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.

  1. JAN 31

    Meet The Real Singer of The Greatest Showman (Loren Allred Interview)

    This might be the first time Loren Allred has ever shared her full story from beginning to now.Most people know Loren as the voice behind “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, one of the most powerful vocal performances in modern film. But very few people know the years that led up to that moment or the long road she took before the world ever heard her name.Loren grew up in a musical family, trained as a singer, and at one point had a developmental deal with Ne-Yo and Island Def Jam. It was her big break, the moment everything seemed to be happening at once. And then almost overnight, it all disappeared. The deal fell apart, the momentum vanished, and she found herself back at zero, unsure of how to move forward.Instead of quitting, Loren went into the shadows of the industry, recording demos and session vocals for other artists with no guarantee any of it would lead to a career. Those years of anonymity eventually led to The Voice, where she spent a full year preparing for the show, only to watch most of her journey turn into a montage that almost no one saw.And then something unexpected happened. She was asked to demo a song for a film musical that no one had heard of yet. That song became “Never Enough.” When the film came out, millions of people around the world fell in love with her voice without knowing who it belonged to. It was one of the strangest kinds of breakthroughs: the world heard her, but they didn’t see her. And even then, it took more time before Loren stepped out from behind the character and became an artist in her own right.What moved me in this conversation was not just the music. It was Loren’s resilience. Her belief in her craft. The years spent unseen. The almost-breaks that fell apart. And the patience it took to wait for her moment without knowing if it would ever arrive.This interview is for you if:• you are a singer, songwriter, or performer trying to find your way• you have ever been close to success and watched it slip away• you have worked for years without recognition• you believe in late bloomers and second (or third) acts• you love hearing how creative careers actually unfoldTo me, Loren’s story is a reminder that the industry rarely rewards people instantly. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes it takes heartbreak. Sometimes it takes a role where the world hears you before they know your name. But if you stay in it long enough, your moment finds you.Loren, thank you for trusting us with your story and for letting people see the journey behind the voice that so many already love.📘 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 LorenSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LyOADBjj28cbvJWTXUEGA?si=J-dC2-DOSy-_pGcmDgbHyw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenallred/?hl=enSpotify: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorenallredofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorenallred ⬇️ More of Daniel Wall📺 YouTube: / @danielswall📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

    1h 36m
  2. I Asked the World’s Biggest Songwriters How They Really Write Hit Songs

    JAN 9

    I Asked the World’s Biggest Songwriters How They Really Write Hit Songs

    SONA Awards X TikTok X Behind The Wall I had the honor of hosting the red carpet at the SONA Awards in partnership with TikTok, where we celebrated and spoke with the songwriters, advocates, and leaders who shape the music we all live with .SONA, the Songwriters of North America, exists to protect, empower, and fight for the people behind the songs. This night was not about charts or headlines. It was about craft, conviction, and voices that too often go unheard.I am incredibly grateful to TikTok for having me be part of this moment. I started on TikTok six or seven years ago, and being able to host this conversation with them felt full circle in the most meaningful way. These conversations go deep into what it truly means to be a songwriter today, the responsibility that comes with creating culture, and the ongoing fight for fairness, ownership, and respect in the music industry.I spoke with an incredible group of artists and leaders, including Paul Anka, Shane Stevens, Bonnie McKee, Lauren Christy, Ross Golan, Jason Evigan, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Bonnie McKee, JHart, Sarah Hudson, Annie Schindel, Michelle Williams, Salem Ilese, 220Kid, Dinah LaPolt, Crispin Hunt, and Lawrence Pastel. Together, they shared stories about writing songs that outlive moments, navigating an industry that does not always favor creators, and why community matters just as much as creativity. From legendary careers to the next generation of hitmakers, every voice reflected the same truth. Songwriters are the foundation of everything. This conversation is for you if - You care about the people behind the music - You believe creators deserve ownership, protection, and a seat at the table - You want to understand how songs shape culture long after release day - You want to make Songwriting your full time thing. Grateful to SONA, TikTok, and all the Songwriters for trusting me with this and for the work they continue to do on behalf of songwriters everywhere. ⬇️ More of SONA Website: https://www.songwritersofnorthamerica.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/songwritersofnorthamerica X: https://x.com/SONAunited Learn more about songwriter advocacy, education, and community ⬇️ More of Daniel 📺 YouTube: / @danielswall 📸 Instagram: / danielwall 📱 TikTok: / danielswall

