How Bonnie McKee Became The Biggest Songwriter of The 2010s
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Bonnie McKee, a creative powerhouse behind some of the most iconic pop hits of our time. Known for her work with Katy Perry, Taio Cruz, Britney Spears and so many more. In fact she not only has over 10 number one hit songs, but Bonnie’s story is more than her accolades. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and blazing her own trail in the music industry. From releasing her solo debut Trouble to writing songs that have sold over 30 million copies worldwide, Bonnie has faced setbacks with an unstoppable spirit. Most recently, she took full creative control, releasing her long-awaited second album Hot City, proving that great songs by great artists stand the test of time.
In this episode, Bonnie opens up about the challenges she’s faced, her evolution as a songwriter and performer, and what inspires her to keep creating. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, songwriter, or someone chasing a dream, Bonnie’s story is a masterclass in persistence, passion, and staying true to your voice.
*Behind The Wall Exclusive Community: patreon.com/us...
Where You Can Find More of Bonnie McKee:
*Spotify: open.spotify.c...
*Instagram: www.instagram....
*TikTok: / bonniemckee
*TH-cam: @bonniemckeeofficial
*Facebook: / bonniemckeeofficial
*Playlist of The Songs Bonnie Co-Wrote: open.spotify.c...
Where You Can Find More of Daniel Wall:
*TH-cam: / @danielswall
*TikTok: / danielswall
*Instagram: www.instagram....
*Facebook: / @danielsecretwall
*Playlist of The Songwriters: open.spotify.c...
Thank you to the people who helped me bring this episode to life, couldn't have done it without you!
Creative Director: Ryan Bell
Editors: Noah McGuire & Danial Yahaya
Thumbnail Designer: Asif
My friends and family: You know who you are ❤️
I’m so grateful for everyone who has pushed and supported me on this journey. It’s a privilege to serve as the Founder, Host, and Creative Lead of this project-and to share these stories with all of you!
A heartfelt thank you to Bonnie for Going Behind The Wall with us and sharing her incredible journey. Her resilience, creativity, and passion for music inspire us all to dream big and keep going, no matter the challenges. I've been wanting to chat with Bonnie for so long now, and to have the chance is absolutely incredible. Hopefully many more conversations in the future, but until then, check out Bonnie's album "Hot City" on all platforms now: open.spotify.c...
Love seeing Bonnie get her flowers. The pain and the triumph is relatable, thanks for sharing.
Completely. When another guest was on and totally erased Bonnie from the story of Teenage Dream, I asked Daniel to have her on and now I see it's happened!
Oh please all of her songs have like 10 writers, I don't think any of them are responsible for her 'hits' .. teenage dream is her only good song anyway
@@jadebel7006 oh please, who hurt you?
@@jadebel7006don’t crap on this sweet girl. You have no clue how credits work I imagine
No there are many writers not just her for the songs she mentionned...
We all expected Katy Perry to bring Bonnie McKee back instead she brought Dr. Luke 😭😭😭
right?! what the hell were they all thinking
I sincerely hope Bonnie would never give her hits again. Katy doesnt deserve them.
Katy needs her back
Oh please all of her songs have like 10 writers, I don't think any of them are responsible for her 'hits' .. teenage dream is her only good song anyway
@@vanillac0keh3ad Katy wrote hits before working with Bonnie. 😊😊
hey! I'm one of the "kids" from that "500 pages long forum" - so happy to see her thriving. Bonnie is pure pop gold and I love that more people get to see that.
WELL DONE, Y'ALL!!! I love it that the fans made an actual difference in her career this way
What forum is it? I’d like to read it
@@angefaceee Pop hates flops!
I think about the line “I was raised by a television” line very often. I cannot get American Girl out of my head even after listening to it a few times in middle school.
Some of it is from Tom petty, ignition key is the knob on the older televisions.
