Lew Nottke has had his fingers on a guitar since the ripe age of 14. His early years were spent in Torrance, CA where is began to explore the world of rock and roll. His first taste of stage work was within a few local bands called Voyce and LA Riot. These ventures allowed Lew to develop his style and stage presence as a guitar player.
In the late 90’s, Lew joined forces with his brother, Ray Nottke on bass, and Eric St. James followed by Jay Smith on drums to create the metal trio Beat the Bone. Their cd “Naked” was featured internationally and earned Lew the pride of touring with some of rock and roll’s greatest bands such as Iron Maiden, Queensryche and Rob Halford. The album soared the college radio charts and was featured as a top 10 band by Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles. They were also featured on a Knuckle Tracks 85 featured internationally along side Shadows Fall and Three Inches of Blood. During Lew’s time with Beat the Bone, he composed a song titled “Planet E” which was released on BHP music in 2009 on the album “Guitar Masters, Vol. 2” along with the guitar world’s top artists; Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page, BB King, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Beat the Bone went on a permanent hiatus is 2006 due to Lew’s desire to take his music in a more alternative direction. Their music is still featured on MTV Cribs, Fox Sports for the LA Kings, The Red Bull Romaniacs and other mainstream media.
Lew was in a band called Even X, who performed with Drowning Pool and toured with Dope in 2007. Lew left the band to pursue his own project.
About a year later Lew joined forces vocalist Jeff Zazueta, rhythm guitarist Chris Zazueta, bassist Darrell Gretzner, and drummer Dave Harris to create the band Hazner. In 2010 Hazner swept the competition and won the Sam Ash Battle of the Bands. They also had the honor of opening for the band Unwritten Law. BHP music released another song by Lew featuring Hazner in 2011 called “Good Times, Bad Times” on the album “Led Zeppelin Salute – Get Some More Led Out”. Lew and the band parted ways early in 2010 due to creative differences.
In 2012 Lew joined Universal Recording Artist Collinz Room. With an eclectic musical repertoire, in 2013 the band released their CD Cymatic Paper Trails and the CD was well received by the fans.
