By Robert Goldberg | March 30, 2023
From nostalgic anger to unapologetic moshing and stage diving to feelings of non-conformist social acceptance, a Microwave concert is more than just a show. It’s a sanctuary of camaraderie and belonging where all are welcome to express their individuality and rock the fuck out. The Georgia natives including Nathan Hardy (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Tyler Hill (Bass), Travis Hill (Guitar), and Timothy Pittard (Drums) derive their own form of emo-indie psychedelic contemporary rock that provides a gut-wrenching good time that all can enjoy.
Nathan and Timothy met at the classic Marietta venue, Swayze’s, where they found a safe haven where they could share similar tastes, interests and music. Travis and Tyler joined soon after and the four-some began practicing in a storage facility on Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock.
From there, they released their first two EPs Stovall and Much Love. Stovall discusses the passions and challenges of youth including mistakes, change, and self-discovery. While Much Love explores the complexities of losing both faith in god and love following Nathan’s disavowal of the Mormon religion. Their most recent album, Death is a Warm Blanket, provides listeners with soft melodies with anguished and impassioned vocals examining love, emotional wellness, and religious crisis.
This show was a true joy. Both indie and emo/punk fans alike showed their appreciation through a raging mosh pit, waves of crowd surfing, and plenty of stage dives. In between songs you could hear the buzzing of the quartet’s instruments creating what sounded like the hum of a microwave. Amid the chaos, the band was able to tame the crowd through lullaby-esque songs, creating an incredible dynamic of both fury and serenity.
We caught up with Nathan Hardy from Microwave before the show where he answered a few questions for the groovement:
What was the First Concert you went to?
My first concert was Meteor World Tour, which included bands like Linkin Park, P.O.D., Hoobastank, and Story of the Year. I went with my dad and friend when I was 11.
Where are you from?
Marietta, Georgia.
How did the band first get started?
We used to practice at a storage facility on Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock, Georgia. I met Timothy Pittard who plays drums at a Marietta venue named Swayze’s, where we hung out in high school. We met Tyler at the Highlands Bar and Grill on Barrett Parkway. So we’re all from the Marietta and Woodstock area and then created our first EP, Stovall, which led to our first tour in 2015.
What was the first concert you performed?
In high school we had to play Christian songs to get shows. The first concert I performed though was probably Battle of the Bands when I was 14. I also played at Swayze’s that year. Swayze’s was really the venue that felt like home, where I met most of my friends and was able to play the music we love.
What is the origin of the name Microwave?
I think one of our friends recommended it because it’s just another random name like Filter, Skillet, Limp Bizkit, or Korn. There really wasn’t a good reason for the name, it was just something that was around the room like fridge, counter etc. We’re not even sure whose idea it was.
How would you describe your music genre?
The going description right now is adult mid-temp psychedelic contemporary rock, but we consider ourselves an emo-indie, alt-rock, or active-rock band.
Do you have a pre-show routine?
Not really, me and Timothy will stretch a lot. Tyler will scream loudly to warm up his voice and yell “Go Braves!”
Who/ what do you draw inspiration from to create your music?
As for musicians, in the beginning Manchester Orchestra was a favorite band. Nirvana was also a childhood favorite. Also Brand New, Foo-FIghters, Weezer. Coming from AT–I’m a big fan of R&B and hip-hop, so, Frank Ocean, TLC, D’Angelo, and I’m a lifelong Outkast fan as well.
I also read a lot and watch a ton of movies. I’m a big Charles Bukowski fan and love movies like There Will Be Blood, which have really influenced me as a writer.
What do you want people to take away from your music?
I hope people don’t make decisions based on fear. I hope people will hear our music and think, ‘I shouldn’t be motivated by fear to make decisions in my life.’
What’s your dream venue to perform at?
I always wanted to play upstairs at Webster Hall in New York, and we actually did that last year. It would also be cool to play at State Farm Arena.
Connect with Microwave on Instagram, Spotify, and their website.
📸: shot by Jill Boyastis
