Behind The Wall

Blake Slatkin might have started as Benny Blanco’s intern, but today he’s one of the most in-demand and influential producers in the world. With over 106 billion streams and credits on hits by Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, The Kid LAROI, Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, Lizzo, and many more.But this episode isn’t just about hit records. It’s about what it really takes to rise in an industry that doesn’t make it easy. The quiet obsession, emotional instincts, long nights, and unseen work that turn demos into global anthems.Blake opens up about: Learning under Benny Blanco as a teenager, The stories behind Stay, Mood, About Damn Time, and more, Navigating pressure, self-doubt, and collaboration, Creating in the age of virality, And why emotional truth will always beat perfectionThis episode is for you if:- You’re a producer, writer, or artist trying to break through- You want to understand how music really gets made- You’ve ever felt behind, or not good enough- You love music and want to learn how the greats think, build, and createWhat moved me most about this conversation wasn’t just Blake’s success, it was his intention, his clarity, his humility, and his drive to make music that means something. There’s no ego here. Just raw talent, patience, and relentless passion.Blake, thank you for going Behind The Wall and sharing your story. This episode will inspire the next generation of creatives. I know it already inspired me.📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products/dxue🧢 Behind The Wall Merch Drop👕 Be one of the first 150 people and get 20% off with code: WALL20 → https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all⬇️ More of Blake📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeslatkin/?hl=en 🎵 Songs by Blake: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFF3lFDl5kGuR?si=585448e050bc4e82 ⬇️ More of Daniel📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

Khalid went from uploading songs on SoundCloud in high school to becoming one of the defining voices of a generation. With billions of streams and global hits like “Location,” “Young Dumb & Broke,” and “Talk,” it’s easy to forget he was just a teenager figuring it out as the world watched.But this episode isn’t just about his success. It’s about the moments you don’t see. The pressure. The identity shifts. Becoming the real you.Khalid shares how overnight success changed his life forever, the highs and lows that came with it, and what it taught him about himself.He talks about writing Location in high school, watching it explode across the world, and the surreal feeling of realizing his life would never be the same. He speaks about navigating fame, self-doubt, and what it means to rebuild creatively when the world already thinks they know who you are.And he reveals why this album is his biggest risk yet, and why it’s the most true to who he is. It’s not about algorithms or streams. It’s about what it really means to grow up in public and still find your voice.If you’ve ever struggled with identity, felt pressure to be someone you’re not, or just want to see the heart behind the music, this episode is for you.I’m really grateful for the chance to talk to Khalid, who doesn’t do many interviews. Thank you for trusting us with this story. It will stay with people long after the sun goes down. 📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products/dxue🧢 Behind The Wall Merch Drop 👕 Use code WALL20 for 20% off → https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all⬇️ More of KhalidNew Album: https://khalid.lnk.to/atsgd?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad3SG6nwx5AAKOeEFrc7VoZTs2PO0Z-WmtliOiIVtKRyJzgcJ-i3nnwHE_RnA_aem_Tyr4R8IZGMClo0YWTS56xwSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LuN9FCkKOj5PcnpouEgny?si=GqEt14OmRFWFqCsYco82KwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegr8khalid/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegr8khalid YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkntT5Je5DDopF70YUsnuEQ🎵 Listen to the new album ⬇️ More of DanielYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwallTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

Can anybody sing? When I asked Stevie Mackey, the vocal coach behind Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Lenny Kravitz, Amber Riley, Fergie, and more, his answer wasn’t what I expected. He said, “I don’t think anyone can sing… but I lean toward more people singing than not.”That moment set the tone for one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever had. Stevie doesn’t just train voices, he helps people discover who they truly are. For over a decade, he’s been coaching some of the biggest artists in the world, working on The Voice, touring globally with J.Lo, and guiding countless singers toward unlocking their true potential.In this interview, Stevie pulls back the curtain on the real truth about singing, why most people struggle with their voice, what it really takes to unlock your sound, and how life experience shapes the way we sing. He explains why so many people are afraid to sing, how to break through that fear, and what separates the good singers from the great ones.Hearing Stevie share his perspective changed the way I see singing forever. It made me realize that behind every voice is a story and that story is what makes the sound powerful. I think it’ll change the way you see your own voice, your potential, and even your purpose.Big thank you to Stevie for going Behind The Wall with us. Thank you for showing up with honesty, for sharing your wisdom, and for believing in me. And to anyone who has ever doubted their voice, get ready to see it in a completely new light.📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products/dxue🧢 Behind The Wall Merch Drop👕 Be one of the first 150 people and get 20% off with code: WALL20 → https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all⬇️ More of Stevie Mackey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviemackey/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@steviemackey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StevieMackey/videosAdvanced Singing Course: https://studio.com/classes/stevie-mackey/advanced-singing⬇️ More of DanielYouTube:  ⁨@DanielsWall⁩  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

