Nathanson's early band Life's Blood played a politicized form of New York hardcore.
The group was extant from 1987 to 1989, and upon its demise, Nathanson and bassist Neil Burke formed Born Against with singer Sam McPheeters.
After Born Against, Nathanson formed and fronted the (Young) Pioneers, a group that would later influence the folk punk movement.
Nathanson most recently formed Teargas Rock, a sporadically active group continuing in the direction of (Young) Pioneers.
Nathanson currently lives in Richmond with his wife and children, teaches adult literacy, and is involved in community organizing such as Food Not Bombs.