Celebrate Independence Day with Zach Deputy and Barbecue at Wynwood Yard

Zach Deputy's talents, infectious grooves, and genuine, good vibes have made him a fan favorite at festivals all over the country. His self-described genre of “island-infused drum 'n' bass gospel ninja soul” — although a bit wordy — is spot on. You'd be hard-pressed to think of another artist more apt to chill and eat barbecue with. Luckily, this Sunday, you'll have the chance to do just that. 

Deputy, a Puerto Rican/Irish hybrid, grew up in South Carolina but now calls Savannah, Georgia, his home. A lot of musicians try to effectively incorporate looping (when a musician records live samples and then layers and loops them, right there, onstage) and effects. However, none have made it look quite as effortless, intricate, and organic in a live performance as Zach Deputy. Currently touring to support his new album, Keep on Movin', Deputy stops by the Wynwood Yard this Sunday to celebrate Independence Day.

We got to chat with this soapmaking mountain of a man with a smile as infectious as the beats he creates.
New Times: You seem to come to South Florida a lot. What is it that you like in particular about Miami?
Zach Deputy: I'd like the heat and the beach anywhere but, growing up in a Latino household, there is a lot about the music and culture of Miami that resonates within me. People know how to dance in Miami and I've had some intense shows because of it.
 
What hobbies other than disk golf do you have?
Almost anything outside including fishing, swimming, photography, nature hikes, chess, kayaking, boating, reading, making soap, hanging out with friends and family, studying and contemplating the meaning of everything and, last but not least, resting.

If you were getting dropped on a desert island with a solar-powered record player and could only choose three records, which ones would you choose and why?
No record is so good that I can listen to it over and over. If I only had three records, even if they were some of the best records in history, I'd be over it in one week and in one month I'd break the record player. So I would try to save time and find an instrument. If not, my first order of business on that island would be to make an instrument. Real music must live on and real music must be live. Records are like pictures — which I love — but I'd rather see your face and squeeze your neck.
 
You seem to really crush it at music festivals. I first saw you live at Wanee. What's your favorite festival and why?
Wormtown in Massachusetts is my favorite and I guess the best way to describe why would be to say that festivals are like women in a man's life, and a man never forgets his first love.

BBQ & Chill with Zach Deputy. 3 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at the Wynwood Yard, 56 NW 29th St., Miami; 305-447-8678; thewynwoodyard.com; Free admission.