The Jonas Brothers InterviewThis might be the wildest interview I’ve ever done yet. For years, I’ve wanted to dive into the Jonas Brothers’ music with them - not the headlines, not the gossip, but the real stories behind the songs. And this time, they brought something I never imagined they would…For the first time ever, the Jonas Brothers sat down with us and went through the original demos of their biggest and most iconic songs and even some never-before heard songs that have never left the vault until now.But this episode isn’t just about the music, it’s about their journey. The early days before Disney, the pressure of breaking through, the moments they thought it might be over, and how they built a sound that defined a generation.This conversation is for YOU if:- You grew up with the Jonas Brothers and want to see the songs in their rawest form- You’re a songwriter, producer, or artist looking for insight into hit-making- You’ve ever wondered how Disney and Camp Rock really happened behind the scenes- You want to understand their career through the lens of the music, not the tabloidsHearing the Jonas Brothers play the raw, unpolished first versions of these songs hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It made me realize just how much intention, work, and risk went into every single track. This conversation changed the way I hear their catalog, and I think it’ll do the same for you.Nick, Joe, Kevin - thank you for trusting me with this. Thank you for showing up with honesty, for digging into the music, and for letting us hear the moments no one’s ever heard before. And to the fans who grew up with these songs, get ready to hear them for the first time all over again. Check out Their New Album Out Now: https://open.spotify.com/album/6iMMJ5UlCv9glyse2I2YgR?si=o5wK62WbTuWPlRo37X8zpw This video is brought to you by Charles Schwab Investing Themes™, invest in what you believe in.📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products/dxue 🧢 Behind The Wall Merch Drop👕 Be one of the first 150 people and get 20% off with code: WALL20 → https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all⬇️ More of The Jonas Brothers📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonasbrothers📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonasbrothers📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasbrothersSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gOdHgIoIKoe4i9Tta6qdD?si=btEhDcomS-Cah1Rdje7WhA⬇️ More of Daniel📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielswall

JR Rotem: The Hitmaker Behind the Sound of the 2000sJR Rotem helped define an era. From producing global hits for Sean Kingston, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani, Iyaz, and more, his sound ruled the radio and shaped the 2000s. But behind the success is a deeper story about creativity, reinvention, and what it takes to last in the music industry.In this conversation, JR opens up about:His breakthrough hits and early days in LAWorking with rising artists before they blew upBuilding a sound that blended pop and hip-hop perfectlyThe pressures of staying relevant in a changing industryThe art of sampling and simplicity in songwritingWhy emotion always comes first in great musicThis episode isn’t just about hit records. It’s about resilience, evolution, and finding your voice when the spotlight shifts.Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or just someone who grew up on these songs, this one’s for you.Huge thank you to JR for his honesty and insight. This is one of the most open conversations I’ve had about what it really means to build a career in music. And thank you to everyone who helped me bring this episode to life. ⬇️ Follow JR Rotem📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrotem/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jrotem 🎵 Discography: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Mrb67cO2Iv7gXezJECyPS?si=7V-uq6UoR3G29mfq1pe9Ag&pi=u-qQxup7bkRZO1&nd=1&dlsi=01111877e2ad4351 ⬇️ More of Daniel📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielswall Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7zub00BWq11qjXx2aMM0b2?si=fe07f15dfb784a23 Pod: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VjSRHdISZZnT9WkZC4xBb?si=3cfb7d386de1420c 

