In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and mass appeal, few artists are bold enough to build a career on authenticity and cultural pride. Patrick Lew, the San Francisco-born rocker
behind the experimental Patrick Lew Band (PLB) and his solo alias Lewnatic, is one of those
rare forces. Blending genres, identities, and decades of musical influence, Lew has carved
out an unapologetically original lane in the underground music scene one that resonates
deeply with misfits, dreamers, and rock enthusiasts across the globe.
Born of Two Worlds: Culture and Community
Patrick Allan Lew was born on November 15, 1985, in the heart of San Francisco, a city
renowned for its counterculture legacy. Raised by first-generation Chinese and Sino-
Japanese parents, he grew up immersed in a cross-cultural household. The Bay Area’s
diversity was not just a backdrop it became a foundation for his musical and personal
identity.Lew’s education further reflected his multicultural upbringing. He graduated from
Wallenberg High School and studied Japanese at Soko Gakuen. Later, he earned a B.A. in
Philosophy from Cal State East Bay, a discipline that shaped the introspective and
existential tones in his songwriting.
The Origins of the Patrick Lew Band
What started as a teenage passion project in 2001 slowly evolved into the Patrick Lew Band,
officially formed in 2006. Originally a joke moniker posted on MySpace, “The Patrick Lew
Band” became a lasting identity. His early sound gritty, raw, and emotionally urgent reflected
his punk and grunge roots. Inspired by Nirvana, X Japan, and the British Invasion, Lew drew
on a wide spectrum: from 90s alt-rock to Japanese pop and even chiptune.
With the rise of social media and DIY platforms, PLB began releasing home-recorded albums,
many of which embraced lo-fi aesthetics long before it became a genre buzzword. Over the
years, the band’s discography has expanded to include 14 albums, each marked by a fearless
willingness to evolve and experiment.
Reinvention as Lewnatic: Performance Meets Persona
In 2019, Patrick introduced a new alter ego: Lewnatic. Inspired by performance art and
rooted in rebellion, the Lewnatic project blended electronic textures, punk bravado, anddigital theatrics. The name fusing his surname “Lew” with “lunatic” signaled an embrace of
duality: chaos and control, artistry and identity.
While PLB continued releasing music independently, Lewnatic signed with Bentley Records
in 2022, allowing Patrick to explore a more stylized and conceptual path. Monthly live shows
at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge, along with livestream performances and overseas
appearances in Japan, helped solidify Lewnatic’s following.
Struggles, Grief, and Resilience
Behind the persona lies a story of resilience. The passing of Patrick’s mother in 2017 was a
devastating blow, leading to a temporary pause in his artistic output. He turned to full-time
work to support himself but never gave up on his music. Instead, grief became a muse,
adding a new emotional depth to his lyrics and creative vision.
Even as he faced personal losses and industry rejections, Lew found renewed purpose
through music. His faith in the underground community and his own DIY ethic has remained
steadfast.
Living Across Borders: Love, Location, and Long-Distance
Although Patrick is deeply rooted in the Bay Area, his journey has taken him through Antioch,
California, and even briefly to Texas. He now splits his time between San Francisco and
Rockford, Illinois, where he shares a home with his fiancée Amanda “Manda Kay” Lew. Their
long-distance relationship underscores the complexities of modern love, often reflected in
his lyrics and online storytelling.
Genre-Bending Sound & Artistic Influences
Patrick Lew defies genre labels. His work draws from punk, blues, hard rock, J-Pop, K-Pop,
electronic, grunge, and more. As Lewnatic, he leans into synth-heavy production and avant-
garde visuals. As PLB, he remains raw and analog, often recording with minimal gear and
maximum emotion.
Citing Nirvana, Beyond, The Beatles, Yutaka Ozaki, and his cousin Andy as key influences,
Patrick creates with the passion of a fan and the discipline of a philosopher. His sound is not
just a style it’s a story.
The Many Faces of Patrick: The Story of Madeline Lew
Between 2015 and 2024, one of the most radical and expressive elements of the Patrick Lew
Band project was the inclusion of Madeline Lew a cross-dressing alter ego brought to life by
Patrick himself. Madeline wasn’t just a character; she was a performance art piece, a
commentary on gender norms, and a vital creative force within the PLB universe.
Clad in wigs, bold makeup, and unapologetic attitude, Madeline allowed Patrick to tap into
his theatrical side, exploring femininity, duality, and artistic freedom through a completely
different lens. Appearing in music videos, online vlogs, and live shows, Madeline became a
symbol of boundary-pushing individuality equal parts rebel, muse, and mirror.
While some saw her as controversial, others praised her as a fearless exploration of identity
in rock music an often traditionally masculine space. For nearly a decade, Madeline Lew
challenged expectations, often blurring the line between performance and personal truth.She wasn’t just a side project she was PLB in many ways.
In 2024, Patrick quietly retired the Madeline Lew persona, reflecting a natural evolution in
both life and art. But the impact she left remains.
“Madeline helped me express things I couldn’t as Patrick,” he shared.
“She was part of my freedom part of my truth.”
A Shoutout from Legends and a Growing Legacy
Over the years, Patrick’s work has caught the attention of several notable figures. WWE Hall
of Famer Bret Hart praised him via Cameo in 2022. In 2019, Simon Tam of The Slants
publicly supported Lew’s efforts to challenge Asian-American stereotypes in rock. And as a
teenager, Patrick met Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 an encounter that left a lasting impression.
These moments serve as affirmations that, even from the underground, Lew’s voice is being
heard.
Recent Releases & Future Plans
Recent releases include:
“I Feel Like Playing” (Lewnatic): A blues-driven instrumental EP showcasing his guitar work.
“lost in the meta” (PLB): A dark, introspective project reflecting on alienation in the digital
age.
“Starrcade” (Lewnatic): His first full-length LP under the new alias, merging retro gaming
aesthetics with punk energy.
Despite working full-time at Costco in San Francisco, Patrick remains prolific. He uses every
spare moment to write, record, and promote his work via platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and
TikTok.
A Message to the Next Generation
When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring artists, Patrick offers a simple truth:
“Be yourself. Be determined. Be as ambitious and driven as you want to be, and keep
doing you. Good things will come your way.”
Final Thoughts: Defiant and Unapologetically Himself
Patrick Lew stands as a trailblazer for Asian-American representation in rock a scene that
has often lacked visible diversity. His journey proves that passion, persistence, and personal
truth can outlast trends and transcend barriers. Whether you discover him as PLB or
Lewnatic, one thing is clear:
Patrick Lew isn’t following the rules. He’s rewriting them.
Connect with Patrick Lew:
Spotify (Patrick Lew Band): Patrick Lew Band on Spotify
Spotify (Lewnatic): Lewnatic on Spotify
YouTube: @patricklewofficial
Instagram: @patricklewwband
TikTok: @thepatricklewband
Linktree: linktr.ee/patricklewband Or reach out via: lewnaticjp@gmail.co
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