This interview is dedicated to the beloved artist and One Direction's own, Liam Payne.
I never had the honor of meeting Liam, but his presence in music meant so much to me and so many others around the world. His voice and impact will live on forever. In this interview, I had the privilege of chatting with legendary songwriter, Savan Kotecha. One of the key people who helped Liam, One Direction, and so many artists find their voice. This conversation was recorded before Liam's tragic passing; a loss that has deeply affected so many around the world. And I wish that Liam could see how many people and how many lives he changed because of his incredible because of his incredible voice, his incredible message, and his incredible music. Before we begin, Savan asked me to share this heartfelt message in honor of Liam and his family:
"Hey everyone,
Since this interview with Daniel was recorded, the world has changed with the tragic passing of Liam Payne. As you’ll hear in my conversation with Daniel, my time with Liam and One Direction was truly life-changing. Liam played a huge role in making my wildest dreams come true. He was a light, and I will forever be grateful that he was a part of my life. I know I speak for millions of fans when I say he will be missed beyond words.
Lots of love,
savan"
Savan Kotecha: The Genius Behind the Hits That Defined a Generation 🎶
In this episode of Behind The Wall, we sit down with the legendary Savan Kotecha, a songwriter and producer whose work has shaped the sound of modern pop music. With over 375 million records sold worldwide, hundreds of billions of streams, and a unique perspective on the creative process, Savan’s genius has defined global pop music like no other.
As one of the most successful creatives in music, Savan’s journey is an inspiring story of breaking barriers and redefining representation in the global music industry. From humble beginnings in Texas, he overcame rejection, self-doubt, and the challenges of finding his voice in the competitive music world.
Through persistence, passion, and an unrelenting work ethic, Savan went on to co-write some of the biggest songs of all time for artists like One Direction, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding’, Usher, and so many more.
Years later, Savan has become one of the most successful and sought-after songwriters in the world. Yet, as he shares in this conversation, success is about more than numbers—it’s about the lives you touch and the moments you create.
In this heartfelt and inspiring discussion, Savan opens up about his creative process, his perspective on success, and the never-before-heard stories behind the biggest songs he’s helped create.
Whether you’re a music fan or an aspiring creator, this episode is a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the power of belief.
Where You Can Find More of Savan Kotecha:
Where You Can Find More of Daniel Wall:
Special Thanks to the people who helped me bring this episode to life
- Creative Director: Ryan Bell
- Editors: Danial Yahaya & Noah McGuire
- Thumbnail Designer: Asif
- My friends and family: You know who you are ❤️
I’m so grateful for everyone who have pushed and supported me on this journey.
Thank you, Savan, for going Behind The Wall with us and sharing your incredible stories! You are truly one of the most prolific songwriters ever. The songs you’ve helped create have defined not just a generation but my own journey. Hearing the stories behind those songs was an absolute dream come true.
Thank you for being so open and vulnerable in this conversation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and look forward to many more incredible conversations in the future!
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