I’m sure Bonnie’s not gonna read my comment, but I’ve been a fan since her songwriting era, and after American Girl blew up, I thought she would do too, something happened, s*** happened, but I, till this day believe in her, she is so talented, a true artist. I’ve seen tons of interviews of her, she amaze me, she’s strong, and her strength makes me believe in myself, makes me believe I can overcome darkness, and makes me believe it’s never too late to chase my dreams, not that much artists can make me feel that, it’s powerful, I’m so thankful she is doing music, shows, promo, art. I love her so much 🧡 Thank you Bonnie
I felt like I was reading my own words. So spot on. I hope she looks back & sees the love still here for her & the immense value she brings. I’m close to her age, prob a bit older but i still look up to her. Shes a warrior
Gotta echo these comments. She’s so talented and I wish she would go out and book meetings or whatever to get in front of some of the ‘powers that be’ until she finds one she connects with who has the resources to properly relaunch her as an artist- someone of her caliber would be able to back up the hype. I think she had her heart broken by the circumstances that she’s endured ya know? I can’t imagine being so close and having all your dreams coming true and then suddenly someone wakes you up. She’s a star, I just want to see her shine brighter like she was always meant to.
There are many sngwriters who wrote katy songs et bonnie sngs that she mentionned...not just her.
I think there’s a good chance she will read your comment, and maybe reply! Hopefully! 😀
Wow what a fascinating interview. BONNIE MCKEE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS
One of the BEST songwriter interviews you've done thus far. I didn't know Bonnie at all before watching this, she is super inspiring and I'm a new fan!
"Success is not a higher-power" I needed to hear that, today.
When she said "songwriting is a lot of brain power and hours" (48:13) I felt seen 😅❤. As a songwriter myself, there's so much willpower that I often have to tap into because words sometimes dissappear. I appreciate her for sharing her talent with the world. What an incredible interview 🔥🇿🇦
Time disappears when your in the correct state at the right age. Song Writing can hurt, song writing can hurt sometimes. So what you do is capture it into a photograph. The common thread is the drums in ticket to ride.
You ta----ke content from books ect n u call yourself a sngwriter??
@@Iwonttellyoumyname4 Correct we read books that have words in them. What books do you read?
One of the BEST music industry interview I've ever listened to! Thank you Daniel and Bonnie!
thank you for this series! as a songwriter, it’s so nice to hear people I’ve looked up to since childhood talking about this career and industry. the transparency is refreshing, and much appreciated. keep going, daniel!
This was such a sweet, engaging, wonderful interview. I have respected and loved Bonnie McKee for so so long and I just love hearing her process, her story, her insight. She of course has contributed so much to the soundtracks of our lives and I'm excited to continue following and engaging with her work!
I remember using the yahoo music video to mp3 converter for Bonnie’s songs because you couldn’t buy them anywhere and now I know why!
No there were many sngwriters to write the songs she mentionned
@@Iwonttellyoumyname4 what does that have to do with what the op said?
Has Bonnie been this honest in interviews before? Really enjoyed hearing about the tension during the Teenage Dream era. Feeling like you have to prove yourself to someone who doesn’t want you there can oftentimes lead to your best work as an artist. It’s not fun, but it’s often truer than not!
Oh wow, I’ve followed Bonnie for so long now and I’ve never seen such a respectful, candid but meaty interview with her- you let her direct the pace but guided with questions like prompts at the perfect times. Absolute skill.
Subscribed, and will check out even more videos- thank you for this. ❤
Her, Max Martin, Julia Michaels, and Shellback are absolutely my favorite songwriters. I really love the music industry because of them and they are inspiration.
Seeing someone else mention Julia Michaels truly makes my heart jump. She’s so under-appreciated, and the mess Disney had her go through for Wish’s soundtrack will always be upsetting to me. A Bonnie and Julia collab would be so magical. Two pop genius’s, meshing their talents!
This series is giving me life 💛 Songwriters are my heroes 🙂
Same!
Same! This has been making pop music more meaningful for me tbh. I love to know the back stories!
Bonnie is a true Genius, "American Girl" is a modern piece of Art, Don't get mad, get famous too, she's absolutely adorable, talented, brilliant, charging, down to earth, and a Huge Star. She's the kind of artist you admire and the kind of artist that inspire other people.
No she didn’t write it herself. There were other sngwriters
I love how she stood true to herself and kept going trough all these years I hope she gets her flowers !!! She deserves to have a big moment
Dude, another great interview. You bring out this natural honesty and generosity in your subjects and ask the good questions that make it all flow. Love it.
This means the world appreciate you!!! Excited for more to come and to hear your thoughts jaden!
I remember hearing Bonnie live in Atlanta. Her mom was next to me in the audience and told me her story. I remember her saying, "You may not know me, but I bet you know my music."
