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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Khalid went from uploading songs on SoundCloud in high school to becoming one of the defining voices of a generation. With billions of streams and global hits like “Location,” “Young Dumb & Broke,” and “Talk,” it’s easy to forget he was just a teenager figuring it out as the world watched.But this episode isn’t just about his success. It’s about the moments you don’t see. The pressure. The identity shifts. Becoming the real you.Khalid shares how overnight success changed his life forever, the highs and lows that came with it, and what it taught him about himself.He talks about writing Location in high school, watching it explode across the world, and the surreal feeling of realizing his life would never be the same. He speaks about navigating fame, self-doubt, and what it means to rebuild creatively when the world already thinks they know who you are.And he reveals why this album is his biggest risk yet, and why it’s the most true to who he is. It’s not about algorithms or streams. It’s about what it really means to grow up in public and still find your voice.If you’ve ever struggled with identity, felt pressure to be someone you’re not, or just want to see the heart behind the music, this episode is for you.I’m really grateful for the chance to talk to Khalid, who doesn’t do many interviews. Thank you for trusting us with this story. It will stay with people long after the sun goes down. 📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products/dxue🧢 Behind The Wall Merch Drop 👕 Use code WALL20 for 20% off → https://behindthewall.tv/collections/all⬇️ More of KhalidNew Album: https://khalid.lnk.to/atsgd?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad3SG6nwx5AAKOeEFrc7VoZTs2PO0Z-WmtliOiIVtKRyJzgcJ-i3nnwHE_RnA_aem_Tyr4R8IZGMClo0YWTS56xwSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LuN9FCkKOj5PcnpouEgny?si=GqEt14OmRFWFqCsYco82KwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegr8khalid/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegr8khalid YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkntT5Je5DDopF70YUsnuEQ🎵 Listen to the new album ⬇️ More of DanielYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwallTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

Can anybody sing? When I asked Stevie Mackey, the vocal coach behind Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Lenny Kravitz, Amber Riley, Fergie, and more, his answer wasn’t what I expected. He said, “I don’t think anyone can sing… but I lean toward more people singing than not.”

That moment set the tone for one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever had. Stevie doesn’t just train voices, he helps people discover who they truly are. For over a decade, he’s been coaching some of the biggest artists in the world, working on The Voice, touring globally with J.Lo, and guiding countless singers toward unlocking their true potential.

In this interview, Stevie pulls back the curtain on the real truth about singing, why most people struggle with their voice, what it really takes to unlock your sound, and how life experience shapes the way we sing. He explains why so many people are afraid to sing, how to break through that fear, and what separates the good singers from the great ones.

Hearing Stevie share his perspective changed the way I see singing forever. It made me realize that behind every voice is a story and that story is what makes the sound powerful. I think it’ll change the way you see your own voice, your potential, and even your purpose.

Big thank you to Stevie for going Behind The Wall with us. Thank you for showing up with honesty, for sharing your wisdom, and for believing in me. And to anyone who has ever doubted their voice, get ready to see it in a completely new light.

📘 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 Stevie Mackey


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviemackey/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@steviemackey

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StevieMackey/videos

Advanced Singing Course: https://studio.com/classes/stevie-mackey/advanced-singing

⬇️ More of DanielYouTube:  ⁨@DanielsWall⁩  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall

The Jonas Brothers Interview

This might be the wildest interview I’ve ever done yet. For years, I’ve wanted to dive into the Jonas Brothers’ music with them - not the headlines, not the gossip, but the real stories behind the songs. And this time, they brought something I never imagined they would…

For the first time ever, the Jonas Brothers sat down with us and went through the original demos of their biggest and most iconic songs and even some never-before heard songs that have never left the vault until now.

But this episode isn’t just about the music, it’s about their journey. The early days before Disney, the pressure of breaking through, the moments they thought it might be over, and how they built a sound that defined a generation.

This conversation is for YOU if:
- You grew up with the Jonas Brothers and want to see the songs in their rawest form
- You’re a songwriter, producer, or artist looking for insight into hit-making
- You’ve ever wondered how Disney and Camp Rock really happened behind the scenes
- You want to understand their career through the lens of the music, not the tabloids

Hearing the Jonas Brothers play the raw, unpolished first versions of these songs hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It made me realize just how much intention, work, and risk went into every single track. This conversation changed the way I hear their catalog, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

Nick, Joe, Kevin - thank you for trusting me with this. Thank you for showing up with honesty, for digging into the music, and for letting us hear the moments no one’s ever heard before. And to the fans who grew up with these songs, get ready to hear them for the first time all over again. 

Check out Their New Album Out Now: https://open.spotify.com/album/6iMMJ5UlCv9glyse2I2YgR?si=o5wK62WbTuWPlRo37X8zpw 

This video is brought to you by Charles Schwab Investing Themes™, invest in what you believe in.

📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → 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 The Jonas Brothers
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonasbrothers
📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonasbrothers
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasbrothers

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gOdHgIoIKoe4i9Tta6qdD?si=btEhDcomS-Cah1Rdje7WhA

⬇️ More of Daniel
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall
📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielswall