a tune by Patrick in our Critics Corner contest…I have an odd tingly feeling like you get when you realize the unexpected is happening.” Larry Ludwick – Sounclick.com Critics Corner
“Patrick is a great believer in free music, free thought, and his music reflects that; so it’s best not to expect too much in the way of conventional structure or any of the rigors of ‘normal’ music standards.” Steve Gilmore’s Rebel Riffs (Indie Music Reviews)
“Patrick has good form, direction, energy, and an ability to beautifully convey organize chaos. Great stuff!” Howard Billington’s Indie Music Podcast
“Patrick stands firm in his relationship with his style and nothing anyone can say will sway him. For this, I applaud him.” Gabriel – Soundclick.com Critics Corner
In Patrick’s own words, “I want to be successful in my music career by playing gigs across America and overseas, while making great and interesting rock & roll music in the studio. Then I can help give back to the local music scene that I found my muse in.” That success may have originally been coming in fits and spurts, but the last few years have seen a consistent string of album releases. 2009 brought about the releases of Curb Your Wild Life and Let it Rise and Against. These were followed up by 2011’s Murder Bay, 2015's To the Promised Land and Bubblegum Babylon and 2017's Oakland. And if you want to hear the progression of Lew’s music, you can also find the albums he released with Band of Asians, Band of Asians, Live!, Revenge, and The I Product. All of Lew’s catalog can be purchased through iTunes.
The phrase, “guitar hero” has been tossed around lately with an almost casual disregard, but Patrick Lew embodies many of the qualities one needs to have to truly be a guitar hero. Through the years he’s worked his way up from being a young Taiwanese boy with a passion for music, to a one-man, garage, punk, grunge, hard rock band. By always remaining true to himself, true to his music, and true to his artistic vision, Patrick Lew has created in the Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions, a dynamic sound, unparalleled in the burgeoning music industry.
Written by Heath Andrews (www.reviewyou.com)
PATRICK LEW AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Sexy Asian Guitarist (MySpace, 2005)
Up-and-Coming Artists (with Band of Asians) (DMusic, 2007)
Soundclick 10th Anniversary Songwriters Contest Quarter Finalist (with Band of Asians) (Soundclick, 2007)
Most Hated Artist of the Year (Soundclick, 2008 and 2010)
Number 1 Local Punk Artist (with Patrick Lew Band) (Antioch, CA - ReverbNation, 2011)
Number 1 Local Punk Artist (with Steel Lions) (Antioch, CA - ReverbNation, 2012)
Celebrity Endorsement (Antennas Direct, 2015)
Distinguished CSU Alumni Nominee (CSU East Bay, 2015)
2015 Comeback of the Year Nominee (Unknown Source, 2015)
Number 1 Local Rock Artist (with Patrick Lew Band) (Taipei, Taiwan - ReverbNation, 2016)
July 2016 Akademia Music Award Winner ("Game Changer" with Patrick Lew Band) (Experimental Rock - Akademia Music Awards, 2016)
Number 1 Alternative Rock Cover Song ("Slipping Away" from Sum 41 with Patrick Lew Band) (Soundclick, 2017)
Number 1 Local Rock Artist (with Steel Lions) (Taipei, Taiwan - ReverbNation, 2017)
Active: 2000s, 2010s
Formed: 2001 in San Francisco, CA
Styles: Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Grunge, Punk
Group Members: Patrick Lew (2001-2012; 2015-Present), David Arceo (2006-2012; 2015-2016), Eddie Blackburn (2001-2005; 2007), Jeremy Alfonso (2009-2011), Greg Lynch (2009-2012), David Hunter (2009-2012), Tommy Loi (2001-2005), Madeline Lew (2015-Present)
Related Bands: Nocturnal Rock Turtles, Distorted Harmony, TheVerse, The Steel Lions, OC Bay, Band of Asians, The Tortured
Discography:
Studio Albums:
Psychotic Love (2003)
Curb Your Wild Life (2009)
Let It Rise And Against (2009)
Murder Bay (2011)
To the Promised Land (2015)
Bubblegum Babylon (2015)
Oakland (2017)
Home Videos:
Live, Tonight, Not Really Sold Out, LMAO (2016)
EPs:
Fire in the Sky (2016)
Shortcuts to Fame (2016)
Demos:
Live! Like a Garage Band (2002)
“Be Yourself. Imitation is suicide.”
