Jason Lenig - How to Live
Rock
Pennsylvania, U.S.
Overall Impression: With its solid writing and deeply engaging performances, Jason Lenig’s “How to Live” pulses with the kind of raw immediacy that makes it feel more like a moment captured than a product delivered. It is a stirring piece of alternative/indie rock that places a firm emphasis on melody, feel, and groove. Lenig, in both his songwriting and performance, lays out an arresting listening experience with poise and a steady, unpretentious hand. He's crafted something that sounds like it was felt before it was recorded—something sincere, spatial, and searching.
Strongest Point(s): The performances across the board are undeniably strong. Jason's vocals serve as the track’s narrator, not a shouter but not a whisperer either, walking a deliberate line between an animated expressiveness and an understated, almost conversational tone. There's a deep authenticity in the way he delivers his lines and his tone has that certain golden alt. rock quality—almost hypnotic in quality but still accessible. The arrangement is also very well crafted and swells and breathes with an enveloping “wall of sound,” but it’s not the crushing, overproduced kind—it’s immersive, organic, and full of human fingerprints. Whether it's the crunchy ambient electric guitars, tasteful lead melodies, or groove-infused bass and drums, there's a relaxed sense of character to the arrangement that still manages to feel cohesive and immersive. There's also a distinct "live" feel to the track. This “live” feel is more than a production choice; it’s a philosophy. The track doesn’t feel engineered so much as captured. Dynamics shift naturally — a guitar swell here, a melodic flourish there. Nothing feels looped or quantized into lifeless perfection. Instead, the mix leans into a more spontaneous sound— and in doing so, becomes something far more compelling.
Target Audience Appeal: "How To Live" is an effective piece of alternative rock songwriting and I can see it strongly resonating with fans of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Collective Soul, Blur, The Stone Roses, The Verve, Manic Street Preachers, The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene, Shed Seven
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.