Twenty Thousand Hertz: Mixing Madison Square Garden for Vulfpeck’s Biggest Show

Podcast Information:

• Title: Twenty Thousand Hertz
• Host/Author: Dallas Taylor
• Description: The stories behind the world’s most iconic and fascinating sounds.
• Episode: Mixing Madison Square Garden for Vulfpeck’s Biggest Show
• Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz, host Dallas Taylor delves into the intricate world of live sound engineering by spotlighting Jake Hartsfield, the front of house (FOH) engineer for the funk powerhouse Vulfpeck. The episode centers around Vulfpeck's landmark performance at Madison Square Garden (MSG), exploring the technical and personal challenges faced during what would become the largest show of their career.

Vulfpeck: A Band Built on Connection and Talent

Dallas opens by painting a vivid picture of Vulfpeck’s unique place in the music world. He describes the band as a blend of indie funk and vintage soul, composed of world-class musicians whose chemistry feels akin to a supergroup. “What really makes them special is the connection they have with each other, with the audience, and with their fans online,” Dallas remarks (00:50).

Vulfpeck's decision to perform at MSG marked a significant milestone, being their biggest concert yet. This show was not just a performance but also a live recording attempt for their next studio album, featuring entirely new songs without retakes or safety nets.

Jake Hartsfield: The Maestro Behind the Mix

Jake Hartsfield serves dual roles as Vulfpeck's front of house engineer and production manager. Dallas shares that Jake’s responsibilities encompass planning, executing every aspect of the performance, and ensuring the audio experience is seamless for both the band and the 14,000-strong audience.

“For Vulfpeck, everything is so live and spontaneous,” Jake explains (03:11). His approach involves meticulous preparation, often starting months before the event, as evidenced by the MSG show preparations beginning eight months in advance (04:44).

Preparing for MSG: A Herculean Effort

Technical Planning and Setup: Jake emphasizes the importance of a detailed rider—a technical contract outlining every requirement for a successful tour. This includes stage plots, input lists, and backline gear needs. “A rider is about much more than just drinks and snacks. It also includes critical technical and logistical details,” Jake notes (05:34).

Arriving at MSG at 8:00 AM, Jake and his tight-knit team commence the setup process. Unlike venues with pre-installed stages, MSG requires the crew to bring in all necessary equipment, from PA systems to lighting rigs. “Every event they have, you start with a total blank slate on the floor,” Jake explains (07:12).

Teamwork and Coordination: Typically, a large crew handles such setups, but for MSG, Jake managed with just three core team members, relying heavily on local stagehands from the venue’s union. “We're heavily reliant on all of the local union heads... to make this show happen in a timely fashion,” Jake states (08:22).

The Show Unfolds: Challenges on Stage

Sound Checks and Last-Minute Stress: As the day progresses, Jake conducts thorough line and sound checks to ensure every microphone and monitor functions correctly. Utilizing a line array system, he strives for consistent audio quality across the vast arena. “A line array lets you target specific depths throughout the room,” Jake describes (14:43).

However, the day is fraught with unexpected issues. Jake encounters a critical problem when 40 physical tickets go missing, threatening entry for key guests. The stress peaks when he discovers mismatched passes, forcing him to delegate the task of rectifying the guest list to the venue’s production manager (19:19).

Personal Struggles Amid Chaos: Balancing his dual roles, Jake experiences significant stress, leading him to seek brief moments of respite. “I literally locked myself in the room with the lights off, put my phone on airplane mode, and laid there for five minutes to try to calm down,” he recounts (22:55). Despite these challenges, Jake remains committed to delivering a flawless audio experience.

Crisis During the Concert: The Console Crash

As Vulfpeck takes the stage, the show is in full swing with live, spontaneous performances free from click tracks or pre-recorded elements. This organic approach, while exhilarating, demands heightened attention from Jake.

During the performance of "Christmas in LA," a microphone mishap causes the snare mic to fall, prompting Jake to call Austin, the monitor engineer, for a fix. Moments later, disaster strikes as the entire PA system crashes, plunging the arena into silence except for the onstage wedges.

“Oh, no, what do I do? We don't have a show right now. I am looking around thinking, what do I do in this situation?” Jake panics (34:09).

Swift Recovery: In a dramatic turn, the console mysteriously reboots just in time, restoring the audio before the final chorus begins. Jake manages to continue the show without the usual effects, adapting on the fly. “We made it. We made it through,” he breathes a sigh of relief (37:31).

Aftermath and Reflections

Post-Show Success: Despite the technical hiccups, the MSG concert is a massive success. The show is fully recorded and filmed, allowing fans to relive the experience online. Jake has since upgraded his mixing console to prevent future incidents.

Jake’s Journey and Passion: Jake reflects on his journey, blending his love for music and the technical aspects of sound. “It's just this beautiful blend of art and science and it's fun, it keeps things lively,” he shares (39:16). His dedication underscores the critical role sound engineers play in live performances, ensuring that the magic of the music is flawlessly transmitted to the audience.

Conclusion

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz offers an intimate look into the high-stakes world of live sound engineering through Jake Hartsfield’s experiences. From meticulous planning to handling unforeseen crises, Jake’s story exemplifies the intricate balance of technical expertise and adaptability required to create unforgettable live music experiences. Vulfpeck’s MSG concert stands as a testament to teamwork, resilience, and the profound impact of exceptional sound engineering in shaping iconic performances.

Learn More:

• Jake Hartsfield: jakeheartsfield.com
• Defacto Sound (Sound Agency): defactosound.com
• Follow Defacto Sound on Instagram: @defactosound