Local Musician Launches Unique Mashup Project

The live band 'There I Ruined It' delivers a unique mashup performance.

News Summary

Dustin Ballard, a local musician, has gained fame with his creative project ‘There I Ruined It,’ where he transforms well-known songs into unique mashups across various genres. Originating during the COVID-19 pandemic, this undertaking has attracted millions of followers online and evolved into a live performance band. The project emphasizes musical craftsmanship and creativity, engaging audiences with humorous takes on popular hits, all while navigating challenges like copyright issues. With extensive social media influence, Ballard’s work showcases the potential for modern creativity to thrive in the digital age.

Denton – A local musician, Dustin Ballard, has launched a unique creative project titled There I Ruined It, gaining popularity through social media by transforming well-known songs into mashups of unexpected genres. Originating during the COVID-19 pandemic, this inventive endeavor quickly gained traction, attracting millions of followers online and evolving into a live performance band.

Ballard’s project revolves around the concept of mashing up popular songs into humorous and eclectic genres. For example, he reimagined Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” as a country waltz. The aim is to challenge traditional musical boundaries while providing entertainment to audiences both online and in person. There I Ruined It has caught the attention of notable artists, including Snoop Dogg and Ed Sheeran, who have complimented the creativity and execution of Ballard’s work.

Initially a personal creative outlet for Ballard, There I Ruined It has now grown into a collaborative unit featuring musicians from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This live band incorporates parody as one of its core components. Under U.S. law, parody is recognized as a form of First Amendment expression, allowing Ballard and his team to utilize existing songs in their humorous adaptations.

Veteran musician Joseph Veazie notes that the band draws on a diverse range of influences, reminiscent of artists like Weird Al Yankovic, Richard Cheese, and Postmodern Jukebox. This blend of influences contributes to the unique sound the band brings to its performances, enabling them to deliver a humorous take on songs spanning several genres and decades. Anna Pena, a classically trained vocalist in the band, has expressed excitement about the group’s ability to engage with live audiences through their distinct comedic performances.

Each show by There I Ruined It features a mix of styles, showcasing inventive country renditions of rap songs and playful takes on boy band hits. The musicians focus on musical craftsmanship, prioritizing quality and creativity alongside their comedic elements rather than relying solely on cheap laughs. This artistic approach has resonated with fans and contributed to the group’s exponential growth.

The band has amassed an impressive online following, reporting 2.5 million followers on Instagram and 3.8 million on TikTok as of May 2025. Their rise in popularity highlights the power of social media in building a fanbase and enabling creative individuals to thrive in the digital age.

Despite this success, Ballard and his team have faced challenges, including copyright issues and content flagging on platforms like YouTube. However, they continue to find joy in the unpredictability of their creative process. The philosophy behind their work is encapsulated in their belief that “nothing is sacred,” allowing them to experiment and innovate continually.

There I Ruined It is committed to exploring new avenues for artistic expression while maintaining the humorous and absurd style that has captivated their audience. This project’s evolution demonstrates the potential for modern creative ventures to flourish in the age of digital media, pushing the boundaries of music and providing joy to listeners.