Patrick Lew Band
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69,358 views
Hello! My name is Patrick Lew Hayashi.
I am an almost 40 year old Asian-American who is born, raised and currently living in San Francisco, California. Thank you for visiting my page (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, etc etc) and taking the time to listen to my music or watching my videos. I sincerely and definitely appreciate it!
I hope that you enjoy the music that I post on here. If there is anything about my work that resonates with you, whether it be the lyrics or the compositions themselves, I am truly grateful and honored that it did. I hope to connect with many musicians and listeners across the world, regardless of musical genre, race, color, creed, sexual orientation or religion.
My music is Patrick Lew Band. Also known to everybody as PLB. And right now. You are reading and listening to my story on social-media.Band/artist history
Update: As of July 4, 2025. The Patrick Lew Band is officially discontinued and will cease further activity operating under the PLB banner. Patrick Lew will still create music as a solo artist under the Lewnatic name. His main focus, has shifted to his new band The Men of Madness, an overhaul and rebranding of the former PLB musical entity. Just to reiterate, there will be no future plans or content created under the Patrick Lew Band name indefinitely for the foreseeable future.
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, Patricks 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 Lews 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 wasnt just the music that set PLB apartit was Patricks 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 wasnt 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 bands identity. This move pushed PLB into new territory, gaining attention from listeners around the world.
By this time, PLBs 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 labela feat that remains a true testament to Patricks creative vision and DIY ethos.
Achievements and Impact: A Legacy Built on Persistence
Patrick Lews 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, Patricks 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.
Challenges and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Redefining the Music Industry
Patricks 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
Patricks 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.Have you performed in front of an audience?Nah, we're just bedroom producers and do live-streaming. That's all. We been doing that since 2020. We're too much in the year 2050 to go on tour or play a show anywhere (NOTE: We need a Madeline Lew hologram onstage), and a lot of the stuff we do can't be done live in the year 2024 yet on a budget.
Your musical influences
Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, X Japan, Green Day, Guns N Roses, Motley Crue, The Beatles, Pearl Jam, Oasis, Silverchair, BEYOND, Bz, Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Miyavi Ishihara, BTS, The White Stripes, Blink 182.What equipment do you use?
GEAR USED: GEAR: Epiphone Les Paul * Fender Telecaster * 2012 MacBook Pro * 2014 MacBook Air * Apple GarageBand * Apple Logic Pro X * Apple MainStage 3 * Vox AC50 * Boss DS-2 * Marshall CODE50 * Boss Dr. Rhythm Drum Machine * PreSonus Audiobox iOne * iPhone 13 PRO * Fender Jazz Bass * VOCALOID (to create Madeline Lew's voice) * A.I. Music GeneratorsAnything else?
Like my page on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/thepatricklewband
Check out our Link Tree too for all the essentials.
https://linktr.ee/patricklewband/
Google "Patrick Lew Band" for more 411 about the PLB!Hard Rock to the BARE BONES
16 songs · 10 artists
Plain and simple. My picks for GREAT hard rock on here.
By @RealPatrickLew
nicolastragedie's station
47 songs · 42 artists
By @nicolastragedie
THE PLB HOOPLA
26 songs · 2 artists
Best pieces of music I made as a solo musician in PLB.
By @RealPatrickLew
MadelineLew's station
1 song · 1 artist
By @MadelineLew
So Strong ! KnapHOT RENDITION !!
LOVE THE VOCALS!!
DRUMNJON:)Enjoy the music peeps.All comments (4)
24,617 plays
69,358 views
69,358 views
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Patrick
@RealPatrickLew
Very good cover!