This is one of the creeds that 31 year old singer, songwriter, and guitarist Patrick Lew has lived by in his life, and his music. Born in San Francisco CA, Lew is a second generation Asian-American of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese descent, now based out of Antioch, CA. Whether by fate or coincidence, the eclecticism of Lew’s heritage is mirrored by the path his music has taken. Sometimes it’s credited to his Patrick Lew Band, and other times to his musical pseudonym, The Steel Lions, but the music is always a raw and loose mix of garage punk, grunge, and no nonsense rock and roll. Lew has been spending well over a decade practicing his craft, perfecting his sound, building an internet fan base, and putting himself into a position to take the music community by storm.
The Patrick Lew Band’s story doesn’t start off too atypically, it’s the age-old tale of a young thirteen year-old boy that picks up the guitar and finds out that rock & roll makes life a whole lot cooler than what it was. Flash forward through the years of friends, start-up bands, school, life in general, and eventually Lew found himself playing with his group, Band of Asians before having to invest his energies fulltime into college. Once he enrolled in California State University, going for his B.A. in Philosophy and Music, Lew found himself too busy to keep performing live. His musical talent still flourished in his writing and self-recording, especially partway through college in 2009. It was around this point that he began investing time into the Patrick Lew Band.
While primarily a rhythm guitar player, Lew’s been able to self-record much of his own music with a larger band sound by picking up the bass and programming some drum and percussion tracks to accompany him. Through the magic of the internet and home recording equipment, Lew’s also been able to collaborate with a lot of different musicians over the last ten years, each of them contributing to the library of songs in Lew’s arsenal. The legion of talented performers has included drummers David Arceo and Tommy Loi, basisst David Hunter and guitarists Eddie Blackburn, Greg Lynch and Jeremy Alfonso.
Amongst the reasons why so many musicians have been willing to lend their skills to the Patrick Lew Band and its various forms are the uniqueness and the sheer quality of the music Lew creates. With influences that span four decades worth of music, Lew has developed a sonic blend, inspired by some of the best guitarists and songwriters in the history of popular music. Musicians like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, and songwriters like John Lennon, Joe Stummer of The Clash, Eddie Vedder, Noel Gallagher; they all have impacted Lew and elements of their work show up in his.
Most of Lew’s material is instrumental, and self-described as well as described by others as “garage punk and grunge meets 70’s classic rock.” When Lew does sing, his voice has been compared to Kurt Cobain’s and Liam Gallagher’s, a compliment held in high esteem by Lew, considering his love for those musicians. Regardless of vocal comparisons, Lew defines himself as an “unconventional yet interesting punk rock musician.” He fully acknowledges that some of his east coast contemporaries may be making music that’s more “radio-friendly,” but stylistically, Lew would, “If presented with the choice, I’d rather be an artist than an entertainer.” Ever since leaving Band of Asians, this is the direction his music has gone in, and the results have been very impressive.
Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions has steadily been gaining popularity due to the entrepreneurial efforts of Patrick Lew and David Arceo. Popular independent music website, ReverbNation.com ranked the band as the #1 group on the Punk genre charts from the Contra Costa County section of the Bay Area in 2012, and again, in 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Similar distinctions have been earned from the continued success of Lew’s music on other musical websites such as SoundCloud and SoundClick. Full versions of several of Lew’s songs can be found on these sites, and the reviews coming in have been stellar:
“I swear when it comes time to hear a tune by Patrick in our Critics Corner contest…I have an odd tingly feeling like you get when you realize the unexpected is happening.” Larry Ludwick – Sounclick.com Critics Corner
“Patrick is a great believer in free music, free thought, and his music reflects that; so it’s best not to expect too much in the way of conventional structure or any of the rigors of ‘normal’ music standards.” Steve Gilmore’s Rebel Riffs (Indie Music Reviews)
“Patrick has good form, direction, energy, and an ability to beautifully convey organize chaos. Great stuff!” Howard Billington’s Indie Music Podcast
“Patrick stands firm in his relationship with his style and nothing anyone can say will sway him. For this, I applaud him.” Gabriel – Soundclick.com Critics Corner
In Patrick’s own words, “I want to be successful in my music career by playing gigs across America and overseas, while making great and interesting rock & roll music in the studio. Then I can help give back to the local music scene that I found my muse in.” That success may have originally been coming in fits and spurts, but the last few years have seen a consistent string of album releases. 2009 brought about the releases of Curb Your Wild Life and Let it Rise and Against. These were followed up by 2011’s Murder Bay, 2015's To the Promised Land and Bubblegum Babylon and 2017's Oakland. And if you want to hear the progression of Lew’s music, you can also find the albums he released with Band of Asians, Band of Asians, Live!, Revenge, and The I Product. All of Lew’s catalog can be purchased through iTunes.
The phrase, “guitar hero” has been tossed around lately with an almost casual disregard, but Patrick Lew embodies many of the qualities one needs to have to truly be a guitar hero. Through the years he’s worked his way up from being a young Taiwanese boy with a passion for music, to a one-man, garage, punk, grunge, hard rock band. By always remaining true to himself, true to his music, and true to his artistic vision, Patrick Lew has created in the Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions, a dynamic sound, unparalleled in the burgeoning music industry.
Written by Heath Andrews (www.reviewyou.com)
PATRICK LEW AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Sexy Asian Guitarist (MySpace, 2005)
Up-and-Coming Artists (with Band of Asians) (DMusic, 2007)
Soundclick 10th Anniversary Songwriters Contest Quarter Finalist (with Band of Asians) (Soundclick, 2007)
Most Hated Artist of the Year (Soundclick, 2008 and 2010)
Number 1 Local Punk Artist (with Patrick Lew Band) (Antioch, CA - ReverbNation, 2011)
Number 1 Local Punk Artist (with Steel Lions) (Antioch, CA - ReverbNation, 2012)
Celebrity Endorsement (Antennas Direct, 2015)
Distinguished CSU Alumni Nominee (CSU East Bay, 2015)
2015 Comeback of the Year Nominee (Unknown Source, 2015)
Number 1 Local Rock Artist (with Patrick Lew Band) (Taipei, Taiwan - ReverbNation, 2016)
July 2016 Akademia Music Award Winner ("Game Changer" with Patrick Lew Band) (Experimental Rock - Akademia Music Awards, 2016)
Number 1 Alternative Rock Cover Song ("Slipping Away" from Sum 41 with Patrick Lew Band) (Soundclick, 2017)
Number 1 Local Rock Artist (with Steel Lions) (Taipei, Taiwan - ReverbNation, 2017)
Why this name?
Before 2008, Patrick Lew Band was known as Samurai Sorcerers.
Around the Summer 2008, when we became an online collaboration with friends from school at first. That's when the name was officially changed to Patrick Lew Band. Not to sound conceited, it does have a ring to it!
Around the Summer 2008, when we became an online collaboration with friends from school at first. That's when the name was officially changed to Patrick Lew Band. Not to sound conceited, it does have a ring to it!
Do you play live?
Alone, I just come up with some idea here and there, record them on my laptop, and post the songs online for some recognition or to put myself out there. Like I would sit in my home studio, record some songs and put it out there on Spotify and iTunes to supplement my income along with my 9 to 5 job. I have toured with Patrick Lew Band sporadically between 2009 to 2012.
I also have filled in for the local San Francisco punk band The Tortured a few times as a bassist for a few shows in 2016. Their bass player left the band and moved to a different State and they asked people on their Facebook page if anyone played bass, so I contacted them and I got to do a few shows with them filling in. I also played at The Stork Club in Oakland, CA with TheVerse, the same venue that Green Day had performed. The audio recording for TheVerse's show can be found on my YouTube.
