

Behind The Wall
Daniel Wall
Behind The Wall is more than a podcast - it’s a front-row seat to the untold stories behind iconic moments in music, film, and entertainment. Each episode pulls back the curtain on how the world’s biggest songs and scenes come to life, from raw demos to breakthrough ideas and the relentless work behind them. Hosted by Daniel Wall, it’s an honest, in-depth series with the artists, producers, and creatives who shape culture, inspiring the next generation to create and reminding us that the stories that change our lives always start Behind The Wall.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 55min
How The Jonas Brothers Made Their Biggest Songs Ever (Ep. 26)
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

6 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 2h 9min
How JR Rotem Made the Biggest Hits of the 2000s (Ep. 25)
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

Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 43min
How Tricky Stewart Produced Rihanna, Beyoncé & Bieber's Biggest Hits (Ep. 24)
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

Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 7min
How Alec Benjamin Got Dropped, Then Outsang Everyone Outside Their Concerts (Ep. 23)
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

34 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 56min
How Jon Bellion Changed Music Forever, Then Walked Away, And Why He's Now Returned (Ep. 22)
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

Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 45min
Skylar Grey: Meet Eminem's Favorite Songwriter (Ep. 21)
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.

14 snips
May 4, 2025 • 2h 1min
Marshmello's First Full Interview - Behind the Wall (Ep. 20)
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

Apr 27, 2025 • 45min
Harv: The Untold Story of Justin Bieber's Music Director - Behind the Wall (Ep. 19)
In this episode of Behind The Wall, I sit down with HARV — the Grammy-nominated producer, musical director, and creative force who's been shaping the sound of pop music for over a decade. From being Justin Bieber’s bassist and musical director for more than 15 years to producing massive hits like “Peaches,” HARV’s journey is the definition of hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent.But behind the scenes, the road wasn’t easy. From mastering every part of a band at a young age to earning his place alongside some of the biggest artists in the world, HARV opens up about what it really takes to make it in the music industry — and why staying true to yourself is the key to everything.🎵 In this conversation, we dive into:How he became Justin Bieber’s longtime musical director and collaboratorThe story behind producing “Peaches” and other global hitsHow patience and preparation led to his biggest breakthroughsAdvice for any artist, producer, or dreamer trying to carve their own pathHARV’s story isn’t just inspiring — it’s a reminder that greatness is built through relentless work, staying ready for your moment, and trusting your unique journey.Thank you HARV for going Behind The Wall with us and sharing your incredible story and wisdom. Your journey is a blueprint for every artist and creative chasing their dream.

Apr 15, 2025 • 30min
Andy Grammer: How One Street Performer Became A Star - Behind the Wall (Ep. 18)
Andy Grammer: From Street Performer to Chart-Topping Star In this episode of Behind The Wall, I sit down with the incredibly inspiring Andy Grammer - an artist known for massive hits like “Honey, I’m Good” and “Keep Your Head Up,” but whose story goes so much deeper than the charts.Before selling out arenas and racking up billions of streams, Andy spent four years singing on the streets, performing for anyone who would listen. No label. No fame. Just a dream and a guitar. In this conversation, Andy opens up about that journey - what it took to keep going when nobody was cared, and how he stayed rooted in optimism even when success felt impossible.🎵 In this episode, we dive into:His early days as a street performer and how it shaped himThe story behind his first breakout hitHow he defines success today vs. when he startedHis perspective on creativity, perseverance, and staying groundedWhat it really takes to build a career in music from the ground upAndy’s story is a reminder that greatness doesn’t come from luck - it comes from heart, hustle, and staying true to your purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone chasing a dream of your own, this conversation is for you.🧡 Thank you Andy for going Behind The Wall with us and sharing your truth. This is one of the most important interviews I've ever released for artists out there. It's a great reminder that our journeys are all different and it may bring us on roads we never thought we'd ever travel.

Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 21min
Benny Blanco Breaks Down The Original Demos of His Biggest Hits
benny blanco returns!!!!This is hands down my favorite interview I’ve done so far! After the last episode with Benny, you all loved it so much that Benny himself reached out to me with an idea, what if we sat down and went over his actual demos of some of the biggest songs in the world? So that’s exactly what we did.For the first time ever, Benny takes us inside the process of making hit records, breaking down the original demos of his most iconic songs. But this episode isn’t just about the music—it’s about what it really takes to create, push through self-doubt, and make something that connects with people.💡 This conversation is for YOU if:🔥 You’re an artist, songwriter, or producer trying to make it🔥 You want to see how hit songs are really made from the ground up🔥 You’ve ever doubted yourself creatively and needed inspiration🔥 You love music and want to understand it on a deeper levelBenny shares the raw, unfiltered first versions of songs that would go on to become global hits. But what hit me most wasn’t just the music—it was his mindset. His belief in creativity, collaboration, and the idea that sometimes, the best songs take years to find their moment. I was pretty much speechless throughout this whole interview. This episode will change the way you see music forever; I know it changed me. Benny, thank you for this. Thank you for sharing your journey, your process, and for trusting me with this conversation. So grateful to go Behind The Wall with you once again. Excited for your new album with Selena coming soon too!!!! And thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey and helped bring this episode to life. 🙏 Thank you to all the people who made, sang, and created these songs and thank you to Benny and his team for sharing the original demos. I truly believe this will inspire the next generation of music creatives and like Benny said, we can't wait to see what those creatives make. If you're an artist or creative who is always on the go, check out Nomatic and get 20% off your first purchase at nomatic.com/wall⬇️ More of Benny:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrBKQHQVEvD2Q9FP0DCP2g📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbennyblanco/?hl=en📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsbennyblanco?lang=en⬇️ More of Daniel:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=en 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall?lang=enFirst interview with Benny: https://youtu.be/4Vh_DgaHySc?si=Ltiui-zwTkuUm6tp