OneRepublic: "It's Too Late to Apologize" - Behind the Wall (Ep. 8)

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Sep 21, 2024

Ryan Tedder, the frontman of OneRepublic and a prolific songwriter for stars like Beyoncé and Adele, shares the rollercoaster journey of his band. He reflects on their near-failure before skyrocketing to fame with "Apologize" after a last-ditch MySpace upload. Ryan reveals the creative process behind their hits, tackles the balance of leading a band and songwriting, and highlights the relentless persistence that has defined their career. This conversation encapsulates the power of resilience and the magic behind musical evolution.

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ANECDOTE

Quantifying Success Over Time

Ryan Tedder describes approving updated bios and claiming ~65 billion writer streams and OneRepublic's 100+ million records sold.
He emphasizes how metrics and definitions of 'sales' have shifted over time and he tracks them closely.

ANECDOTE

Early Breaks With Timbaland

Ryan recounts winning a TRL record deal bait-and-switch and spending a year taking meetings before Timbaland tracked him down.
He then signed briefly to Timbaland and worked in the room during major Timbaland sessions, learning and leveling up.

ANECDOTE

Dropped Before Coachella

Ryan describes being dropped by Columbia right before Coachella alongside other new acts, which crushed him emotionally.
The band reacted by partying and destroying a hotel, then facing panic and depression about their future.

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In this episode, we uncover the extraordinary rise of OneRepublic, led by the unstoppable Ryan Tedder—one of the most resilient and influential bands of our generation.

Ryan Tedder isn’t just the frontman of OneRepublic; he’s a songwriting and producing mastermind behind some of the biggest hits for artists like Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift. But the story of OneRepublic is far more than just success—it’s about overcoming near defeat.

The band was on the brink of collapse after being dropped by their record label just before their debut album was set to launch. Faced with a make-or-break decision, Ryan and the band chose to bet on their talent and push forward, embracing the uncertainty. That pivotal decision transformed everything. Apologize became a worldwide phenomenon, and what could have been the end of their journey turned into the beginning of something monumental.

In this conversation, Ryan reflects on that defining moment, the hard lessons learned, and OneRepublic’s evolution from a band on the verge of failure to global superstars. We dive into the creative process behind their biggest hits, how Ryan juggles his role as both a band leader and one of the music industry’s top songwriters, and the drive that has kept OneRepublic at the top for years.

This episode goes beyond the music—it’s a story of persistence, reinvention, and the power of believing in yourself. OneRepublic’s journey is proof that when faced with adversity, the right choice can change everything.

Where You Can Find More of OneRepublic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Pwc4xIPtQLFEnJriah9YJ?si=F9GNC6FISRCt1WbgedvLWQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onerepublic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneRepublic

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onerepublic

Where You Can Find More of Daniel

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@danielsecretwall

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7zub00BWq11qjXx2aMM0b2?si=271e0a80a4c54a6a

A huge thank you to Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic for Going Behind The Wall with us! Your story of resilience, creativity, and perseverance is an inspiration, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. Note: This Episode was recorded back a while ago, but the value Ryan drops is invaluable!