But my main focus as a musician is through home recording. And making my records look like a HUGE art project for the most part. If I have to play another show and can't find touring musicians to either be my sidemen (AKA mercenaries) or form a stable lineup which I'm willing to give up my rights to my music. I'm just gonna say F it and use backing tracks from my BOSS Dr. Rhythm machine or laptop and just play the guitar. If it makes it any easier no matter how tacky it sounds. Lol. That's if. I play live again. Eureka! I've honestly never thought about that until now.
PATRICK LEW BAND CONCERT CHRONOLOGY
Date / Venue / Location
Oct 07, 2016 Red Hat in Concord, CA
Oct 02, 2016 The Honey Hive Gallery in San Francisco, CA
May 18, 2016 The Stork Club in Oakland, CA
May 10, 2016 The Blizzard of Sound in San Francisco, CA
Jan 11, 2016 The Blizzard of Sound in San Francisco, CA
Oct 28, 2015 Music Touch at Shops At Tanforan in San Bruno, CA
Aug 14, 2015 Cafe International in San Francisco, CA
Sep 13, 2013 Mama Art Cafe in San Francisco, CA
Feb 04, 2012 Dolores Park in San Francisco, CA
Aug 05, 2011 Chichibu Park in Antioch, CA
Jun 25, 2011 The Blizzard of Sound in Antioch, CA
Jun 12, 2011 Barnes & Nobles in Antioch, CA
Jun 04, 2011 The Blizzard of Sound in Antioch, CA
Feb 09, 2011 California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA
Sep 01, 2009 California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA
Oct 10, 2007 City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
Aug 11, 2007 Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA
Aug 10, 2007 Bazaar Cafe in San Francisco, CA
May 25, 2007 San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA
May 02, 2007 City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
Apr 13, 2007 Glen Park Recreational Center in San Francisco, CA
Mar 25, 2007 City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
May 08, 2006 Vibo Music in San Francisco, CA
Feb 13, 2005 Balboa High School in San Francisco, CA
Sep 12, 2004 Patrick Lew's House in San Francisco, CA
May 27, 2004 Raoul Wallenberg High School in San Francisco, CA
May 04, 2004 Raoul Wallenberg High School in San Francisco, CA
Jun 16, 2003 Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA
I also have filled in for the local San Francisco punk band The Tortured a few times as a bassist for a few shows in 2016. Their bass player left the band and moved to a different State and they asked people on their Facebook page if anyone played bass, so I contacted them and I got to do a few shows with them filling in. I also played at The Stork Club in Oakland, CA with TheVerse, the same venue that Green Day had performed. The audio recording for TheVerse's show can be found on my YouTube.
But my main focus as a musician is through home recording. And making my records look like a HUGE art project for the most part. If I have to play another show and can't find touring musicians to either be my sidemen (AKA mercenaries) or form a stable lineup which I'm willing to give up my rights to my music. I'm just gonna say F it and use backing tracks from my BOSS Dr. Rhythm machine or laptop and just play the guitar. If it makes it any easier no matter how tacky it sounds. Lol. That's if. I play live again. Eureka! I've honestly never thought about that until now.
