

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

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.

Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Jason Evigan: The Nicest Legend in Music - Behind the Wall (Ep. 14)
In this episode of Behind The Wall, we dive into the incredible journey of Jason Evigan, a powerhouse songwriter and producer behind some of the biggest hits in modern music. From crafting global anthems for Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Jason Derulo, Ellie Goulding, Nick Jonas, Benson Boone, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and even Madonna and David Guetta, Jason's fingerprints are all over the pop music landscape. His work has topped charts, broken records, and resonated with millions worldwide.But behind the success, Jason found himself at a crossroads—after years of chasing chart-toppers and commercial hits, he made a bold decision: to stop focusing on just making hits and instead create music with artists that connect with him on a deeper level. He traded the pressure of industry expectations for artistic fulfillment, choosing to collaborate with musicians who inspire him, rather than just aiming for commercial success.And here’s where it gets even crazier—For the first time ever, Jason takes us Behind The Wall for an exclusive, never-before-seen deep dive into his original demos, revealing the early versions of some of the biggest hits of our time! In this exclusive segment, Jason breaks down the stories behind: 🎵 "Girls Like You" (Maroon 5) – The original demo and how the song almost went to a completely different artist. 🎵 "Chains" (Nick Jonas) – The raw demo that helped shape Nick’s sound and the incredible story of how it came together. 🎵 "Hate Me" (Ellie Goulding) – The evolution from demo to the hit you know today. 🎵 "What Lovers Do" (Maroon 5) – Who almost snagged this smash hit before it landed with Maroon 5.These demos, featuring vocals from the original songwriters, are only available to our Behind The Wall community, making this an insane, one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else. If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite songs come to life—from an idea in the studio to chart-topping success—this is your chance to see it firsthand.ONLY ON PATREON: patreon.com/user?u=32350478 Jason’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about hits; it’s about creating something meaningful, staying true to your vision, and finding joy in the process. Whether you're an aspiring songwriter, an artist, or just someone who loves the magic of music, this episode is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and self-belief.Where You Can Find More of Jason Evigan:*Playlist of The Songs Jason Co-Wrote: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFJsmusdNvXOG?si=1d59d8970b394246 *Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonevigan/?hl=en *TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elephant_heart*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@danielsecretwall*Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2nwPBvsuf070C7KYSWoXbD?si=Co9XWKFhRSGgDXf2Vq8NRQ Where You Can Find More of Daniel Wall:*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall*TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall *Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=en*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@danielsecretwall*Playlist of The Songwriters: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7zub00BWq11qjXx2aMM0b2?si=12a20c414c50486f✨ A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode to life.I’m beyond grateful to my incredible team, to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, and of course, to Jason Evigan for sharing his story with such honesty and passion.