Inside the mind of one of the greatest producers of our generationTricky Stewart is the man behind “Umbrella” (Rihanna), “Single Ladies” (Beyoncé), “Baby” (Justin Bieber), and so many more. With three Grammy wins and over 50 million records sold, his sound helped define a generation.In this conversation, Tricky opens up about:🎙 His first big break in music🎧 The making of “Umbrella” and what made it undeniable🔥 The impact of “Single Ladies” and its place in culture🏗 Building a hit machine with The-Dream, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, and more🧠 Why hit songs are still the only thing that lasts in music💡 Whether you’re an artist, songwriter, or creative hustling behind the scenes, this is a masterclass in making timeless music.Thank you to everyone who helped bring this to life. Tricky shares wisdom I’ve never heard from any other creative. His intentionality, persistence, and creative clarity are next level.⬇️ Follow Tricky📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trickystewart/ 📺 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFP1umANo9QzO?si=a87ec8cf8e4b4422 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trickystewartmusic Sessions Atlanta📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sessionsatlanta/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SessionsAtlantaLive 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pullup.ss ⬇️ Follow Daniel📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRWu77ldqaQboq3JXLd5waQ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall 

he got dropped. so he started singing outside of other people’s concerts.Alec Benjamin’s story isn’t perfect, but it is real. Before Let Me Down Slowly took off, before the sold-out shows and billions of streams, Alec was a kid singing outside of Troye Sivan, Charlie Puth, and Shawn Mendes concerts. Parking lots became his stages.He had already been signed and dropped by a major label before graduating high school. He had no backup plan. Just a guitar, a notebook, and a belief that his songs meant something.In this conversation, Alec opens up about what that season really felt like. The rejection, the pressure, the self-doubt. And how he taught himself to write songs that connected with people, one line at a time.We talk about the stories behind songs like Let Me Down Slowly, Water Fountain, and many more. We dive into how his writing process evolved and what it means to stay true to your voice when the industry keeps trying to change it.💡 This episode is for YOU if:🎤 You’ve ever been told you’re not “marketable” enough🎤 You’re teaching yourself how to make art that matters🎤 You feel like you’re outside the system, knocking on the door🎤 You believe quiet stories can speak the loudestThis isn’t just about music. It’s about persistence, vulnerability, and the quiet kind of courage that changes everything.🛡️ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/wallThank you to everyone who helped bring this video to life.We filmed it last year, but the gems in this conversation needed to be heard.I'm incredibly grateful to Alec for his honesty and vulnerability. He didn’t hold back, and that made this one special.There are definitely things I wish I had done differently watching it back, but the value it offers to the creative community makes it all worth it.🎵 Go listen to Alec’s music.His latest album and full discography are available now on all streaming platforms:→ alecbenjamin.com→ Spotify→ Apple Music⬇️ More of Alec📸 Instagram: @alecbenjamin📺 YouTube: /@AlecBenjamin📱 TikTok: @alecbenjamin⬇️ More of Daniel📸 Instagram: @danielwall📱 TikTok: @danielswall📺 YouTube: /@danielswall

Jon Bellion invited me to interview him in his recording studioJon Bellion invited me to his home for a conversation that completely changed the way I see music, success, and creativity. We talked about everything - from writing some of the biggest songs of all time for artists like Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Halsey, and Rihanna, to stepping away from the spotlight, becoming a father, and finding his way back to music on his own terms.But this isn’t just a comeback story. It’s a story about values. About redefining success. About why being a present father is more meaningful than any award, and why sometimes, stepping back is the only way to move forward.💡 This conversation is for YOU if:🔥 You’re an artist, creative, or dreamer feeling stuck or burnt out🔥 You’ve ever struggled with pressure, perfectionism, or self-worth🔥 You want to understand how one of the greatest musical minds really works🔥 You’re trying to find balance between ambition and a meaningful lifeWe get into The Human Condition, the making of Glory Sound Prep, his new album Father Figure, and what it’s like to build a cinematic world with music. We talk about faith. Family. Vulnerability. What it really means to create something that lasts. And why you need to strike out in order to be successful. From six years of writing behind the scenes to returning with a message that being a good dad is cool - this is the most impactful conversation for creatives yet.I truly believe this interview will change people’s lives because it changed mine. Thank you Jon, for your honesty, your heart, and for trusting me to help you tell your story. I’ll never forget this one.🎵 Want to release your own music? I’ve used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else. Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➼ ⁠https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306⁠🛡️ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/wall⁠ Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Get 4 extra months FREE when you sign up for the 2-year plan.📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products/15-lessons🧢 First-Ever Behind The Wall Merch Drop *AGAIN* 👕 Be one of the first 150 people and get 20% off with code: WALL20 → ⁠https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all⁠⬇️ More of Jon📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonbellion 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonbellion🎵 Father Figure: https://open.spotify.com/album/5xKTTHKTTFyNxtOLGtznaR?si=2avYrm_HQC6mfgI5fH6c-Q ⬇️ More of Daniel📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall/videos 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

