Makin Waves Song of the Week: "My Place" by Des & the Swagmatics

By Bob Makin

originally published: 06/27/2025

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “My Place,” the latest single from Des & the Swagmatics on Telegraph Hill Records. PHOTO BY BRITTANY HALLBERG

Disco, which is pretty much funk watered down with pop, is the most underrated and unappreciated music genre, but Des & the Swagmatics’ delicious single, “My Place,” on Telegraph Hill Records proves that shouldn’t be the case.

With the help of the horn section that propelled Jersey Hall of Fame Gloria Gaynor’s disco gold, the beloved Asbury Park band mine a tasty nugget that is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “My Place” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 27 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

For fans of Silk Sonic, Prince, Lizzo, and Lake Street Dive, "My Place" is an essential new anthem that captures the group’s signature fusion of throwback soul and contemporary pop swagger.

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"We've been sitting on so much music that we’re beyond excited to finally bring it to life," said Deseree Spinks, the band’s powerhouse front woman. "This song is all about that magic moment — when you see someone across the room, lock eyes, and know you just have to make a move. We wanted the sound to be as bold and confident as that feeling, and nothing brings it home like real, live horns."

"We’ve poured years into perfecting this track, and bringing in Gloria Gaynor’s horn section gave it the punch and authenticity we were looking for," said producer Joe Pomarico, Telegraph Hill’s founder. "Des & the Swagmatics have always had that undeniable groove, but ‘My Place’ takes it to another level."

Taking it to that level with Des are band mates and co-writers Randy Preston (guitar), Craig Lawlor (drums/vocals), Ray Saada (keys/vocals), and Kevin Stryker (bass).

Joining them are saxophonist Jonathan Beshay, trombonist David Gibson, and trumpeter David Neves.

Also on the track are Pom on triangle, Victoria Romano on violin, and Brian Williams and Carina Duffy on backing vocals.

Having performed at New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s election night after-party, Des & the Swagmatics once again will play the North 2 Shore Festival on June 29 at The Stone Pony. The great gig is the after party for the festival’s Summerstage show with Parliament-Funkadelic and Living Colour.

The funktastic, soul-delicious band also will play July 5, Jamian’s, Red Bank; July 7 and 21, Bird & Betty’s, Beach Haven; July 19, Jack by the Tracks, Belmar; July 28 to Aug. 1, Roots Rock Revival, Big Indian, NY; Aug. 2, Triumph Brewery, Red Bank.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.

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