PATRICK LEW BAND CONCERT CHRONOLOGY
Date / Venue / Location
Oct 07, 2016 Red Hat in Concord, CA
Oct 02, 2016 The Honey Hive Gallery in San Francisco, CA
May 18, 2016 The Stork Club in Oakland, CA
May 10, 2016 The Blizzard of Sound in San Francisco, CA
Jan 11, 2016 The Blizzard of Sound in San Francisco, CA
Oct 28, 2015 Music Touch at Shops At Tanforan in San Bruno, CA
Aug 14, 2015 Cafe International in San Francisco, CA
Sep 13, 2013 Mama Art Cafe in San Francisco, CA
Feb 04, 2012 Dolores Park in San Francisco, CA
Aug 05, 2011 Chichibu Park in Antioch, CA
Jun 25, 2011 The Blizzard of Sound in Antioch, CA
Jun 12, 2011 Barnes & Nobles in Antioch, CA
Jun 04, 2011 The Blizzard of Sound in Antioch, CA
Feb 09, 2011 California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA
Sep 01, 2009 California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA
Oct 10, 2007 City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
Aug 11, 2007 Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA
Aug 10, 2007 Bazaar Cafe in San Francisco, CA
May 25, 2007 San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA
May 02, 2007 City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
Apr 13, 2007 Glen Park Recreational Center in San Francisco, CA
Mar 25, 2007 City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
May 08, 2006 Vibo Music in San Francisco, CA
Feb 13, 2005 Balboa High School in San Francisco, CA
Sep 12, 2004 Patrick Lew's House in San Francisco, CA
May 27, 2004 Raoul Wallenberg High School in San Francisco, CA
May 04, 2004 Raoul Wallenberg High School in San Francisco, CA
Jun 16, 2003 Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
The lesser known can finally get heard and put themselves out there.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Preferably with an indie label. As long as they provide me the right accommodations as far as creativity and salary. everything else.
I started my own indie label called The Promised Land which is a digital multimedia venture where I release anything Patrick Lew Band or Steel Lions related such as music, YouTube videos, photos and everything else. I also run Promised Land Inc exclusively as a home recording studio for my bands and solo projects to rehearse, jam and record.
After many problems with getting my music out there through more traditional forms of distribution and exposure in the music business, I created this indie label as a way of getting my body of musical work with Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions out there today in the digital age. I am basically running an indie record label and music business in my own home for the most part and being my own boss.
The Promised Land Inc is a limited liability company ran solely by Patrick Lew and is based out of San Francisco, California.
I started my own indie label called The Promised Land which is a digital multimedia venture where I release anything Patrick Lew Band or Steel Lions related such as music, YouTube videos, photos and everything else. I also run Promised Land Inc exclusively as a home recording studio for my bands and solo projects to rehearse, jam and record.
After many problems with getting my music out there through more traditional forms of distribution and exposure in the music business, I created this indie label as a way of getting my body of musical work with Patrick Lew Band and Steel Lions out there today in the digital age. I am basically running an indie record label and music business in my own home for the most part and being my own boss.
The Promised Land Inc is a limited liability company ran solely by Patrick Lew and is based out of San Francisco, California.
Your influences?
Nirvana * Pearl Jam * Green Day * Blink 182 * Mother Love Bone * Guns N Roses * Tesla * U2 * The Beatles * The Fall * Def Leppard * Bon Jovi * The White Stripes * Silverchair * Dead Kennedys * Metallica * The Sex Pistols * Oasis * The Stone Roses * Jim Johnston * Steve Vai * Coheed and Cambria
Favorite spot?
San Francisco, Boston, New York City, London, Toronto, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Taipei.
Equipment used:
Epiphone Les Paul * 2008 iMac * 2014 MacBook Air * Apple GarageBand * Apple Logic Pro X * Vox AC30 * Line6 TonePort * Digitech RP50 Multi-Effects * Boss DS-2 * Fender 25 Watt Frontman
Anything else...?
The audience is listening.
“Hey Patrick! Props for doing what you do and not ignoring your dream. I'm still trying to figure it all out on my end as I'm pretty new to being an artist and am terrified half the time. It can be quit an adventure at times with all the highs and lows that come with carving out a path as an artist. All the best to you, Olivia”
- Olivia Cheng (Chinese Canadian Actress), Email (Feb 18, 2009)
“Punk mojo with a positive message. Whodathunk it? Well done dood! (commenting on "Love With a Spell")
- Mark Wilson, Soundclick Critics Corner
“I initially subscribed because of? your Junko Furuta video, then I looked at some of your other videos, and you're extremely talented. I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers.”
