Groovy New Spin: Scary Pockets Transform ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” with Therese Curatolo & Casey Abrams

Friday nights have their own kind of magic, but this time, Scary Pockets turn nostalgia into a funk party. With their latest cover of ABBA’s iconic “Dancing Queen,” the funk collective offers a fresh dance-floor vibe that’s impossible to resist. Featuring Therese Curatolo and Casey Abrams on vocals, this performance blends energetic musicianship with rich soul, inviting listeners to experience a familiar classic in a whole new groove.

The Funky Transformation of an ABBA Classic

Scary Pockets make covers feel like discoveries, and their version of “Dancing Queen” is no exception. ABBA’s original shines as a disco anthem, but here, a blend of funk, rock, and soul breathes new life into familiar lyrics. Both Therese Curatolo and Casey Abrams deliver standout vocals. Curatolo’s clear, soaring tone and Abrams’ warm, raspy delivery spark playful chemistry and bring depth to the legendary hooks.

The band’s arrangement weaves together bright keys, punchy guitar riffs, and the kind of basslines that get feet moving. Instead of strictly following the disco formula, they take risks, slow the groove, and let each note breathe.

With lines like,

“Friday night and the lights are low, I’m looking out for my place to go” and “You’re in the mood for a dance”, the band captures the excitement of a night out. Lyrics such as “young and sweet, only seventeen” and “the time of your life” evoke youth, freedom, and the thrill of possibility.

This cover evokes:

A contagious dance mood
Nostalgic joy for ABBA fans
Youthful energy and celebration

The video’s look matches the music’s mood. Recorded live at East West Studios in Los Angeles, California, the session glows with warm lighting and tight shots of each musician doing what they do best. These production choices aren’t flashy, but they’re intimate and inviting, giving viewers a front-row seat for every riff, run, and nod between bandmates.

Meet the Funk Masters Behind the Cover

Great music is a team effort, and this lineup stands out for both talent and chemistry:

Therese Curatolo: Lead vocals. Her clarity and control power the melody with charm.
Casey Abrams: Lead vocals. Known for a distinct, soulful sound, Abrams brings power and playfulness.
Tamir Barzilay: Drums. His crisp beats and rhythmic drive power every groove.
Sean Hurley: Bass. The backbeat king, Hurley pumps out lines that thump and sway.
Eric Krasno & Ryan Lerman: Guitars. Their riffs riffle between melody and rhythm, keeping the energy tight.
Jack Conte: Keys. “Groove architect” feels accurate—Conte’s keyboard layers inject sparkle and bounce.

Other names mentioned in the closing seconds highlight the broader Scary Goldings family, with Larry Goldings (organ), Mono Neon (bass), and special guest John Scofield (guitarist) starring on their fourth album. Though not featured in this particular cover, their involvement in Scary Pockets projects draws fans from across genres.

Behind the music, the production team ensures the high-quality finish that fans expect. Caleb Parker recorded, mixed, and mastered the audio, working with assistant engineer Hannah Kacmarsky. Their careful balance and clean mixing let every instrument shine without crowding the vocals. The video’s visual polish comes from director of photography Ricky Chavez and editor Adam Kritzberg, whose closeups and dynamic cuts keep viewers in the groove.

For those who want more than just a single, the Scary Pockets Store is packed with merchandise and exclusive releases. Fans can also stream this cover and more on their Spotify playlist, broadening their funk horizons with just a click.

The Story Behind Scary Pockets and Their Latest Project

Scary Pockets doesn’t just cover songs—they reinvent them. Formed with a simple mission, the group remakes well-known tracks into funk-fueled experiences, often spotlighting top-tier musicians from around the world. “Scary Goldings IV,” their latest collaboration, features Larry Goldings, Mono Neon, John Scofield, and more, expanding their legacy of groove-driven albums.

This “Dancing Queen” cover fits tightly into their tradition. The band’s approach is to honor classic songwriting while twisting melodies and harmonies in unexpected directions. The involvement of Jack Conte (also co-founder and CEO of Patreon) underlines Scary Pockets’ connection with modern music creation—where artists collaborate, crowdfund, and release music directly to fans.

Want to support and engage? There are plenty of ways:

Join their Patreon Vinyl Club and get exclusive vinyl releases like “Scary Goldings IV.”
Join their fan communities on Instagram, Facebook, and Discord for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and funky banter.
Contribute via the Tip Jar to keep the groove strong.
Stay on top of new music—subscribe for regular uploads and performance alerts.

By creating a direct line between musicians and fans, Scary Pockets builds a supportive, interactive community where everyone can get involved.

Exploring the Lyrics and Musicality of “Dancing Queen” Funk Cover

ABBA’s original lyrics provide a story packed with optimism and anticipation:

“Friday night and the lights are low, I’m looking out for my place to go” “Young and sweet, only seventeen” “The time of your life” “You are the dancing queen”

The band amplifies these lines, turning the lyrics into an open invitation to dance. The blend of tight rhythm and soulful delivery conjures images of crowded discos, laughter, and nights that feel endless.

The funk twist brings its own flavor:

Bass and drums lock in, making every beat bounce with energy.
Keys and organ float above, offering melodic accents and a retro shimmer.
Guitarists trade rhythmic chops and melodic hooks, creating a dynamic musical conversation.
Vocals alternate between solo bursts and warm harmonies that echo the spirit of togetherness.

Therese Curatolo and Casey Abrams don’t just blend their voices—they elevate the track. Their interplay, at times trading lines and at others joining in harmony, makes every chorus feel like a celebration.

The song’s groove is impossible to ignore. All elements combine to remind listeners that the best covers don’t just recreate songs—they remake memories.

Production & Video Craftsmanship: Bringing the Funk to Life

East West Studios in Los Angeles sets the mood for this session. The studio, known for its rich acoustics and classic vibe, brings extra character to the track.

Ricky Chavez (Director of Photography) captures the musicians in action, favoring natural moments and spontaneous grins over staged shots. Adam Kritzberg (editor) prunes and polishes the footage, stitching together crisp visuals that highlight both musicianship and camaraderie.

Filming live in-studio keeps the mood genuine. Instruments are played together, not layered separately, which means the energy and chemistry are real. The lighting, steady camera movement, and occasional close-ups let viewers watch as subtle cues and unspoken signals shape the music.

On social media, Scary Pockets often share more “in the studio” moments, so fans can peek behind the curtain and see how the magic happens.

How to Dive Deeper into the Funk Groove with Scary Pockets

There’s more where this came from. Scary Pockets has an ever-growing library of funky covers and collaborations, available on Spotify and on their YouTube channel. Each performance brings a new spin to familiar tracks.

Funk lovers looking to connect should join the Discord community, where both band and fans chat about music, share recommendations, and celebrate all things groove.

Supporters can take part in the creative journey through Patreon, unlocking behind-the-scenes content and limited releases. To never miss a beat, catch updates and sneak peeks on Instagram and Facebook.

Quick links for fans:

Conclusion

Scary Pockets’ “Dancing Queen” is more than a cover—it’s an invitation to get lost in the rhythm. With an all-star lineup, creative live session, and a welcoming fandom, this funk-fueled performance adds fresh color to a timeless classic. Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA devotee or a newcomer to their style, this take guarantees a dance in your seat. Dive in, share the beat, and let the music keep you moving until the lights come up.