Lewnatic, a dynamic Asian-American rock band hailing from San Francisco, is the brainchild of the exceptionally talented Sino-Japanese-American musician, Patrick Lew Hayashi. Initially formed in 2019 as the musical predecessor of the Patrick Lew Band, the group began making waves in the indie music circuit and beyond, captivating the hearts of the Japanese-American community and online music enthusiasts in just a few short months.
In December 2019, Lewnatic welcomed Filipino-American rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and beatmaker, A.K.AYE, who made his electrifying debut at the band's unforgettable performance at San Francisco's legendary DNA Lounge. Together, the duo rebranded Lewnatic into a high-octane rap-metal band, BENIGNEGLECT, transforming the project from a solo venture into a fiery, sonic force that transcended genres.
Despite their successful residencies at DNA Lounge during the COVID-19 pandemic, BENIGNEGLECT was eventually put on indefinite hold, while Patrick returned to touring, performing, and recording full-time with the Patrick Lew Band (PLB). However, in 2022, Lewnatic was rebranded as a spin-off of the PLB and underwent a dramatic overhaul. With renewed vigor, Lewnatic released new music independently, culminating in the long-awaited major album release, RAPID FIRE!, on August 17, 2022, under the esteemed record label, Bentley Records.
What Lewnatic is All About
The band’s name Lewnatic is a direct spoonerism of his father’s surname Lew and the word “Lunatic.”
Hayashi's musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable, having released numerous EPs, singles, and two full-length albums under his solo project Lewnatic since its inception in 2019. He has also ventured into acting, having made a brief cameo appearance in Season 4, Episode 1 of Amazon's critically acclaimed series The Man in the High Castle. In 2019, the Patrick Lew Band was inducted into the prestigious 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame at their alma mater, CSU East Bay.
Following the indefinite postponement of BENIGNEGLECT, Patrick reformed Lewnatic as a live-streaming and solo touring experiment, rapidly producing new music and digital content.
From a Self-taught Musician and Performer
Despite being largely self-taught, Hayashi quickly established himself as a versatile musician, teaching himself how to create his own music as a bedroom producer, utilizing his guitar-playing skills and adding angst-filled lyrics related to alienation and abjection.
In addition to his solo endeavors, Patrick toured, recorded, and performed with the San Francisco-based shoegaze band, TheVerse, between 2015 and 2019, releasing one EP during his tenure with the group. He also played guitar with his then-girlfriend Madoku Raye's Silicon Valley-based Post-Rock band, Crazy Loser in a Box, occasionally since 2018.
Despite Lewnatic's sporadic live performances, the band has cemented itself as one of the most prolific internet-based virtual rock bands of their time, producing cutting-edge music and digital content that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. As Patrick continues to pursue his musical journey with both PLB and Lewnatic, his dedication to delivering unique music and innovative digital content remains unwavering.
Owing to his YouTube channel, Patrick has gradually become a renowned influencer and digital creator, alongside his cross-dressing alter-ego, Madeline Lew. Patrick and Madeline embarked on a thrilling journey that propelled the Patrick Lew Band to become Asian-American icons on the Internet, gaining extensive coverage in digital music magazines, blogs, and the press.
Patrick Lew Hayashi, the creator of Lewnatic and Patrick Lew Band, has been a key figure in the Asian-American rock music scene in recent years. Through his self-taught musical skills and his use of digital technology, he has been able to create unique and cutting-edge music that has gained recognition both in the indie music circuit and in the online community. While Lewnatic has gone through several iterations, Patrick continues to explore new musical territories and push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital age. With his passion for music and his dedication to his craft, he is sure to continue delivering exciting music and innovative content for years to come.
