

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

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

Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 21min
Benny Blanco Breaks Down His Demos - Behind the Wall (Ep. 16)
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=en

Mar 2, 2025 • 39min
Jason Paige: The Original Voice of Pokémon - Behind the Wall (Ep. 15)
In this episode of Behind The Wall, I sat down with Jason Paige, the legendary singer behind the original Pokémon theme song—one of the most recognizable and beloved theme songs in history. But what most people don’t know is that Jason’s story isn’t just about talent—it’s about being in the right place at the right time and seizing the moment that would change everything. Jason has worked with Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and sung some of the most famous jingles ever, but before that, he was hustling to get his voice heard—literally. He made fake jingle tapes and delivered them to ad agencies, hoping to land work as a singer. He had no idea that years later, he’d be handed a last-minute studio gig to sing the theme for a brand-new cartoon called “Pokémon”. And that gig? It made history. That one recording session became the soundtrack of a generation. What started as another job became a song that billions of people around the world can sing from memory.In this conversation, we dive into: 🎤 The full, never-before-heard story of how the Pokémon theme song was made 🎤 How Jason randomly got the call to sing it—and how it was almost very different 🎤 The moment he realized the song had become a global phenomenon 🎤 His experience working with Michael Jackson & Aerosmith 🎤 How his voice has secretly shaped pop culture for decades Jason Paige is living proof that sometimes, the biggest moments in life come when you least expect them. He didn’t set out to be the singing voice of Pokémon—but through a mix of talent, hustle, and being ready for the right opportunity, he became exactly that. His story is a testament to the power of saying "yes," taking chances, and giving your all to every moment, no matter how small it seems at the time. Because sometimes, the things we do in a single day—one recording session, one audition, one leap of faith—can leave an impact that lasts a lifetime.Where You Can Find More of Jason Paige🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4C2BnfCRMI8bTf3LlBUljz?si=dMsR6fNGRaqvnWsfHtQ4KA 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonpaige/?hl=en📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonPaige📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonpaigeWhere You Can Find More of Daniel🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VjSRHdISZZnT9WkZC4xBb?si=d33eed531ea84d85📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=en📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall?lang=en

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 38min
Bbno$: The Man Who Cracked The Viral Music Code - Behind the Wall (Ep. 15)
In this episode of Behind The Wall, I sit down with bbno$—the rapper, songwriter, and internet sensation who has redefined what it means to go viral in music. From making songs for fun in his Vancouver bedroom to racking up billions of streams, bbno$ has mastered the art of blending humor, personality, and insanely catchy music to build a fanbase that stretches across the world.But his journey wasn’t always this clear. After a back injury ended his dreams of becoming a professional swimmer, bbno$ turned to music as a creative outlet. Little did he know, his early experiments on SoundCloud would lead to some of the biggest viral hits of the decade. His song Lalala with Y2K exploded overnight, charting globally and becoming one of the most viral internet-era hits. But what people don’t know is that before Lalala, he was already making waves in China—going viral in a way that no one saw coming.In this conversation, we dive into:🎵 How bbno$ turned memes into music success🎵 The Lalala phenomenon—how it changed everything🎵 His legendary collaborations with other artists 🎵 The reality of staying independent and making it big🎵 The formula behind his addictive, unconventional songwritingAs a content creator, I’ve seen firsthand how bbno$'s music thrives in the internet space—his songs aren’t just hits; they’re moments that people connect with, remix, and turn into trends. He’s proof that in today’s music industry, authenticity, humor, and creativity are just as powerful as major label backing.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make viral music, this episode is a must-watch.Huge thank you to bbno$ for going Behind The Wall with us and sharing your journey! 🚀 Check out his new music out now.


