From the age of nine, Edina High School senior Kate Flick has turned to music to break out of her shell, working with dozens of bands and becoming a successful musician. 

Flick’s musical roots reach back to her parents. After encouraging her to begin with only two violin lessons, Flick continued the rest of her musical journey by teaching herself and finding her own opportunities. “I was a very introverted kid,” Flick said. “[My violin teacher] said, ‘If you get into music, and get good at any instrument, you’re going to have friends for the rest of your life.’” 

In addition to learning to sing, Flick picked up piano, guitar, electric bass, drums, and the ukulele. From the wide range of musical instruments, she mastered many musical genres, from classical to heavy metal. “You have to put on your own look for every different band. People can’t discriminate against you when you have different personas,” Flick said. Out of all her performances, Flick’s favorite performance was in La Crosse, Wisconsin where she put on face paint for a black metal band. 

Through social media, Flick has spread her musical talent, attracting invites to collaborate with other artists and amassing more than 4,000 followers on Instagram (@kateonkeys). By consistently posting and putting herself out there, Flick hopes she can help combat discrimination. “In music, women have it a lot harder than men. When you get to the top, it’s a lot harder for females to make it. People want a male bass player over a female bass player just because men like talking to men,” Flick said. 

“She’s going to be famous one day for sure,” junior Miranda Almen said. “She’s already playing at First Avenue, and Lizzo played there. She’s only 17.”

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on October 12, 2023.