She Played The Flute?
Kelsy Karter and The Heroines
Cris Cohen: You studied the flute as a kid, which is not the typical pre-rock education. But has there been anything from that time learning the flute that maybe you still carry with you today?
Kelsy Karter: Yeah. I always tell young musicians… when they ask, “How do I start a band?” Or “How do I get started in the music business? What are some tips you have?”
I always tell them, “Learn an instrument.” It doesn't matter what instrument. It could be the fucking triangle. Because no matter what role you want to play in a band, learning an instrument will give you tools you don't even realize you have from it.
I absolutely fucking loathed the flute. I hated it so much. I was quite a rebellious kid by nature. And there's nothing less rebellious than the flute. And I happen to be quite good at it. I was first flute. I was band leader (in) orchestra. My music teacher was very encouraging. But I hated it so much.
My dad’s side of the family are all jazz musicians. So that was kind of instilled in me really young to learn an instrument. I don't know the decision to do flute, but that's what was decided. I also did piano, which again, one hundred percent carried with me now. I play piano now and again. I play guitar. I read music. I'm by no means great at any of it, but I'm good at all of it.
So it definitely helps. I'm glad that I learned instruments as a kid.