Des & The Swagmatics Album Release Party: An Adventure Through Funk, Rock and Soul
Shot and Written by Erika Szumel
July 31, 2026
Shot and Written by Erika Szumel
July 31, 2026
On a beautiful Saturday night in July, fans lined up for local legends Monte Maybe, Alexander Simone & The Who Dat? Live Crew and Des & The Swagmatics at the House of Independents on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.
If you ever get the opportunity to go to a local band’s show in Asbury Park, please take it—especially when the band is Des & The Swagmatics. Fronted by lead singer Deseree Spinks, the music is a unique mix of funk, rock and soul that is sure to keep you dancing, and maybe even guessing, all night. This night was especially meaningful because it was the album release party for the band’s first full-length studio album, Des & The Swagmatics. Call it a full-circle moment for the Asbury music gods and funk darlings (as Des likes to put it) doing their thing, but the band also celebrated the release of their 2016 EP at this very venue.
Out of the gate, "My Place" is a groovy, funky track that sets the tone for the night. Spinks comes onstage, and the crowd erupts—for both her and her iconic outfits, full of color, sparkles, and glitter. What else would you expect from a funk-rock-soul queen? While Spinks is dancing, singing, and charming the crowd, Randy Preston is shredding his guitar, Craig Lawlor is commanding the drum kit, Ray Saada is chiming in on the keys, and Kevin Stryker is laying down a seriously groovy bassline. It’s the kind of music you want to dance to, but then realize you already are.
Like many great funk or disco albums, this one is so easy and fun to listen to. Watching these five musicians come alive with these songs was surreal, and I felt lucky to witness it. It was special to see so many people in the room supporting the group and singing along to some of the catchiest tunes, like "This MoFo Right Here" and "PANTS OFF // FIST UP."
The band played an incredible set, and the crowd stayed energized all night, even through the slower songs, like "Back to Blue." At one point, choir singers joined the band for "Practice What You Preach," adding another memorable layer to an already incredible performance.
Near the end of the set, Spinks performed "Easy On Me" solo at the keyboard. The dancing slowed down, and the entire room was mesmerized by the beauty of the song. Spinks got emotional after this, and band members brought her a bouquet of flowers.
The solo closed the set, but the night wasn’t over yet. The encore might surprise you: a cover of Rage Against the Machine’s "Killing in the Name." Just like that, Des & The Swagmatics surprised us once again, flipping effortlessly from funk and soul to pure protest rock. It was awesome!
I cannot forget to mention both opening acts are Asbury Park icons as well. Monte Maybe, is an energetic, pop-driven band with nods to folk and country. Check out their debut album, Jersey Devil.
Alexander Simone & The Whodat? Live Crew kept the energy going with classics like, “We Working.” From the incredible vocal range to the dancing and fun energy, this band’s presence is larger-than-life and makes you want to say “WHODAT?” all night.
Des & The Swagmatics is an adventure through funk, rock and soul—with catchy tunes, slow songs, and anthemic lyrics like, “we either fighting or we fucking.” Go stream the new album—you’ll be dancing in no time!
If you missed this show, here’s what’s coming up for Des & The Swagmatics:
August 3 — Music Mondays @ Springwood Park
August 8 — Sandbox @ Seastreak
August 12 — AP Live @ MOGO Stage
August 17 — Bird & Betty’s
August 21 — The Chubby Pickle
August 29 — Triumph Brewing
August 31 — Bird & Betty’s
August 8 — Sandbox @ Seastreak
August 12 — AP Live @ MOGO Stage
August 17 — Bird & Betty’s
August 21 — The Chubby Pickle
August 29 — Triumph Brewing
August 31 — Bird & Betty’s
Coverage from July 25, 2026 at House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ. All photos are © Erika Jane Photography. and cannot be used without permission.