This is hands down one of my favorite conversations we’ve ever had!

Russ has built one of the most unique careers in modern music. He’s released hit records, built a massive global fanbase, and became one of the artists who helped redefine what it means to be independent in the music industry.

But what I loved about this conversation is that we got to go way beyond the success and really understand how he did it.

Russ takes us through his journey from making and releasing music on his own, to songs like “What They Want” and “Losin Control” changing everything, to building a career where ownership, independence, and believing in yourself have remained at the center of everything he does.

But this episode isn’t just about Russ’ story. It’s about what artists can learn from it.

We talk about what being independent actually means, why artists shouldn’t wait for someone else to give them permission to succeed, how to build an audience that truly cares about you, the importance of consistency, and what Russ has learned from betting on himself throughout his career.

💡 This conversation is for YOU if:

🔥 You’re an independent artist trying to build a career

🔥 You’ve ever felt like you needed a label or someone in the industry to believe in you

🔥 You want to understand how Russ built such a loyal fanbase

🔥 You’re an artist, songwriter, producer, or creative trying to turn what you love into a real career

🔥 You’ve ever doubted whether you can actually make it on your own

We also dive into the stories behind his music, the lessons he’s learned throughout his career, his evolution as both an artist and entrepreneur, and the next chapter of what he’s building.

What hit me most about this conversation was Russ’ belief in taking control of your own life and career. There are so many people waiting for somebody else to discover them, validate them, or give them an opportunity. Russ’ story is a reminder that sometimes you have to create that opportunity yourself.

I’ve followed Russ’ journey for years, and getting the chance to finally sit down and go through his story with him was incredibly special. I genuinely think there are so many moments in this conversation that are going to connect with artists and creatives who are trying to figure out their own path.

Russ, thank you for the honesty, the advice, and for trusting me to help share your story. So grateful we finally got to go Behind The Wall together. 🙏🔥

And thank you to everyone who continues to support Behind The Wall and makes conversations like this possible. I truly hope this episode inspires the next generation of independent artists and creatives to bet on themselves.

🎶 The interviews don't end when the cameras turn off. Join the Behind The Wall community, where artists, songwriters, and producers learn directly from the people behind the biggest songs in the world: https://www.skool.com/behindthewall/about

📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in MusicDownload now → https://nas.com/behindthewall/products/dxue

⬇️ More of Russ

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIETTq2It3OzW8_WYRPTyQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russ/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russ?lang=en

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1z7b1Pr1rSlvWRzsW3HOrS?si=RTyfSObAQ-W7t4J_HkOb6w

⬇️ More of Daniel

YouTube: / @danielswall

Instagram: / danielwall

TikTok: / danielswall

One of The Most Honest Episodes of Behind The Wall.X Ambassadors have written some of the biggest songs of the last decade, including "Renegades" and "Unsteady"But behind those songs is a story of uncertainty, rejection, and a band that kept going no matter what.In this episode of Behind The Wall, Sam Harris, Casey Harris, and Adam Levin take us inside the making of X Ambassadors. We listen to original demos, break down the stories behind their biggest songs, talk about writing for artists like Rihanna, Eminem, Lizzo, and The Weeknd, and revisit the moments that completely changed the trajectory of their career.But this conversation isn't just about hit songs.It's about learning that your most honest work often becomes your most meaningful.It's about believing in yourself long before anyone else does.And it's about discovering that the songs you almost never write can end up changing your life forever.🎵 Want to release your own music? I've used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else. Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➜ https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306This conversation is for YOU if:🔥 You're a songwriter, artist, producer, or creative chasing your dream.🔥 You love hearing the stories behind iconic songs.🔥 You've ever wondered how "Renegades," "Unsteady," and X Ambassadors' biggest records were actually made.🔥 You've ever felt like giving up before your breakthrough came.What stayed with me most wasn't hearing the demos. It was realizing how many of these songs almost never existed. The songs that reached millions of people came from moments of doubt, vulnerability, and uncertainty. That's a reminder every creative needs to hear.Sam, Casey, and Adam, thank you for sharing your stories, your music, and your honesty. It was an honor to finally go Behind The Wall with you. And thank you to everyone who continues to support this show and help bring these conversations to life. I truly believe conversations like this inspire the next generation of creatives.📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in MusicDownload now → https://nas.com/behindthewall/products/dxue

