Behind The Wall

Daniel Wall
Behind The Wall

We shine a light on the people and stories behind music, movies, and media. It's our goal to chat with the people who create our favorite art and learn their stories of perseverance, determination, and what they learned along the way.

  1. Savan Kotecha: The Songwriting Genius Behind the Hits That Defined a Generation

    29/12/2024

    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!

    2h 2m
  2. How Amy Allen Became The Biggest Songwriter of The Year

    22/12/2024

    How Amy Allen Became The Biggest Songwriter of The Year

    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

    1h 21m
  3. Bonnie McKee: The Songwriting Genius Behind the Music That Defined Our Generation

    30/11/2024

    Bonnie McKee: The Songwriting Genius Behind the Music That Defined Our Generation

    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! 3 A 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-Q4gpSae9rJ59WAUkzw 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

    1h 22m
  4. OneRepublic's Untold Story: How Getting Dropped Changed Everything

    21/09/2024

    OneRepublic's Untold Story: How Getting Dropped Changed Everything

    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!

    1h 9m
  5. Why Mike Posner Had To Give His Biggest Songs Away...

    07/09/2024

    Why Mike Posner Had To Give His Biggest Songs Away...

    n this episode, we uncover the remarkable story of Mike Posner, an artist whose career has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and personal growth. Mike Posner burst onto the scene with hits like "Cooler Than Me", but few know the challenges he faced behind the scenes. After being dropped by his label and giving away some of his biggest songs to Justin Bieber and Maroon 5, Mike hit a crossroads. Instead of letting the setbacks define him, he transformed them into his greatest strengths. His hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" became an anthem of reflection, marking a turning point in his journey both personally and artistically. In our conversation, Mike opens up about his path to self-discovery, his decision to walk over 2,000 miles across America, and his ultimate conquest of summiting Mount Everest. This episode is a deep dive into the mind of a man who didn’t just make hits—he made a profound impact on how we see persistence, purpose, and the courage to evolve. This series goes beyond music, shining a spotlight on the human stories that inspire change and growth. Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always a straight line—and that the toughest roads often lead to the most meaningful destinations. A huge thank you to Mike for Going Behind The Wall with us! Your story of resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination has been a true inspiration, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

    58 min
  6. How Benny Blanco Wrote Every Song Ever

    24/08/2024

    How Benny Blanco Wrote Every Song Ever

    In this episode, we're diving into the inspiring journey of benny blanco, a true music icon who has shaped the sound of pop music as we know it. benny blanco isn’t just the mastermind behind some of the biggest hit songs—he’s also a genuine, down-to-earth guy who’s just as creative in the kitchen as he is in the studio. From working with legends like Rihanna and Ed Sheeran to crafting his own unforgettable tracks, Benny’s journey is as inspiring as it gets. I got the chance to chat with him about his career, his passions, and the lessons he’s learned along the way, including his latest venture into the world of writing with his new book Open Wide. It’s a deep dive into the life of a true music icon—and we’re going Behind The Wall of it all! But it’s not just about the music. This series is dedicated to shining a light on the people and stories behind the scenes of music, movies, and media—to inspire every underdog out there to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Benny’s story is a testament to that mission, showing how far passion, creativity, and perseverance can take you. Where You Can Find More of Benny Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CiGnKThu5ctn9pBxv7DGa?si=izWZ2mbLQr6luucG68rK_Q Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbennyblanco/ YouTube:  @bennyblanco  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsbennyblanco Where You Can Find More of Benny YouTube:  @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=bb702ad9924e4cc4 Thank you, Benny, for Going Behind The Wall with us! It’s been a surreal experience getting to hear your story firsthand and share it with the world. I hope your journey, including your new book Open Wide, inspires others as much as it’s inspired me.

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We shine a light on the people and stories behind music, movies, and media. It's our goal to chat with the people who create our favorite art and learn their stories of perseverance, determination, and what they learned along the way.

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