Dec 29, 2024 • 2h 2min
Savan Kotecha: The Songwriting Genius Behind the Hits That Defined a Generation
This interview is dedicated to the beloved artist and One Direction's own, Liam Payne.
I never had the honor of meeting Liam, but his presence in music meant so much to me and so many others around the world. His voice and impact will live on forever. In this interview, I had the privilege of chatting with legendary songwriter, Savan Kotecha. One of the key people who helped Liam, One Direction, and so many artists find their voice. This conversation was recorded before Liam's tragic passing; a loss that has deeply affected so many around the world. And I wish that Liam could see how many people and how many lives he changed because of his incredible because of his incredible voice, his incredible message, and his incredible music. Before we begin, Savan asked me to share this heartfelt message in honor of Liam and his family:
"Hey everyone,
Since this interview with Daniel was recorded, the world has changed with the tragic passing of Liam Payne. As you’ll hear in my conversation with Daniel, my time with Liam and One Direction was truly life-changing. Liam played a huge role in making my wildest dreams come true. He was a light, and I will forever be grateful that he was a part of my life. I know I speak for millions of fans when I say he will be missed beyond words.
Lots of love,
savan"
Savan Kotecha: The Genius Behind the Hits That Defined a Generation 🎶
In this episode of Behind The Wall, we sit down with the legendary Savan Kotecha, a songwriter and producer whose work has shaped the sound of modern pop music. With over 375 million records sold worldwide, hundreds of billions of streams, and a unique perspective on the creative process, Savan’s genius has defined global pop music like no other.
As one of the most successful creatives in music, Savan’s journey is an inspiring story of breaking barriers and redefining representation in the global music industry. From humble beginnings in Texas, he overcame rejection, self-doubt, and the challenges of finding his voice in the competitive music world.
Through persistence, passion, and an unrelenting work ethic, Savan went on to co-write some of the biggest songs of all time for artists like One Direction, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding’, Usher, and so many more.
Years later, Savan has become one of the most successful and sought-after songwriters in the world. Yet, as he shares in this conversation, success is about more than numbers—it’s about the lives you touch and the moments you create.
In this heartfelt and inspiring discussion, Savan opens up about his creative process, his perspective on success, and the never-before-heard stories behind the biggest songs he’s helped create.
Whether you’re a music fan or an aspiring creator, this episode is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the power of belief.
Where You Can Find More of Savan Kotecha:
Playlist of Songs Savan Co-Wrote: Spotify
Instagram: @savan_kotecha
TikTok: @savan_kotecha
Facebook: kananisongs
Spotify Artist Profile: Savan Kotecha
Where You Can Find More of Daniel Wall:
YouTube: Daniel’s Wall
TikTok: @danielswall
Instagram: @danielwall
Facebook: danielsecretwall
Playlist of The Songwriters: Spotify
Special Thanks to the people who helped me bring this episode to life
Creative Director: Ryan Bell
Editors: Danial Yahaya & Noah McGuire
Thumbnail Designer: Asif
My friends and family: You know who you are ❤️
I’m so grateful for everyone who have pushed and supported me on this journey.
Thank you, Savan, for going Behind The Wall with us and sharing your incredible stories! You are truly one of the most prolific songwriters ever. The songs you’ve helped create have defined not just a generation but my own journey. Hearing the stories behind those songs was an absolute dream come true.
Thank you for being so open and vulnerable in this conversation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and look forward to many more incredible conversations in the future!

Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 21min
Amy Allen: The Biggest Songwriter of The Year - Behind the Wall (Ep. 12)
In this episode of Behind The Wall, we sit down with the incredibly talented Amy Allen, a songwriter whose work has defined the sound of modern pop music. She’s the creative force behind some of the biggest songs in recent years, co-writing hits for Halsey, Harry Styles, Selena Gomez, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and many more. With a gift for crafting songs that are as emotionally resonant as they are unforgettable, Amy has become a true powerhouse in the industry.But Amy’s story goes far beyond her impressive list of chart-topping hits. In our conversation, she shares her journey from doubting her abilities as a songwriter to becoming one of the most sought-after names in music. From her beginnings in Maine to collaborating with global superstars, Amy opens up about her evolution as both a songwriter and an artist.Whether you’re a music lover or an aspiring creator, Amy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, self-belief, and finding your voice in a competitive world. Her journey proves that the stories behind the music can be just as compelling as the songs themselves. Congrats on getting nominated for Songwriter of The Year Amy! We’re all rooting for you! Where You Can Find More of Amy Allen:*Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ebm2DC4Spo173X85D1n5x?si=xtx-nWdDRbSFs_ti_d2HnQ *Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyallen/?hl=en *TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyallenmusic?lang=en *YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyAllen/featured *Playlist of The Songs Bonnie Co-Wrote: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFAW2Wx2Q7Fjt?si=75ca7ed7c9134b41 Where You Can Find More of Daniel Wall:*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall *TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall *Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=en *Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@danielsecretwall *Playlist of The Songwriters: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7zub00BWq11qjXx2aMM0b2?si=12a20c414c50486f