    1h 7m
  3. How EJAE Wrote KPop Demon Hunters’ Biggest Songs (Ep. 33)

    12/18/2025

    How EJAE Wrote KPop Demon Hunters’ Biggest Songs (Ep. 33)

    This is hands down one of my favorite interviews we’ve ever done! EJAE is the voice and songwriter behind the music of KPop Demon Hunters, and in this conversation, she takes us inside the early demos and original versions that brought the film’s songs to life. For the first time ever, EJAE breaks down how these songs started, how they evolved, and what it actually takes to go from rough ideas to music that reaches billions. We listen to early versions, talk through creative decisions, and unpack the emotional weight behind writing these songs. But this episode is not just about demos. It’s about her journey of being a trainee, to facing setbacks, to becoming one of the most impactful creative voices in modern music. It's truly amazing how similar EJAE's story is to the character she voices, Rumi. EJAE opens up about doubt, imposter syndrome, persistence, and trusting your instincts even when the path is unclear. This conversation is for YOU if:
 - You’re an artist, songwriter, or producer trying to find your voice
 - You want to hear how songs really start before they become finished records
 - You’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure if your work matters
 - You love KPop, film music, and the creative process behind itWhat hit me most wasn’t just hearing the early demos, it was EJAE’s mindset, her honesty about the long road, the patience it takes, and the belief required to keep going when nothing is guaranteed. This episode reminded me why Behind The Wall started in the first place. To shine a light on the people and stories behind the music, but also to inspire the next geenration of creatives. And it was such a surreal experience to know that EJAE was one of the people we inspired through Behind The Wall years ago when she would watch these interviews and now she's on Behind The Wall herself. What a full circle moment! EJAE, thank you for your openness, your generosity, and for trusting me to help share your story even further. I’m incredibly grateful we officially got to go Behind The Wall with you. And thank you to everyone who continues to support this show and help bring these stories to life. I truly believe this episode will inspire the next generation of creatives. ⬇️ More of EJAE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJvkgT3HUyy8KoT3b-IgbA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RMJOzHDhAKY1o2j0W0vxY?si=l2y3fsLBR0WxK4g8BdA-ZQ 
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejae_k/ 
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ejae_k ⬇️ More of Daniel
 YouTube: / @danielswall
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

    1h 50m
  4. Demos Revealed: How Maroon 5, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas’ Biggest Hits Were Made (w/Jason Evigan) - Ep. 32

    12/07/2025

    Demos Revealed: How Maroon 5, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas’ Biggest Hits Were Made (w/Jason Evigan) - Ep. 32

    This episode is wild. Jason Evigan sat down with us and played the original demos for some of the biggest songs he worked on from Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Ellie Goulding, Nick Jonas, and more. It's my goal to help the next generation of creatives and give them a platform I wish I had when I was first starting. Songwriters and producers almost never show early versions of songs, and honestly, most of the world never gets to hear what a hit sounds like before it becomes a hit.These demos are raw, unpolished, and real. They’re the ideas that turned into massive records, and hearing Jason walk through how they started, why certain choices were made, and how the songs evolved is one of the coolest things we've been able to share on Behind The Wall. And I believe it’s going to help a lot of people who are writing in their bedrooms, producing in their dorm rooms, or doubting their ideas before they’re fully formed. These demos prove that even the biggest hits started small.Thank you to Jason for trusting us with this, and thank you for watching and supporting the show. I hope this episode inspires you to keep making things, keep experimenting, and keep following the spark that only you can feel.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

    24 min
  5. How The Savannah Bananas Became the Most Entertaining Show in America (Jesse Cole interview)

    11/24/2025

    How The Savannah Bananas Became the Most Entertaining Show in America (Jesse Cole interview)

    Jesse Cole: How the Savannah Bananas Rewrote the Rules of Sports This isn’t just a story about baseball. It’s about turning the impossible into reality. Jesse Cole didn’t just build a baseball team. He built one of the most viral, rule-breaking, joy-filled movements in all of sports. The Savannah Bananas are changing how the world sees entertainment, one dance, one inning, one sold-out stadium at a time. In this episode, Jesse breaks down the journey behind the Bananas. From struggling to sell a single ticket to creating a waitlist of over 2 million fans, Jesse shares how he turned rejection, risk, and bold vision into a global phenomenon. But behind the yellow tux and the showmanship is a powerful story about belief, team culture, and redefining what success looks like in sports and business. This conversation is for YOU if: - You’re a creator, founder, or entrepreneur chasing an idea no one believes in yet - You’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something people love - You believe fun and authenticity can change everything - You’re tired of playing by the rules that were never built for you Jesse opens up about the moments he almost gave up, the principles that guide his team, and why the Savannah Bananas are proof that joy wins. This interview fired me up. It reminded me that doing things differently isn’t just okay, it might be our best way forward. Jesse, thank you for showing us what it means to dream in color, lead with love, and make people feel something unforgettable. 📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products 🧢 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 Jesse + The Bananas 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSavannahBananas 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavbananas 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesavbananas ⬇️ More of Daniel 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielswall 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

    1h 38m
  6. I Interviewed Bruce Springsteen And What He Said Surprised Everyone

    11/09/2025

    I Interviewed Bruce Springsteen And What He Said Surprised Everyone

    Bruce Springsteen: The Story Behind Deliver Me From Nowhere I had the honor of hosting a conversation with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Scott Cooper, Jeremy Strong, and Odessa Young for the new film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. This isn’t just a movie about music - it’s about what it means to be an artist. It’s about faith, creativity, and the courage to follow your vision even when no one else sees it. In this interview, the team goes deep into the making of Deliver Me From Nowhere - from how Bruce’s haunting album Nebraska inspired the story, to how director Scott Cooper brought that honesty to the screen. Jon Landau reflects on his lifelong partnership with Bruce, Jeremy Strong shares what it was like to portray that bond, and Odessa Young opens up about finding emotion in a story defined by isolation, faith, and art. This conversation is for you if: - You love seeing how great films are built from the ground up - You’re a creative who’s ever struggled with doubt or conviction - You want to understand how Nebraska became one of the most personal albums ever made - You believe storytelling still has the power to move people Hosting this was one of the greatest moments of Behind The Wall so far, and a reminder that the best art often comes from the moments when we trust our own voice. Grateful to Disney for having me host this conversation. Watch Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere - In theaters now! I'd highly recommend any creative out there to watch this one ⬇️ More of Daniel 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

    41 min
  7. How Grey DeLisle Voiced The Most Famous Characters in Animation (Ep. 29)

    11/02/2025

    How Grey DeLisle Voiced The Most Famous Characters in Animation (Ep. 29)

    Grey DeLisle: The Voice Behind Your Childhood (and So Much More) This is one of the most fun, heartfelt, and unexpectedly deep interviews I’ve ever done. Grey DeLisle isn’t just one of the most legendary voice actors alive.  She’s the voice behind Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Daphne Blake (Scooby-Doo), Vicky (The Fairly OddParents), Mandy (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), Sam Manson (Danny Phantom), Frankie Foster (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends), Catwoman (Batman: Arkham City), Black Canary (Young Justice), and thousands more. Her voice has defined an entire era of animation and video games. But behind all those voices is a story just as incredible as the characters she’s brought to life. She’s also a Grammy-winning artist and comedian, bringing the same heart, humor, and emotion to her music and stand-up that she brings to every role. In this episode, Grey takes us behind the voices and into the moments that shaped her career. From growing up surrounded by music and chaos, to finding her voice in animation, to using comedy and creativity to navigate the highs and lows of the industry. This conversation is for YOU if: - You grew up with the golden age of 2000s animation - You’re an artist, actor, voice actor, or creative finding your voice - You’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or reinvention - You love hearing the stories behind the characters that shaped your childhood Grey opens up about how she created some of the most iconic voices in animation history, how she balances her comedy, music, and family life, and what it means to stay authentic in a world that’s constantly changing. This interview made me laugh, think, and honestly reflect on how powerful creativity really is. It reminded me that even the people who seem larger than life are still just humans chasing what they love. Grey, thank you for sharing your heart, your humor, and your story. And thank you for making all of our childhoods a little more colorful. ⬇️ More of Grey📺 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2crxUkgEZN8zedQMY49EOt?si=dY3lUV_mQlWk3LfdhqpZSw 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greydelisle📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greydelisle?lang=en  ⬇️ More of Daniel 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

    1h 20m
  8. How Blake Slatkin Went From Benny Blanco's Intern to The Biggest Music Producer Today

    10/19/2025

    How Blake Slatkin Went From Benny Blanco's Intern to The Biggest Music Producer Today

    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

    1h 31m
4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

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.

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