I Asked The World's Biggest Songwriters How They Make Hits

SONA Awards: Honoring the Songwriters Who Shape Culture

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, 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, Lawrence Pastel, and Lauren Christy.

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.

15 Lessons from The Greatest Minds in Music: https://nas.io/behindthewall/products...

⬇️ More of SONA
Website: https://www.songwritersofnorthamerica...
Instagram:   / songwritersofnorthamerica  
X: https://x.com/SONAunited
Learn more about songwriter advocacy, education, and community

⬇️ More of Daniel
📺 YouTube: / @danielswall
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📱 TikTok: / danielswall

00:00:00 - Every Songwriter Should Watch This Video
00:01:07 - Paul Anka - Frank Sinatra’s My Way, Bringing The Beatles to The US, and Advice for Future Songwriters
00:06:43 My First Time Hosting A Red Carpet
00:07:16 Shane Stevens - Lemonade Mouth’s “She’s So Gone”
00:08:47 Ross Golan, And The Writer is…, and Advice for the Next Generation
00:11:38 Michelle Williams - CEO of SONA Gives Advice for Songwriting
00:15:29 Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis - Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and 50 Years of Partnership
00:20:18 Jason Evigan - Maroon 5, Benson Boone, & Advice for Future Producers
00:26:09 Salem Ilene - Viral Songwriting, Writing for K-Pop, and Advice for Songwriters
00:30:49 220kid - Making The Viral Wellerman TikTok Song by Accident
00:36:10 Bonnie Mckee - 11 Number 1 Hits, Writing for Katy Perry, Advice for Songwriters
00:38:25 Sarah Hudson & JHart - Writing for Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion, 5SOS, Katy Perry, Advice for Songwriters, Mentorship
00:44:02 Annie Schindel - Writing Red Wine Supernova with Chappel Roan
00:46:54 Crispin Hunt - Writing for Lana Del Rey, Florence, Advice for Songwriters, AI in Music
00:52:35 Larry Mestel - Primary Wave, Bob Marley, Prince, James Brown, Whitney Houston
00:55:20 Lauren Christy - Writing with Avril Lavigne, Bebe Rexha, Due Lipa, Truth About Songwriting
01:02:24 15 Lessons From The Greatest Creatives in Music
01:03:47 How to do a better interview on the red carpet
01:04:41 Dinah Lapolt - Law in Music & Advice for Business
01:06:30 Thank you SONA & TIKTOK