SA: Listen to Kathryn Georgina’s debut album Formative

The record, which is available for streaming and download on major digital platforms, is a heartfelt tribute to the music that shaped her. It reimagines hardcore, screamo, and post-hardcore anthems from the 2000s in a strikingly emotive, piano-driven format. From the haunting intensity of Alexisonfire’s ‘Accidents’ to the ethereal melancholy of Poison the Well’s ‘Pieces of You in Me’, Georgina’ breathes new life into songs that have long been celebrated for their raw power, revealing the poignant beauty beneath the noise.

“Music shapes us all,” Georgina said. “As an entry point, it makes sense to share the influences that speak volumes, bringing new life to classics but also showcasing the melody in lesser-known genres.”

Inspired by the piano cover albums of Christopher O’Riley (Radiohead, Elliott Smith), Formative is both a personal exploration and a gift to listeners, offering a glimpse into the alternative music scene through Georgina’s interpretive lens.

“The message of the album is that there is beauty in everything,” she said. “The beauty I hear in some of the heaviest tracks, not commonly recognised as beautiful, is translated into lyrical piano music. I feel I have maintained the integrity of the tracks but just painted them with different colours, so to speak.”

The album's creation was as raw as its inspirations. Recorded at home on her electric piano, with her partner Ashley engineering between life’s daily interruptions, Georgina channelled emotion, frustration, and perseverance into every note. “Even listening to it now is such a love/hate thing. But I’m trying to have grace for myself,” she added.