Nov 30, 2024 • 1h 22min
Bonnie McKee: The 2010s Songwriter - Behind the Wall (Ep. 11)
In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Bonnie McKee, a creative powerhouse behind some of the most iconic pop hits of our time. Known for her work with Katy Perry, Taio Cruz, Britney Spears and so many more. In fact she not only has over 10 number one hit songs, but Bonnie’s story is more than her accolades. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and blazing her own trail in the music industry. From releasing her solo debut Trouble to writing songs that have sold over 30 million copies worldwide, Bonnie has faced setbacks with an unstoppable spirit. Most recently, she took full creative control, releasing her long-awaited second album Hot City, proving that great songs by great artists stand the test of time.In this episode, Bonnie opens up about the challenges she’s faced, her evolution as a songwriter and performer, and what inspires her to keep creating. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, songwriter, or someone chasing a dream, Bonnie’s story is a masterclass in persistence, passion, and staying true to your voice.Where You Can Find More of Bonnie McKee:*Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dtJROxWQe3fxxF5t7o67N?si=OzQLlROPSe6L0tEMBEfRxA *Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniemckee/?hl=en*TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonniemckee *YouTube: @bonniemckeeofficial *Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonnieMcKeeOfficial *Playlist of The Songs Bonnie Co-Wrote: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFC6oJJyHqhbG?si=b209e1459bbb4702 Thank you to the people who helped me bring this episode to life, couldn't have done it without you! Creative Director: Ryan Bell Editors: Noah McGuire & Danial Yahaya Thumbnail Designer: Asif My friends and family: You know who you are ❤️I’m so grateful for everyone who has pushed and supported me on this journey. It’s a privilege to serve as the Founder, Host, and Creative Lead of this project—and to share these stories with all of you! <3A heartfelt thank you to Bonnie for Going Behind The Wall with us and sharing her incredible journey. Her resilience, creativity, and passion for music inspire us all to dream big and keep going, no matter the challenges. I've been wanting to chat with you for so long now, and to have the chance is absolutely incredible. Hopefully many more conversations in the future, but until then, check out Bonnie's album "Hot City" on all platforms now: https://open.spotify.com/album/7IEPLolpdghx1jkNiN2FMT?si=dzW-Q4gpSae9rJ59WAUkzwWhere You Can Find More of Daniel Wall:*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall*TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall *Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=en*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@danielsecretwall*Playlist of The Songwriters: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7zub00BWq11qjXx2aMM0b2?si=12a20c414c50486f

Oct 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
MAX: From Nickelodeon to BTS - Behind the Wall (Ep. 10)
In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of MAX, an artist who has continuously redefined pop music with his vibrant creativity and collaborations. MAX isn’t just a singer-songwriter—he’s a dynamic force in the music industry, known for his work with global icons like BTS’s Suga, as well as his own chart-topping hits.But his story goes far beyond his music. MAX has faced his own challenges along the way, turning each setback into an opportunity for growth and reinvention. Whether it’s his heartfelt anthem "Blueberry Eyes" or his powerful collaborations, MAX’s career is a testament to the power of persistence, authenticity, and connecting deeply with others.In this conversation, MAX shares the personal and creative moments that have shaped his journey—from the highs of working with BTS to the hard lessons learned along the way. His story is a powerful reminder that success in music isn’t just about the hits, but about staying true to yourself and embracing the twists and turns along the way.

Oct 11, 2024 • 2h 7min
Evan "Kidd" Bogart: From Discovering Eminem to Beyoncé - Behind the Wall (Ep. 9)
In this episode, we uncover the inspiring story of Evan "Kidd" Bogart—an unstoppable creative force who turned setbacks into legendary successes. From discovering Eminem to co-writing massive hits like Beyoncé’s Halo and Rihanna’s SOS, Evan’s journey is one of belief, perseverance, and reinvention.But it's not just about the hits—it's about how Evan navigated the twists and turns of the music industry, betting on himself when no one else would. He faced rejection, yet turned those moments into fuel for his next big break.Evan’s story is a masterclass in resilience and creativity, and it’s sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers and creators. If you have a dream in music, entertainment, or life, this conversation is for you. Where You Can Find More of Evan Bogart: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiddbogart/?hl=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFG8Sz0c0uIuJ?si=c59db33faca44573 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiddbogart Where You Can Find More of DanielYouTube: 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

Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 9min
OneRepublic: "It's Too Late to Apologize" - Behind the Wall (Ep. 8)
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 OneRepublicSpotify: 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 DanielYouTube: 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!