- TheOwlKing1996@YouTube.com, Patrick Lew's YouTube (Nov 09, 2011)
“PLB - Love With A Spell (Demo) More tight and confident than some of the entries last year by Patrick Lew, but still with a raw punk attitude. Some of the words are hard to understand, but the message comes through strong.”
- Bill, Soundclick Critics Corner (Jun 10, 2013)
“You are unique and that's good. Keep trying you can only get better. There's room for every genre of music. No one genre is better than the others. I think you could make this unique genre but try to consider making your backing track ( chord progression) more connected to your melody or the opposite. I suggest reading : How Music Really Works by Wayne Chase You'll find it on the internet I read a good part of it and experimented some of the things it covers when I came back to music after I had quit for 30 years +. For the genre of music I'm favoring it helped me and it might help you with your own genre of music. It dont mean you have to follow a given formula but knowing about some basic things help.”
- Densyl, Soundclick Critics Corner (Jun 14, 2013)
“I am quite familiar with the music of Patrick Lew (Steel Lions and various other names) and I welcome him back to the showcase. I find it amusing to get the take of others who are not familiar with his brand of ‘disconnected’ music. It is true that each element in his music is never aligned with another … it is almost amazing that he can do it (try it yourself and you will fail). But this is Patrick and his approach is purely straight ahead pouring out his feelings while pouring out his instrumental segments which are from some other part of his consciousness. Strange that it works for me because I just concentrate on his message which is here one of contentment. I don’t know that you can listen to Patrick for pleasure, but he will always let you know how he feels which is often a good purpose for anyone’s music. ”
- Larry Ludwick, Soundclick Critics Corner (Jun 12, 2013)
"The phrase, guitar hero has been tossed around lately with an almost casual disregard, but Patrick Lew embodies many of the qualities one needs to have to truly be a guitar hero. Through the years hes worked his way up from being a young Taiwanese boy with a passion for music, to a one-man, garage, punk, grunge, hard rock band. By always remaining true to himself, true to his music, and true to his artistic vision, Patrick Lew has created in the Patrick Lew Band and Heavy Sigma, a dynamic sound, unparalleled in the burgeoning music industry." - Heath Andrews (Reviewyou.com - Spring 2012)
“Punk is still alive! There's something youthful and energetic about it that I've got to admire, but I've probably grown out of it myself, having discovered major sevenths and other stuff. Nice lyrics with a kicking tune. Kids having fun. That's how rock and roll was born. (commenting on "Build and Wash Away" by Heavy Sigma)”
Tim - Soundclick Critics Corner
“A very different take on the Patrick Lew Band; it’s good to see Patrick return.”
Bill @ Soundclick.com - Soundclick Critics Corner Showcase
“Haters are going to hate, People are going to say shit. F*** them. Don't let them get to you. Be this man. continue making more music. Be the musician you know you can be. do it for you. If you need/want to, do it for fans too. who gives a f*** if people talk? They are jealous of your creativity. I love you man. Thanks for being a friend and brother. i have a life so do you. Let's continue this road trip.”
David Arceo (Bandmate/Friend)
“Patrick Lew is the coolest rockstar I know, he's the f***ing most rad Japanese/Taiwanese person ever and I'm glad he's my brother. If you don't like his bands than you're just a dumb lil cat lackin glands. HE RAWKS!! much love.” Joe Chiodo - Fan Messages via Facebook
“Compared to older tracks by Patrick, and you can't really compare him to anyone but himself, this is a shade or two more sophisticated, especially the drums. On the surface it sounds like angry protest music but the lyrics are quite the opposite. For some reason the term Surf Metal comes to mind. As far as the general sound goes I'd say it was phat enough.”
Ralph Atkinson
“Hey Patrick! Props for doing what you do and not ignoring your dream. I'm still trying to figure it all out on my end as I'm pretty new to being an artist and am terrified half the time. It can be quit an adventure at times with all the highs and lows that come with carving out a path as an artist. All the best to you, Olivia”
- Olivia Cheng (Chinese Canadian Actress), Email (Feb 18, 2009)
“Punk mojo with a positive message. Whodathunk it? Well done dood! (commenting on "Love With a Spell")
- Mark Wilson, Soundclick Critics Corner
“I initially subscribed because of? your Junko Furuta video, then I looked at some of your other videos, and you're extremely talented. I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers.”