In this special bonus episode of Behind The Wall, Jenna and Stephen take us inside the original demos behind songs for BTS and K-Pop Demon Hunters, breaking down how these records evolved from rough ideas into songs heard by millions around the world.Want to release your own music? I’ve used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else. Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➼ ⁠https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306⁠For the first time, you'll hear early versions, alternate ideas, and the creative decisions that shaped songs like "Butter," "Permission To Dance," "Free," and "What It Sounds Like."But what makes this episode so fascinating isn't just hearing the demos. It's getting a rare look into the creative process itself. How do songwriters know when an idea is special? What changes between a demo and the final version? And what does it actually take to create music that connects with people around the world?💡 This episode is for YOU if:🔥 You're an artist, songwriter, or producer trying to improve your craft🔥 You've ever wondered how hit songs sound before they're finished🔥 You love BTS, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and the stories behind the music🔥 You're fascinated by the songwriting and production processWhat hit me most while filming this wasn't how different some of the demos were. It was realizing that every song starts somewhere. Before the charts, before the streams, before millions of people hear it, every song begins as a simple idea.Jenna and Stephen, thank you for sharing these demos, your stories, and your creative process with all of us. And thank you to everyone who continues to support Behind The Wall and make conversations like this possible.I truly believe this episode will inspire the next generation of songwriters, producers, and creatives.Watch Part 1 Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYqwu_ShLZ0📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.com/behindthewall/products/dxue⬇️ More of Jenna & Stphen📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejennaandrews/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/iamstephenkirk/?hl=en📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejennaandrews https://www.tiktok.com/@iamstephenkirkSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EvaSHAnL1eSsYDMleYlO5?si=RtReMzZZRQuioU0c6oocVw https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFDDnh7fKJYOZ?si=76c8a6f3607d419d⬇️ More of Daniel📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall

This is one of those interviews that perfectly captures why Behind The Wall exists.When most people hear a song like "Butter" by BTS, they hear the finished record. What they don't see are the years of work, sacrifice, setbacks, and persistence that made that moment possible.Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk are two of the creative minds behind some of the biggest songs in K-pop, including BTS's global smash hit "Butter." More recently, they helped bring the music of K-Pop Demon Hunters to life, contributing to one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year.But this episode isn't really about the songs. It's about the journey.It's about almost giving up. It's about betting on yourself when nobody else sees the vision. It's about spending years developing your craft before the opportunities finally arrive.In this conversation, Jenna and Stephen share the stories behind their careers, the lessons they've learned working with some of the biggest artists in the world, what BTS was really like to work with, and how K-Pop Demon Hunters came together behind the scenes.💡 This conversation is for YOU if:🔥 You're an artist, songwriter, producer, or creative trying to make it🔥 You've ever questioned whether you're on the right path🔥 You love BTS, K-pop, or K-Pop Demon Hunters🔥 You want to learn what success actually looks like behind the scenesI've always believed the most valuable lessons come from hearing successful people talk honestly about the struggles, setbacks, failures, and experiences that shaped them long before the world knew their names.Jenna and Stephen, thank you both for your openness, generosity, and willingness to share your story. I know this conversation is going to inspire a lot of people, especially the next generation of songwriters, producers, and creatives who are still trying to find their place in the world. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. Welcome Behind The Wall.⬇️ More of Jenna & Stphen📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejennaandrews/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/iamstephenkirk/?hl=en📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejennaandrews https://www.tiktok.com/@iamstephenkirkSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EvaSHAnL1eSsYDMleYlO5?si=RtReMzZZRQuioU0c6oocVw https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFDDnh7fKJYOZ?si=76c8a6f3607d419d⬇️ More of Daniel📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall

GaryVee has spent the last two decades building businesses, predicting trends, and helping millions of people navigate the internet. But this conversation wasn't really about entrepreneurship. It was about insecurity.In this episode of Behind The Wall, Gary Vaynerchuk opens up about why he believes the internet and social media have fundamentally changed the way we see ourselves, why so many people struggle with comparison, and what it actually takes to build confidence in a world where everyone is constantly being judged.We talk about self-worth, validation, failure, happiness, relationships, creativity, and the hidden cost of living your life through other people's opinions. Gary shares lessons from his own journey, what he's learned from watching millions of people online, and why he believes most people are dramatically underestimating themselves.🎵 Want to release your own music? I’ve used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else. Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➼ ⁠https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306⁠💡 This conversation is for YOU if:🔥 You constantly compare yourself to other people online🔥 You're struggling with confidence, self-doubt, or feeling behind in life🔥 You want to build something meaningful but feel afraid of failing🔥 You're trying to figure out what actually matters and how to be happierWhat hit me most wasn't Gary's business advice. It was how much of success comes down to mindset. This conversation challenged the way I think about ambition, comparison, and the pressure we put on ourselves every day.Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, creator, student, or simply someone trying to find your place in the world, I genuinely believe there's something in this conversation that can help you.Gary, thank you for your honesty, your energy, and for taking the time to share your perspective. And thank you to everyone who continues to support Behind The Wall and helps make conversations like this possible. I hope this episode helps someone who needs to hear it.📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.com/behindthewall/products/dxue🧢 Behind The Wall Merch → [LINK]⬇️ More of GaryVee📺 YouTube: @GaryVee📸 Instagram: @garyvee📱 TikTok: @garyvee⬇️ More of Daniel📺 YouTube: @DanielsWall📸 Instagram: @danielwall📱 TikTok: @danielswall

Lauren Christy helped create the soundtrack of an entire generation.

Before she was writing songs like "Complicated," "Sk8er Boi," "I'm With You," and countless other hits, she was a songwriter trying to find her place in an industry that didn't always know what to do with her.

In this episode of Behind The Wall, Lauren takes us through her incredible journey from aspiring artist to one of the most influential songwriters and producers of the last two decades. We talk about forming The Matrix, discovering Avril Lavigne, creating the songs that helped define the 2000s, and the reality of what happens after your life changes overnight.

But this conversation isn't just about hit songs. It's about betting on yourself when nobody else sees the vision. It's about surviving the uncertainty that comes before success. And it's about what it really feels like when the thing you've spent your entire life chasing finally happens.

This conversation is for YOU if:

🔥 You're a songwriter, artist, producer, or creative chasing a dream

🔥 You grew up on the music of the 2000s and want to hear the stories behind it

🔥 You've ever wondered how songs like "Complicated," "Sk8er Boi," and "I'm With You" were actually made

🔥 You've ever felt like success was taking longer than it should

What hit me most wasn't just hearing the stories behind these records. It was hearing Lauren talk about the years before anyone knew her name, the setbacks, the sacrifices, and the moments where everything could have gone differently.

So many people know these songs. Very few know the story of the woman who helped create them.

Lauren, thank you for your honesty, your generosity, and for helping shape the music that so many of us grew up with. It was an honor to finally go Behind The Wall with you.

And thank you to everyone who continues to support this show and help bring these conversations to life. I truly believe this episode will inspire the next generation of creatives.

📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products...🎵

Want to release your own music? I’ve used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else. Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➼ ⁠https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306⁠

For my whole life, my biggest dream felt impossible.I dreamed of one day singing on stage with Coldplay. I had no idea how it would happen, and most of the time I honestly didn't believe it ever could, but I held onto that dream anyway.This video is not just about me singing on stage with my favorite band. It is about what can happen when you give yourself permission to dream bigger than what you thought was possible.My mission with Behind The Wall has always been to help the next generation of creatives believe in themselves, stay curious, and keep going. Coldplay played a huge part in shaping that mindset for me, and I'll always be grateful for how their music helped me keep moving forward, especially when I was sick in the hospital and having surgeries every six months for my childhood and teenage life.I hope one kid out there watches this and feels inspired the same way Coldplay inspired me years ago. That is why this is the most important video I've put out so far. Because I remember what Coldplay did for me, and if I can do that for someone else, it is one of the greatest gifts of all.And for anyone in a hospital room right now, or going through something that feels bigger than you, I remember what it feels like to not know how things will turn out. Please keep believing. Keep going. Keep dreaming.I want to thank everyone who helped me get here, every friend who encouraged me, every artist who trusted me with their story, every person who watched even one of my videos, and everyone who supported this journey behind the scenes. And thank you to Coldplay, Chris Martin, Phil Harvey, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and the entire team for helping make this moment possible. And most importantly, thank you to every single person who liked, shared, or supported the original TikTok and YouTube Short that helped make this dream come true.I also want to dedicate this video to my mom and my grandfather.Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I wanted to release this video for Mother's Day because my mom believed in me before I believed in myself. She believed in me no matter how big my dreams were. She stayed in the hospital with me through every surgery and was always there whenever I needed her. I love you forever, and I'm so grateful to have you as my mom.To my grandfather, who is no longer with us, you showed me what it means to work hard and chase something with your whole heart, even when society didn't think you could. Love you forever.Through every medical challenge and difficult time, you both helped me believe in myself, keep going, and dream bigger than what I thought was possible. I’m forever grateful to both of you.If you're a creative and your dreams feel impossible, I hope this video reminds you that impossible things can happen. Because if I can sing on stage with my favorite band, there's no limit to what is possible. Now it's your turn to follow your dreams and Everglow!

This video tells the story of the single scariest question I've ever asked in my life. A question that could have ended in silence, rejection, or embarrassment.For years, I dreamed of singing on stage with Coldplay. I had no connections, no guarantees, and no idea if I'd ever get the chance to ask Chris Martin directly. Then one day, the moment came. This is the full story of the fear, the hesitation, the internal battle, and the exact second life shifted. More than anything, this is a story about what can happen when you bet on yourself before you feel ready.If you're a dreamer or someone who's been scared to go for something that feels impossible, I hope this video shows you that the impossible can become possible.Coldplay and their music helped shape who I am. Their songs gave me hope during hard seasons of life and reminded me to keep going no matter how difficult things became.Thank you to my family, every friend who supported me, every person who watched even one video, and everyone who helped me build the confidence to ask something I never thought I'd say out loud.And thank you to Coldplay, Chris Martin, Phil Harvey, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and the entire team for making this moment possible.For anyone out there afraid to go for their dreams in life, I hope this video inspires you to go for them just like Coldplay inspired me!

This is one of the most powerful moments from our conversation with Hit-Boy.

In this episode of Behind The Wall, Hit-Boy takes us inside the making of Nipsey Hussle’s final song, sharing the real story behind how it happened, what that moment meant, and the responsibility of helping bring an important final chapter of Nipsey’s legacy to life.

Sitting with us in the studio, Hit-Boy breaks down the song piece by piece, playing the beat, revisiting the verses with Nipsey and Roddy Ricch, explaining how the record came together, and showing how moments like this are really created behind the scenes.

This is more than a song breakdown. It’s a rare look into creativity, legacy, friendship, and the emotion behind making music that lasts forever.If you love hearing the real stories behind iconic records and how great songs are truly made, this conversation is for you.

📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products

Hit-Boy, thank you for trusting us with this conversation.

⬇️ More of Hit-Boy

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6q3p11nP1p80Ey6LrOOSed?si=fpp2AKFMTr2fBBFJhBCs9A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitboy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hit-boy

⬇️ More of Daniel

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall

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

In this episode of Behind The Wall, Hit-Boy opens up about the journey behind one of the most respected careers in modern music, from producing some of the biggest songs of the last decade to navigating pressure, family, reinvention, legacy, and what it truly takes to stay relevant over time.🎵 Want to release your own music? I’ve used DistroKid for over 6 years to get my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else. Use my link to get 7% off your membership ➼ https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/1296306Then, sitting in the studio, Hit-Boy takes us inside the making of major records, how beats really start, how songs evolve, how to know when something is special, and what separates a good idea from something timeless. From rough ideas to finished songs, we get a rare look into the mind of someone who helped shape an era.But this episode is not just about music. It’s about believing in yourself before the world catches on. It’s about staying hungry after success. It’s about family, growth, resilience, and carrying your last name with pride. It’s about proving that longevity matters more than moments.This conversation is for YOU if:• You’re a producer, songwriter, or artist trying to level up your craft• You want to understand how hit songs are actually made• You’ve ever felt overlooked and needed motivation to keep going• You care about growth, discipline, and long-term success• You love music and want to hear the mindset behind greatnessWhat stood out to me most wasn’t just the stories behind the songs.It was Hit-Boy’s mindset. The discipline. The humility. The way he talks about growth, consistency, family, and never letting success make you comfortable.Hit-Boy, thank you for your openness, your wisdom, and for trusting me with this conversation. I’m grateful we 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. This is why Behind The Wall exists, to give you a real look at the people and process behind greatness, and to inspire the next generation of creatives.

📘 FREE PDF: 15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music Download now → https://nas.io/behindthewall/products...⬇️ More of Hit-BoySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6q3p11nP1p80Ey6LrOOSed?si=fpp2AKFMTr2fBBFJhBCs9AInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitboy/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hit-boy ⬇️ More of DanielYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsWall Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwall/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielswall