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Inside the Bedroom Studio: A Closer Look at Ben Ruppel’s ‘It’s Hot’

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Inside the Bedroom Studio: A Closer Look at Ben Ruppel’s ‘It’s Hot’ At Hustle and Grind , we’ve covered everything from synth reviews to audio production deep dives, but today, we’re spotlighting a track that’s as raw and real as the gear used to make it. We’re talking about “It’s Hot,” the latest bedroom-produced single by our very own Ben Ruppel . More than just a catchy title, this song tells a story—one rooted in digital connections, late-night inspiration , and the intersection of emotion and technology . A Song Born in Orange, California “It’s Hot” was recorded in Ben’s bedroom studio in Orange, California , where minimalism meets creativity. With just a computer, a DAW, and a drive to create, Ben laid down every element of the track himself. That DIY ethic has become a cornerstone of his artistic identity. But this track is more than just beats and melodies—it’s deeply personal. Inspired by encounters with women met online, particularly on cam sites , “It’s Hot” explores the co...

More And More, Musicians Are Working From Their Home Studios

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  It has become increasingly common for musicians to work from home instead of in more traditional studios. This video explains, in part, why and how this phenomenon has taken place. Included is a transcript of the video script: It’s no secret that times are changing in the world of audio recording. Projects that used to require entire teams of professionals, instruments and studio spaces are now tasked to a home studio that often consists of little more than a laptop. While a team of people with instruments, recording equipment, and audio engineers may sound like a recipe for success, in this video we will take a look at why most audio projects are being accomplished with the same technology that is in your home computer or tablet. In today’s digital world, more and more people turn to the internet to find music. Although it is hard to find an exact number to quantify the percentage of just how many bands or artists are discovered through the internet as opposed to more traditiona...

Exploring the Electronics Behind Ben Ruppel’s ‘Midi Masterpiece’

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  Exploring the Electronics Behind Ben Ruppel’s ‘Midi Masterpiece’   At Hustle and Grind, we normally focus on electronics reviews. What makes this post unique is that we had the incredible opportunity to dive into the technology that our very own Hustle and Grind founder, Ben Ruppel, used to create his latest album, ‘Midi Masterpiece.’ This all-instrumental album, spanning tracks recorded from 2020 to 2025, is a return to Ben’s original vision in audio recording and production.  In this deep dive, we’ll explore the hardware and software that powered this project, uncovering the synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, keyboards, and software plugins that brought ‘Midi Masterpiece’ to life.    A Journey Back to the Beginning  For Ben, ‘Midi Masterpiece’ is more than just an album—it’s a full-circle moment. The decision to make it instrumental-only reflects his roots in electronic music production, allowing the focus to remain on the textures, rhythms, and mel...