- TheOwlKing1996@YouTube.com, Patrick Lew's YouTube (Nov 09, 2011)
“PLB - Love With A Spell (Demo) More tight and confident than some of the entries last year by Patrick Lew, but still with a raw punk attitude. Some of the words are hard to understand, but the message comes through strong.”
- Bill, Soundclick Critics Corner (Jun 10, 2013)
“You are unique and that's good. Keep trying you can only get better. There's room for every genre of music. No one genre is better than the others. I think you could make this unique genre but try to consider making your backing track ( chord progression) more connected to your melody or the opposite. I suggest reading : How Music Really Works by Wayne Chase You'll find it on the internet I read a good part of it and experimented some of the things it covers when I came back to music after I had quit for 30 years +. For the genre of music I'm favoring it helped me and it might help you with your own genre of music. It dont mean you have to follow a given formula but knowing about some basic things help.”
- Densyl, Soundclick Critics Corner (Jun 14, 2013)
“I am quite familiar with the music of Patrick Lew (Steel Lions and various other names) and I welcome him back to the showcase. I find it amusing to get the take of others who are not familiar with his brand of ‘disconnected’ music. It is true that each element in his music is never aligned with another … it is almost amazing that he can do it (try it yourself and you will fail). But this is Patrick and his approach is purely straight ahead pouring out his feelings while pouring out his instrumental segments which are from some other part of his consciousness. Strange that it works for me because I just concentrate on his message which is here one of contentment. I don’t know that you can listen to Patrick for pleasure, but he will always let you know how he feels which is often a good purpose for anyone’s music. ”
- Larry Ludwick, Soundclick Critics Corner (Jun 12, 2013)
"The phrase, guitar hero has been tossed around lately with an almost casual disregard, but Patrick Lew embodies many of the qualities one needs to have to truly be a guitar hero. Through the years hes worked his way up from being a young Taiwanese boy with a passion for music, to a one-man, garage, punk, grunge, hard rock band. By always remaining true to himself, true to his music, and true to his artistic vision, Patrick Lew has created in the Patrick Lew Band and Heavy Sigma, a dynamic sound, unparalleled in the burgeoning music industry." - Heath Andrews (Reviewyou.com - Spring 2012)
“Punk is still alive! There's something youthful and energetic about it that I've got to admire, but I've probably grown out of it myself, having discovered major sevenths and other stuff. Nice lyrics with a kicking tune. Kids having fun. That's how rock and roll was born. (commenting on "Build and Wash Away" by Heavy Sigma)”
Tim - Soundclick Critics Corner
“A very different take on the Patrick Lew Band; it’s good to see Patrick return.”
Bill @ Soundclick.com - Soundclick Critics Corner Showcase
“Haters are going to hate, People are going to say shit. F*** them. Don't let them get to you. Be this man. continue making more music. Be the musician you know you can be. do it for you. If you need/want to, do it for fans too. who gives a f*** if people talk? They are jealous of your creativity. I love you man. Thanks for being a friend and brother. i have a life so do you. Let's continue this road trip.”
David Arceo (Bandmate/Friend)
“Patrick Lew is the coolest rockstar I know, he's the f***ing most rad Japanese/Taiwanese person ever and I'm glad he's my brother. If you don't like his bands than you're just a dumb lil cat lackin glands. HE RAWKS!! much love.” Joe Chiodo - Fan Messages via Facebook
“Compared to older tracks by Patrick, and you can't really compare him to anyone but himself, this is a shade or two more sophisticated, especially the drums. On the surface it sounds like angry protest music but the lyrics are quite the opposite. For some reason the term Surf Metal comes to mind. As far as the general sound goes I'd say it was phat enough.”
Ralph Atkinson