Bonnie is both strong and vulnerable. I sensed that she had been through something like she described, before she said it. The weight of trauma is just ‘there’. (IYKYK) I hope she continues to be able to create in each and every field she tries, and has a strong support network; she is so talented and seems so genuine. Really enjoyed this interview and thank you for giving her the space to tell her (fascinating) stories without interrupting, and for discussing her body of work without being overbearing or having an agenda like some do. Thank you both.
Love her work with Britney. Hope she gets to work with her again one day.
Great interview; she is so cool! Her voice is wonderful as well very relaxing! I wish you continued success!
She was completely honest
You have such excellent instincts with interviews. I feel like often interviewers nowadays have an ”angle”, a narrative they want to build that is easy to sell as clickbait. They ask heavily leading questions, make bold assumptions and put the person heavily on the spot to correct them. You give the people you interview breathing room and a chance to express themselves and their point of view and you seem just very genuinely interested in them as humans. I just feel like this format has a lot of humanity in it. I also think the fact that you interview them in a comfortable space for them instead of a podcast studio also makes it feel way more organic. Nobody wants to tell about how they abused substances at 16 in a lifeless soundproofed podcast studio. I assume you go to a location they pick for the interview, so they are often more on ”homeground” which is awesome. The audio also sounds great.
I think you ask questions where it matters to make the timeline more clear for listeners (like when you asked about meeting someone important around the 20 ish minutes) and I think you highlight their accomplishments in a very nice way, recognising their hard work and dedication instead of just focusing on awards/numbers etc
Speaking about Cirkut, get him on this show! My fav producer.
yesss me tooo!!! OBSESSED with his work with Ava max
yes omg his work with Ke$ha was insane!!
@@dusthymn8187 Kesha* She dropped the dollar sign years ago
I never heard of Bonnie McKee until today. She writes great songs.
Interesting she worked with Benny Blanco who is now engaged to Selena Gomez.
Much success, health, happiness and blessings to all. Happy holidays and bright new year.
She has got something nice to say about everyone, and that shows the beautiful heart she has 💙
Great Interview! I never knew that Bonnie had written all of these great songs. For all these years when I heard these songs on the radio, I feel that our lives are so much better because of her writing. Thanks so much Bonnie!
I’m so happy Bonnie is here! I love her, I hope she gets more exposure
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HEARING FROM BONNIE MCKEE----ALL I CAN SAY SHE IS TALENTED....I WISH HER ALL THE SUCCESS
her song “I Don’t Care” (cheryl) doesn’t get enough love
fun fact: Bonnie hates that they changed the name to “I Don’t Care", it was called "Waking Up Diagonally".
Is it close to ed sheerans?
I was VERY, majorly into Bonnie during her first album era. A lot of her hits that she wrote, I gave a chance only when/because I heard she wrote them. Her vision always resonated with me. I always felt like what she had to say, were the things I was into.
I was OBSESSED with the Trouble album when it came out when I was 14. And still love to sing along with it today. So happy to see Bonnie get the recognition she deserves!
Absolutely love Bonnie! In another world, Rewind Your Heart was the huge number 1 smash it deserved to be.
8:36 PREACH sister “lonely” LA is a very lonely city even if you get out and go to events it’s very very hard to find a friend group that sticks together and calls each other. I like how she described that because it’s very real.
She is so bold! I love her fearlessness of putting herself out there and going for it!
YES!!! Finally someone putting respect on Bonnie’s name! 🥰
Thank you for this wonderfully insightful interview with one of the most talented musicians of modern pop music. I have been a fan since her debut album and all of her work since then. She is criminally underrated and I am so glad to see her continue being creative in different ways. You have a new subscriber in me.
Omg! Bonnie’s speaking voice is like liquid gold (also, just happen to be a fan anyway 😊)!
teenage dream is just a magical song. learning how it was written makes it even better.
Thank you, Daniel for introducing me to Bonnie, and thank you for your great mission 🙏🙏🙏
I love Bonnie’s approach on music videos. I feel the same with my work 🧡
Great, inspiring video. Thanks for sharing, Dan. You rock, Bonnie!
She has such great stories! She’s really pulling all the weight. The host is just reading questions and providing like warm reactions.
Daniel, your passion and knowledge really shine through. This is one of my favorite podcasts, I look forward to every episode.
Respect for enduring the industry, your songwriting skills are outstanding and I hope one day I can tell you I’m too nervous to smoke with you.
"The wrong EmPhasis on the wrong SyLable" 😂😭🤣. Get in ma belly!
Daniel's respect and admiration for Bonnie is obvious and quite beautiful. He shines a light on those "unsung" names behind some of the biggest songs of the 2000s. -- The treatment by her record label when the Jonas Brothers gig fell through feels almost criminal. -- The most tragic part for me was hearing her talk about selling her catalog. Im sure she was in a tough spot and maybe needed to do it but yiu could hear it in her voice that its a decision she wishes she could take back. I think she says "I regret it" like four or five times. That's really sad. -- She seems llke a strong and resilient person so i hope she's able to forge a new path for herself and find new success.
Bonnie opened for Kiesza this October and I saw her in Seattle. I then looked her up and said, "Oh my gosh she's done so much! She's written so many hot songs!" I of course bought a T-shirt. The performance was so much fun, especially when she came out in a little towel for the first song 😄. I hope she gets to have more songs hit the airwaves and ones that are sung by her.
This was a surprisingly interesting watch. Great job both of you!
Another wonderful interview. Well done!
Great interview. Bonnie is awesome.
such a great interview! I love seeing Bonnie Mckee finally shine! :)
This is an incredible interview well done to both of you 👌👌
I always wish other people could see themselves as we do. I feel that with Bonnie.
Quits school at 16. 10 #1 hits. Authentic. REAL. Gorgeous, ageless. Ever evolving.
I imagine in LA there’s so many people you could look up at & think you’re small in comparison (from the OUTSIDE anyway bc we all kinda feel this way)
But Bonnie is just such a powerhouse in talent & art. I hope she can FEEL it day in & day out.
As I’m writing this I’m hearing her speak on her trauma & recovery. I’ve been assaulted too. I’m still dealing with PTSD. I often say “It’s okay, I’m okay” but that not true. I do that to make others feel comfortable. Perpetually people pleasing loops I’m working on. I see so much of the complexity of my growth in my journey in her energy. It’s freaking hard to overcome every day & take control of your mind to get out & push forward & still spread a positive message. Bonnie you’re such a WARRIOR & a true gift.
There’s way more people out here who see you than you realize love.
I always knew the songs you were writing, I felt your unwavering individuality & soul. You’re such an uplifting inspiring woman & you have my utmost respect ❤❤
Thank you for all the times you kept going when times were hard.
Today it helped me to be able to do that a little bit easier. I’m grateful this came up on my recommended today bc I needed it. I hope you see yourself through my eyes today ❤❤❤
❤❤❤
Appreciate you continuing to do this show Daniel
Oh my god it’s a total mind trip finding out that all these songs I’ve loved over the years were all Bonnie!! No friggen wonderrr!
I’ve actually learned a lot from this interview about industry and song writing.. I love the double meaning in “would you hold it against me” too
Hi Daniel Wall! Thank you so much for this very inspirational video, we really had no idea who she was until the introduction. We really liked the last underdog reference that you made because all of your videos have been extremely motivational, once again thank you for the much needed confidence! Romeo The Band
As a kid who signed an artist development deal with NSync and Britney’s manager in high school, I could totally relate to some of what she went through. The music industry is such a rollercoaster ride. She’s amazing though! Love her songs.
I learned about bonnie ages ago when she released Trouble and then later when i realized she wrote one of my favorite records - teenage dream, i became fully obsessed. I thought she was going to blow up and get more recognition after American Girl. But so much of this is luck. I still find her so inspirational for her look and talent ❤
Excellent interview! Bonnie you are an inspirational and amazing talent! ❤
Really appreicate this content, I remember last year I went to Entertianment Club at college and was really let down by the lack of questions and people that were being introduced to the club and I feel like these podcasts really satisfy everything I want and am curious learning from these artists. Appreicate the podcast- thank you ! :)
also can’t believe Birthday never went #1! never sat right with me. so nice to learn about this incredible songwriter
Justice for the birthday song🎉 I always loved listening to that song on my birthday and I do it every year😊
Sameeee 🥰😊🙌🏻
east side boys is my favourite song with her - amazing to hear the stories behind these iconic songs
Amazing interview!! I've just recently discovered your channel and I'm binge watching all your interviews because, honestly, what a gift to all of us aspiring artists trying to make into the music industry to get the chance to hear from all those multitalented producers and songwriters. Bonnie McKee is such an icon to anyone who was a teenager in the 2010s, the songs she wrote defined an Era of pop music and will continue to be played forever and ever. Thank you for sharing a bit of your experience with us, you're brilliant and inspiring!
