Patrick Lew: An Asian-American Rock Trailblazer

 Patrick Lew: An Asian-American Rock Trailblazer

Patrick Lew Hayashi was born on November 15th, 1985, in San Francisco, California. He has emerged as a pioneer of indie rock band perseverance and originality. Since leading the Patrick Lew Band (PLB) and fathering the Lewnatic side project, Patrick has claimed territory in the world of independent music, influenced by punk rock, grunge, and J-Rock, while remaining strictly independent.

Early Years and Musical Genesis

Patrick's upbringing and passion for playing instruments originated from being born and raised in San Francisco, where people from different cultures co-exist. Patrick has Chinese blood on their father's side and Japanese blood on his mother's side, so he was listening to Western rock and East Asian pop constantly. The first influences were grunge bands, such as Nirwana, and famous British bands, like Beatles and Rolling Stones, as well as J-pop and Hong Kong Pop, which motivated him to become an artist who can unite different genres and nationalities.

Patrick started his music career at 15 when he formed his first band in high school. Born in London and raised in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Patrick began making and recording music in his bedroom using a Tascam 4-track recorder his mother had bought. This was the birth of the Patrick Lew Band, which the youth has seen and enjoyed as a constant feature of the underground music scene.

The Rise of the Patrick Lew Band

PLB officially began in 2001 and was the real deal of garage punk. Early albums such as Curb Your Wild Life, Let It Rise, and Against showed Patrick's grunge influences and his riotous energy. With time, PLB transformed into a solo project online, taking on a virtual style and adding electronic and experimental rock to its music.

A critical moment in PLB was 2015 when Madeline Lew created Patrick's cross-dressing alter ego and virtual band member. Madeline added another concept to the band, underlining the very creative way Patrick told a story. With this development, PLB gradually climbed in fame to reach popularity all around the globe with hits that reached the streaming listeners of more than 50 countries, including Spotify and Apple Music subscribers.

Achievements and Impact

Patrick’s artistic and personal achievements have set him apart in the indie rock landscape:

Awards and Recognition: Patrick was inducted into CSU East Bay's 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame, becoming the first Japanese-American male to receive the honor. He also won the AkademiaMusic Award in 2016 for the experimental rock track “Game Changer.”

Media Presence: Patrick’s work has been featured in media outlets such as Ascendant Magazine, and he made cameo appearances in shows like The Man in the High Castle and White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch.

International Collaborations: Collaborating with Bentley Records under the Lewnatic banner, Patrick released Rapid Fire in 2022, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic musician.

Lewnatic: Expanding the Vision

Lewnatic, a project started in 2019, can be seen as a daring continuation of Patrick's journey into music. Starting off as a rap metal project, Lewnatic soon evolved into a colorful rock band with influences from City Pop and anime. They constantly perform, including their recent milestone of performing at DNA Lounge. Their work, like Rapid Fire, has explained how Patrick is able to bring in new audiences.

A Creative Partnership

Patrick's artwork is personal, and the artist's private life and art are inseparable. He has partnered with Manda Kay, a YouTuber and former actress on the stage. They make music videos and other online materials, where Patrick composes music, and Manda writes stories and performs. Their love for each other, art, and the lengths they go to support one another are adored by fans worldwide.

Challenges and Resilience

However, Patrick has had a few challenges throughout his journey, though he has enjoyed success. It's Monday morning when I drop by Patrick's house and interview him in his living room about his life as an ethnic minority in rock music. Nonetheless, through sheer commitment to his music, the man has been able to overcome these barriers and is now celebrated as a leader in the ASIAN AMERICAN MUSIC SCENE.

A Legacy of Innovation

As Patrick Lew Band celebrates its 20th year in the music industry, Patrick never stops reinventing indie sounds and styles. Regardless of the current festival concert, self-recorded albums, or collaborations, Patrick will continue to bring good vibes and creativity into the world. It is a sweet success story of sheer determination, innovation, and his love for music, which he never let go of. Patrick Lew’s impact transcends music, serving as a beacon for aspiring artists who dare to challenge conventions and redefine what it means to be an independent musician.