Hustle and Grind

       Here is the "Love Train Megamix" Embed from Mixcloud and the link is as follows: https://www.mixcloud.com/benruppel/love-train-megamix/ “Love Train Megamix” is a dj mix of a lot of tracks I’ve recorded over the years. It represents a culmination of music I’ve made over the past decade or so. It’s a collection that spans over a variety of different recording techniques and styles I’ve adopted.  Here is the track list for the mix: 1. Intro 2. Get It Off 3. Life Is A Beautiful Dream 4. Love Train 5. Miss You 6. Monkey Business 7. Noah 8. Pull You In 9. Roaming 10. Strength 11. This That 12. Wonder Why Each track has its own style and was recorded in a unique way. For example, “Get It Off” was recorded using a Roland MC101 groove box, with sounds from a variety of sound kits, while sequencing different hardware gear. Another track, “Strength,” was recorded simply in Fl Studio. In this way, each track has its own unique way of being recorded. This was done th...

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 ...

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 melodies that he...