New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

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.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



"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.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



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



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.

EVENT PREVIEWS

(AVENEL, NJ) -- The dynamic trio of Pat Guadagno, James Maddock, and Lisa Bouchelle, accompanied by a powerhouse band of 'First Call' musicians, including Saturday Night Live drummer Shawn Pelton, come together to deliver 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons, a soulful and heartfelt celebration of the timeless catalog of one of American music's most influential pioneers. The show comes to the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Bergen Pop/Rock Ensemble Brings Revives the

Bergen Pop/Rock Ensemble Brings Revives the '90s with The Roots of Pop & Rock Volume III

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Bergen Community College's talented Pop/Rock Ensemble returns to the stage for one electrifying night of '90s favorites with The Roots of Pop & Rock Volume III, a live tribute to the unforgettable sounds of this influential decade. Join the ensemble on a journey back to a time when alternative rock reshaped mainstream radio and pop music soared to new creative heights. The diverse array of artists being paid tribute to will run the gamut from Nirvana and Green Day to No Doubt and the Spice Girls to Selena and Shakira.
South Jersey Jazz Society to Honor Bob Ferguson

South Jersey Jazz Society to Honor Bob Ferguson

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor Bob Ferguson with the 2026 "George Mesterhazy" Jazz Master award at a gala event to be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club starting at 6:30pm.
South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th

South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor trumpeter Bob Ferguson with the 2026 George Mesterhazy Jazz Master Award at a gala event on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club. The award, named for a much-beloved local jazz pianist who made a lasting mark on the great American art form of jazz, is given to individuals who have greatly contributed to the performance of jazz both locally and nationally.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Greene on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. A native of Santa Barbara,California and now residing in Austin, Greene has ridden his Blues-soaked rock into the 21st century, traversing a constantly changing global (and musical) landscape.
Hey Bulldog to Pay Tribute to The Beatles at Liberty Science Center

Hey Bulldog to Pay Tribute to The Beatles at Liberty Science Center

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Hey Bulldog will perform a tribute to The Beatles in the Planetarium at Liberty Science Center on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Come see one of the area's best Beatles cover bands perform some good old fashioned no fuss rock and roll!
Ocean Casino Resort presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell

Ocean Casino Resort presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Fronted by the unmistakable voice of Ali Campbell, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell will be bringing their Big Love Tour to Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City with Matisyahu on Friday, May 1, 2026. Showtime is 9:00pm.
Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 2nd with Music, Poetry, Art & Community along Main Street

Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 2nd with Music, Poetry, Art & Community along Main Street

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tuckerton Porchfest returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (rain date: May 3rd) from 11:00am to 4:00pm, transforming Main Street into a vibrant, walkable celebration of local creativity. Featuring live music, poetry, visual art, vendors, and community experiences, this grassroots festival invites attendees to explore multiple porch stages hosted by local businesses and residents.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band is dedicated to capturing the electrifying energy and soulful sound of legendary Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.
bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage