Behind The Wall

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.

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.

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!

I Interviewed Simon Cowell! Not too long ago, I got an email asking me to interview Simon Cowell at his house. I thought it was a prank, but surprisingly, it wasn’t. I showed up to Simon Cowell’s house where we had one of my favorite conversations yet, especially because of what Simon says at the end! When I was 6 years old, I started watching Season 1 of American Idol every week. As someone who’s always loved music, it became one of my favorite shows as a kid. As I grew up, I learned more and more about music, but the one man who never left our television screens was Simon Cowell. I continued to watch America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor and all the shows.  Today, Simon and I talk about why his biggest regret is Britney Spears, how One Direction’s biggest song was made, why Leona Lewis’s biggest song almost never happened, and a partnership he’s doing with one of the biggest songwriters of all time. But many people don’t know that Simon started as a 17 year old mailroom reject. And most people don’t know that the same company that rejected him at 17 is the same company that would distribute his most successful shows years later. But it’s time we go Behind The Wall to learn more his story and his return to music!  Thank you Simon for the opportunity to get to know you a little better and chat about how you plan to change the music industry. And who knows, maybe soon (next year shhhhh) we’ll get to sit down for a full interview about your full story.  Where You Can Find Simon Cowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simoncowell/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/simoncowell?lang=en  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stemdrop  Thank you to every person who has helped me make this episode into a reality! Manager & Partner: Alec Udell Creative Director While Filming: Aaron Kelly Thumbnail Designer: Jack Gordon / Jonathan Sippel Editor: Directed by B & Daniel Wall Creative Editor: Daniel Wall Mentors: Tim, Jake Udell, Brody, Phil, David Foster, Loren Allred, Chris Martin, Ryan T,, Ryan H Friends that kept me sane during this time: Brandon: @CleanThatUp, Tyler Walsh, Ryan Bell, Zach Cohan, Tyler Poelking And Mostly Importantly THANK YOU SIMON!!!!  Two podcasts that inspired me to make this series: And The Writer is... By The One and Only Ross Golan! and How To Take Over The World!!!!! ← Fav Podcast Right Now

We’re on a mission to go Behind The Wall with The Greatest Creatives in Entertainment, Welcome to Episode 4! And in this episode we are meeting with one of the most viral singers and songwriters today, Salem Ilese! Salem Ilese is one of the most viral singers & songwriters on the internet, but you may not know her name. Yet, you probably know her viral hit song, “Mad At Disney” or “PS5”. And you may also know the hit songs she’s written with Bella Poarch, Tomorrow X Together, Alan Walker, and Jamie Miller. But what I bet almost no one knows is that Salem was actually against posting her songs on the viral platform TikTok. In fact, she almost let perfection stop her from posting the video that would change her entire life. So how did it all happen? Well, its about time we find out because my name is Daniel Wall and we’re going Behind The Wall with the one and only, Salem Ilese! Let’s actually speak to Salem about her incredible story, struggles with hate, why she dropped out of college, and how she went from on to write some of the most viral songs on TikTok. Where You Can Find Salem Ilese Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QJUFtGBGL05vo0kCJZsmT?si=PLfSzQJnSuSffg3NJlLPSQ Her New Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/5DSSWFgWsyelKKtMEUe1cK?si=TGOobOA-SGON0r0vsku6uQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salemilese/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@salemilese?lang=en Songs Written By Salem Ilese: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFBbcqtG3dkbh?si=99323c8a07e7454f Thank you Salem for Going Behind The Wall with us! You have truly been vulnerable and honest with your story and I’m happy so many more people are going to hear it. Also, check out Salem’s new album which just came out! Thank you to every person who has helped me make this episode into a reality! Manager: Alec Udell Creative Director While Filming: Danny Pollack Filming: Dojo House Creative Producer: Ryan Bell Creative Editors: Ryan Bell & Daniel Wall Thumbnail Designer: Ryan Bell Mentors: Jake Udell, Brody, Phil, David Foster, Loren Allred, Chris Martin, Ryan Tedder, Ryan H Friends that kept me sane during this time: Brandon: @CleanThatUp, Tyler Walsh, Zach Cohan, Tyler Poelking Two podcasts that inspired me to make this series: And The Writer is... By The One and Only Ross Golan! and How To Take Over The World!!!!! ← Fav Podcast Right Now Playlist Highlighting The People Who Make The Music: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7zub00BWq11qjXx2aMM0b2?si=affc421731ab4e61