Skylar Grey, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter renowned for crafting hits for Eminem and Rihanna, shares her journey of creativity and self-discovery. She reflects on the bittersweet nature of her songwriting, including the emotional depth behind 'Love the Way You Lie.' Skylar discusses the challenges of navigating fame, the importance of authenticity, and how her name reflects her resilience. With captivating anecdotes about her collaborations, she inspires fellow artists to reclaim their voices and embrace their identity.

This is Marshmello’s first full interview ever.For the first time, Marshmello sat down to tell his story on camera.No face reveal. Just the real story behind the helmet.In this conversation, he opens up about many things he’s never said out loud: the songs that changed his life, the moments that changed him, the mindset behind the mystery, and what it’s really like being Marshmello.From his earliest days making music
to the business decisions that built the Marshmello brand,
to the behind-the-scenes stories we've never heard.What hit me most wasn’t just the music.
It was the vision.
The way Mello built a world where creativity, fun, and mystery could all live together.This conversation is for YOU if:
🔥 You’re an artist, producer, or creative building your own path
🔥 You’ve ever felt overlooked or underestimated
🔥 You want to understand how hit songs, brands, and movements are made
🔥 You love music and want to go deeper than the chartsHuge Thanks to NordVPN & DistroKidEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/wallTry it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Get 4 extra months when you sign up for the 2-year plan at nordvpn.com/wallDistroKid - Want to release your own music?I’ve used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else.Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➼ https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306🎧 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in MusicI’ve spent the last few years interviewing some of the greatest minds in music - songwriters, producers, and artists behind the biggest songs in the world.
This free PDF breaks down the patterns, mindset shifts, and real-life turning points I’ve learned from them.Whether you're a songwriter, artist, or just someone chasing something creative - this is for you.👉 Download “15 Lessons" now: 🧢 First-Ever Behind The Wall Merch Drop 👕
After years of going Behind The Wall, it’s finally here.
The clothes I’ve been wearing in almost every interview. The hoodie I interview in. My thinking cap. The mug I drank from every night while working on this episode.
Now, they’re yours too.This isn’t just merch.
It’s for the artists, the storytellers, the dreamers, the people who care about the process.
If you’ve ever felt something from the conversations on Behind The Wall, this is for you.→ behindthewall.tvBe one of the first 150 people to buy and get 20% off with code: -> WALL20Worn with meaning. Made with purpose.
Let’s keep building this together.I’m incredibly grateful to Marshmello for trusting me with this conversation.
And thank you to everyone who helped me bring this episode to life. And thank you to you for going Behind The Wall with us! This community is the reason Behind The Wall can keep going.
I hope this interview inspires the next generation of artists.
Can’t wait for the next one with Mello.⬇️ More of Marshmello
*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marshmello/featured 
*Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/64KEffDW9EtZ1y2vBYgq8T?si=uPmEDCTSSOma5t59dQ8Lhg*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshmello/?hl=en 
*TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marshmello?lang=en *Merch: https://www.marshmellomusic.com/ ⬇️ More of Daniel
*YouTube: @danielswall
*Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5D9McS8pv2UukD3d220Fn9?si=TK7PCTjtTfaR1B18IqST3g *Instagram: https://instagram.com/danielswall
*TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@danielswall*Merch: https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all