Introducing: Mystery Friends

Based in Washington D,C., Mystery Friends are far too modest when they describe their sound as ‘moderately danceable.’ The shiny, fun electropop sounds of their new single Beck and Call got us wanting to discover more about the duo (Abby and Dave).

First up, could you tell us a bit about Mystery Friends?

What started back in 2016 as a way to hang out with friends and sip whiskey on a Tuesday steadily (and somewhat surprisingly) became a passion project for the people involved. Early on, Dave Mohl (synth/guitar) and Abby Sevcik realized that, despite a notably different musical backgrounds and styles, their combined efforts made for very fun and interesting music that was actually worth recording.

Over some serious trial and error, we found ourselves consistently drawn to a lot of the new wave and post-punk sounds as a backdrop for front-woman Abby Sevcik’s soaring vocals. Over time, what began with sparse instrumentation and “moderately danceable” rhythm has gradually lead to more ambitious soundscapes, heavier use of synthesizers, and even more members in the band.

Though only Abby and Dave remain from the original iteration of the band (caused by the transient nature of DC and not because of bad blood), the band has consistently evolved in other ways. We make a conscious effort to create music we enjoy and want to play, while also not falling into a musical crutch of playing the same type of music over and over. In the pandemic era, we’ve leaned harder into dance and disco sounds and have found a certain kind of escapism in the music. Obviously, this is not how we planned the last couple years, but we haven’t slowed down creatively.

Someday by Mystery Friends

What inspires you to write?

Dave: I primarily write the instrumentation and structure of songs (though Abby consistently knows how to make my ideas tighter and better), my inspirations have almost always been about making music I am excited to listen to. I never want to make a song I think someone else will like, if I don’t like it. I like to think the music I make is something that I like, and I hope others like it too. Lately that has been more short, tighter songs, instrumentation that doesn’t feel cheesy or self-indulgent, and always a beat you can move to.

Abby:  Luckily Dave handles the tricky task of kicking off the songwriting process. He sends me some instrumentation or riff ideas, and from there, there’s usually a pretty tangible vibe or emotion to go off of. Lyrically, I try to explore experiences or emotions that aren’t necessarily my own; whether it’s inventing scenarios and imagining what I’d be saying or thinking or doing in them, writing from the perspective of a character on a TV show I was watching, or just taking a single sentence and expanding on it. That’s sometimes easier than trying to put your own memories or feelings into words.

Who has had the most influence on your music?

In the earliest days, the bands that heavily influenced our music were danceable post-punk and new wave (Blondie, Talking Heads, etc.) as well as more modern bands that clearly draw from that same lineage (LCD Soundsystem, Churches). Lately, we’ve all definitely found inspiration from older disco like Chic, and newer disco-inspired music like Dua Lipa.

What has been the biggest highlight of your musical career so far?

Though hardly unique to us, being able to make a full album of songs that felt like we’d realized some of the potential of what we were doing was pretty amazing. The fact that we also pressed vinyl records made the experience more special, to hold that tangible art. It’s also exciting to think that while a highlight, it was that moment in time, and we have more music and more experiences ahead of us.

What has been the most memorable gig you’ve played?

As part of that album release, we headlined Black Cat here in DC (which has a storied history and is really an amazing place). It was almost an out-of-body experience to experience a venue we had all been to so many times, but from the other side of the stage. We’re headlining Black Cat again on February 6th and we’re just as excited now (and thankful that COVID isn’t going to force a reschedule).

Time and Place by Mystery Friends

Are you looking forward to getting back on the live circuit?

Way back in February 2020, we started planning both an east coast run of shows and, more ambitiously, a run from Colorado to LA that summer. That obviously did not happen, and those plans have been frozen ever since. We absolutely cannot wait to get back to playing shows outside of DC and sharing our music with anyone who wants to hear it.

What track would you love to cover?

Our covers have usually reflected the kinds of music we were listening to a lot at any given time. So back in 2017, you might hear Psycho Killer at every show. In 2019, you probably heard Take Me Out or Dance Yrself Clean. Now, we’ve been covering Dua Lipa and looking to explore more of that kind of explicitly dance music, so perhaps I Feel Love by Donna Summer or Controversy by Prince.

What other bands or musicians are you listening to right now?

Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Jessie Ware, SAULT, many more.



What was the inspiration behind the lyrics of Beck and Call?

You’re really into someone, and despite your best efforts to be chill and cool you’re falling really hard for them. So you drive to their place way too late at night just to see them, you start to let your guard down, and overall have just given up trying to be in control. It’s a little sweet and slightly sassy to compliment the more edgy instrumentals.

What’s up next for Mystery Friends?

More shows, more music, a new music video, and whatever else the universe has to offer.

You can find streaming details Beck and Call and more music from Mystery Friends by checking out their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds. They play Washington’s Black Cat venue this weekend.