Bonnie, I know this isn’t the outcome you envisioned, but trust me, the world knows who you are. True fans remember rushing to Walmart or Target for your album at midnight, reading the credits as we listened. We know who wrote those songs-and who needed 20 co-writers. You’re in the league with legends like Dolly Parton as a songwriter. Never forget, you’re a legend too. 🙌💯
such a true pop genius, love her so much ❤️🔥
Great interview, I've always loved American Girl and a lot of the songs she's worked on. You are a really great interviewer!!
Thank you Danial for including us to these amazing people we need to know. Specially people who love lyrics and lyricism. Been supporting you since day 1 love and respect all the way from Kuwait 🇰🇼.
Trouble is a masterpiece. Some of those songs are just, perfect. green grass has some of the best poetry in any pop song I ever heard "would the moon forget the tide? Would the wind forget to sigh? Would the souls forget to die? Would my eyes forget to cry?"
Living legend Bonnie McKee!
HOW ARE YOU GETTING THESE LEGENDS BRO
Interview Ester Dean next! She got the real hits
Yes!!!! 💯💯💯
YAAAASSSS
@ we see each other
I wanna see what she says how she created S&M and all of Rihanna’s talk that talk songs
@K4Hii04 literally omg. And Muni Long 😬
Could listen to her for hours She seems so funny to hang out with. But also so human and deep I would like to talk to her about everything
Bonnie is a pop genius!! ❤
I’ve been a fan of hers since 2010. She’s so genuine and so honest. Glad she’s finally getting her flowers.
Amazing talent and seems so down to earth and cool.
I've been propping and posting about Bonnie for YEARS. She's incredible and it's still amazing how many people have ZERO idea that there are a handful of music
geniuses behind soooo many of the chart-topping artists and songs we all love. If you have never seen Bonnie performing a medley of many of the hits she created, search for that video. It's amazing. Bonnie is absolutely amazing.
Edit: here is that medley video th-cam.com/video/VIpANtDtbes/w-d-xo.html
It took 10 whole days for my algorithm to recommend this to me?? I’m really enjoying this interview🤗💜
Edit: also, I WISH I could say “Lorde stole my Grammy” lol!
Love her so much.She is a legend Her story is in a book The song machine of John sea room
this was a great watch. also I'm now a Bonnie McKee fan 🙊❤🔥
Same❤
Songwriters deserve so much more recognition ❤
A lot of these interviews put me off even trying to get my music out there. The industry is so messed up it feels like I don’t want to be a part of it. Shame as I’m a genius. But great channel!!
Really loved hearing the background stories behind her incredible songs. A true professional!
this needs more views omg
Omg! This woman! Wow wow wow wow! Dynamite actually inspired me to try songwriting. I wanted to be the next Taio Cruz. I literally used to tell my friends that whoever wrote the hook on dynamite was a genius. This woman is literally inside the heads of listeners. I wonder if she uses analytics or data science to help her write hits.
Great interview!
She’s adorable!
Listening to her and knowing Chappell Ronan's backstory is kinda funny to know that when Lorde appeared on the scene every single Record Label panicked and tried to force a random girl they already had signed to morph into their own version of Lorde.
Totally agree with you on this! Lorde really shook up the industry
Yeah I noticed that parallel too
Great interview and questions
Amei a entrevista ❤ Bonnie é uma artista incrível é o entrevistador foi ótimo.
I REMEMBER ASKING FOR THIS!!!
I love your interviews. Would also love to see you interview Jim Beanz 😍
LOVE THIS!!!! ❤ thank you both for an insightful interview!
Keep up the great work Bonnie! 👍🥁👍
Imagine how different things would have turned out for Katy’s new album if she had brought back Bonnie instead of Dr. Puke! Bonnie would NEVER let Katy out the door with the clownery that can be heard on 143.
@@laracroftvideos its not like hot city is that different 😭
Great interview learned a lot about her career 🤓 and intelligence - Thank You!
Great interview!!!!
ughhhhhhhh bonnie is SO iconic and underrated!!!
and I mean... she lived the best life. Shes got coin COIN and anonymity
At the end of the interview she says she's not rich
How the hell can someone be iconic and underrated at the same time? 😂
Pick one.