At first glance, it may not seem like King Isis and Flora MMA (aka Flynn Namala) have much in common as they commence a lengthy road trip to Oakland. King Isis came up there, shifting their rigid classical upbringing into Nirvana covers and woozy rock experimentalism that’s guided by their blazing, soulful voice. Their sound has frequently mutated since they emerged in 2022, straddling alt-pop brightness and dark, grunge-y introspections. Meanwhile, Namala spent their high school years fronting indie outfit the Blank Minds, where they first penned songs about transitioning and survival. With their solo project Flora MMA, they lean on sharp, vulnerable tunes that draw from 2000s pop and emo to speak to their identity, heartache, and generational trauma — most recently on their debut LP, songs for trans people with big feelings.
Yet both artists are kindred spirits, creating left-of-center songs that are helping to reconfigure what “alternative” means in modern times, equating the genre to liberation and possibility while being unafraid to take up space. Sitting next to each other in a moving van, parked at a gas station somewhere between San Francisco and LA, they trade laughter, memories, and advice with the ease of a decades-long friendship, though they only met in person last October. The pair have been in each other’s lives for a lot longer, though. After learning about their music through TikTok, DMs turned into a bonafide, long-distance companionship, where they bonded over Paramore, Yves Tumor, and Dora Jar. Their first FaceTime, Namala points out, lasted three hours, though time has smudged what they discussed. These days, the duo are completely inseparable. They attend each other’s shows, share music, and offer wisdom whenever they can, but they also embrace their differences with warmth, intimacy, and respect.
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Here, King Isis and Flora MMA express their mutual love for one another, reflecting on their origins, live shows, and where their musical tastes split ways.
How did you break out of just DMing each other — did you make plans to hang out in person?
KING ISIS: I mean, at the time Flynn was living in New York, and I was living in LA, but after that phone call, I think we both just saw each other as cool besides music stuff. I didn’t really have a lot of friends in LA, and they were moving back to LA, so I think we were trying to make plans. It didn’t happen for almost a whole year. We were playing phone tag and meet tag in New York.
FLORA MMA: We were supposed to meet. You invited me to a session in New York, and then I was like, “Oh, it’s so far.”
KING ISIS: That didn’t happen, and then we finally met in person last year in October in LA.
Have you played on each other’s songs?
KING ISIS: Not yet.
FLORA MMA: We’ll see. But we always show each other stuff and ask, “What do you think about this?”
What are some things that you admire about each other?
FLORA MMA: I think Isis is the best singer I’ve ever heard in my [life]. They have a really great range, [not only] octave-wise but also in vocal tone. They can sing pretty soft, melodic things, but then also have this gritty, very emotional, powerful voice. I’ve never heard somebody who can in one song go from this really, really beautiful high note to a really gritty vocal thing. So I like that. I also think they’re a really good songwriter and guitar player, and so humble in a way that people who are that talented and successful are not.
KING ISIS: I feel like even though you do give a fuck about a lot of things, you just do what you want in your music and even in how you promote it in your online presence. I wish I could do more. I love your songwriting, your lyrics, and just you.
How would you each describe your live shows?
KING ISIS: Flynn’s is gay cowboy.
FLORA MMA: That’s true. I have this outfit I wear every time I do anything music-y or cool. It’s my only really cool outfit. Men’s fashion is just boring, so I have a cowboy jacket and a cowboy hat, boots, and these cool pants that are Isis’. I literally wear that or a variation on that every time we do anything related to music. I get nervous talking to people, but I feel like if you have a cool outfit, people are nicer to you and more respectful to you because they think you look cool. I wear that every time I play. I really want to do a full-band show, but I’ve mostly only been doing acoustic stuff just because I haven’t found people to play with yet, and I don’t have money to pay them, so I feel like they’re very chill. I get really nervous, and then I just ramble and then sing my little songs.
KING ISIS: I also sometimes do the acoustic sets. I don’t ramble ’cause I hate talking, so I just say thank you and then move on to a new song. Then my favorite way to perform is with a band, just because it’s more energy, other people to look at onstage, not just me the whole time. It’s two guitars. I’m playing guitar, another guitarist, and then bass and drums. But I love a good outfit.
I can imagine it’s pretty nerve-wracking to be up there by yourself.
KING ISIS: It definitely is. I can sing and play the song without getting nervous because I’m closing my eyes honestly most of the time. But when I am out and the song is over, I’m like, “Oh shit, I forgot where I was.”
You both twist rock and pop influences into an arresting blend, but I’m wondering where your tastes diverge.
FLORA MMA: I like a lot of white girl pop, but some of it has grown on you. Chappell Roan has grown on you.
KING ISIS: Yeah, Chappell Roan has grown.
FLORA MMA: You just have a way broader appreciation of music.
KING ISIS: I grew up playing classical piano and playing in an orchestra, and so I really love the dramatics of either a full orchestral song or just a piano piece, which Flynn can’t always get behind. Growing up, I also played jazz piano, and my grandpa played bass as a touring musician, and so I have an appreciation for jazz. I feel like we don’t really share that, but I do like some of the music you listen to, for sure.
FLORA MMA: I have a Gen Z brain. I need a two-minute song where there’s no fluff.
In 10 years you’re going to hit your Herbie Hancock phase and then transcend.
FLORA MMA: It’s always like that. Whenever I voice a strong dislike of something, it’s like the next day I’m like, “Hmm, OK.”
Last question. What advice do you have for each other?
KING ISIS: Keep working on your projects. People give a fuck about your music, and shit takes time. Don’t be so impatient, bitch.
FLORA MMA: Put that in. [Laughs.] I would say trust yourself. Really believe in yourself. It’s OK to say no to things because you’re doing amazing. You’re killing it, and it’s a privilege for other people to get to listen to your music.