Official site for Danny Knapp, bass guitarist for We're No Gentlemen, Serena Foster, The Bredren, and more...

Biography

Danny Knapp – Bass Guitarist, also known as “The Melonhead” is a Southern California-based musician and composer, specializing in electric and fretless bass guitar. He also plays ukulele as well as frequently singing backing or lead vocals.

Danny is an energetic live performer as well as being an efficient and diverse session musician. Danny performs over 100 gigs per year, offering his skills for a wide variety of bands and artists, including original bands, tributes, and covers, in genres ranging from reggae to rock, EDM, pop, metal, folk, latin, funk, jazz and more.

Danny has been performing and recording professionally since he was 16 years old. Early in his career, he played bass for Feedbags with Scotty Johnson (later of Gin Blossoms). In 2006-2010, Danny recorded and performed on bass, keyboards, and ukulele for Mikioi, a Hawaiian reggae band that received attention on Polynesian radio for their singles “Hawaii, My Home”, “Mikio’i Music”, and their rendition of the traditional song “Kanaka Wai Wai”. He also performed on ukulele and bass as a member of the renowned Pangean Orchestra. In 2016, Danny was a member of actress/singer/songwriter Katie Garfield’s live band. Danny played bass for several years in the alt-rock/ska/reggae band The Bredren, which included former members of Save Ferris, Lit, Jeffries Fan Club, and For Pete’s Sake.

Danny is currently the bass guitarist for the emo/alternative-rock band We’re No Gentlemen, singer/songwriter Serena Foster, and the second-wave OC ska band The Goodwin Club. He is also an official artist for Pig Hog Cables and Schroeder Cabinets. Danny regularly records and performs with many other artists such as pop-duo Taysti, Kitty Antix, L.A. Sound Machine, Maiden United, Pretty In Pink, La Vida Loca, Sugarlips, Thank-U Drive-Thru, and many other L.A.-based projects.

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News Highlights

Studio Session with Bryn Ryan-VanDyke

Singer/songwriter Bryn Ryan-VanDyke was back in the studio, working on her heartfelt single, “It’s OK.” Known for her emotional vocal delivery and lyrical vulnerability, Bryn brought her signature depth to this track, which is being produced by acclaimed musician and producer Michael Parlett.

The recording session took place in Los Angeles, where Bryn has assembled a talented team of session musicians to bring her vision to life. On bass is the always dynamic Danny Knapp, whose melodic grooves give the song its soulful foundation. Joining him is drummer Jeff Samatoro, delivering a blend of subtlety and strength behind the kit. Rounding out the core rhythm section is guitarist David Hartmann, whose expressive playing adds warmth and texture to the track.

“It’s OK” is poised to be one of Bryn’s most personal releases to date, with themes of resilience, reassurance, and emotional healing. With Michael Parlett’s smooth and sophisticated production touch, fans can expect a moving and polished track that showcases Bryn’s evolution as both a writer and performer. Stay tuned for the single’s release date.

Maiden United Gears Up for Music Video

The Iron Maiden tribute band Maiden United is taking a major step forward as they begin work behind the scenes on their very first official music video. Known for their high-energy live performances and meticulous recreations of Iron Maiden’s legendary catalog, the band is now setting their sights on bringing that same intensity and theatrical flair to the screen.

Leading the charge on this project is bass guitarist Danny Knapp, known on stage as Steve Hairless. Knapp has been actively involved in the creative development of the video, working as a director to capture the essence of Maiden’s iconic visual style—think dark atmospheres, mythic symbolism, and of course, a heavy dose of Eddie-inspired attitude.

While full details of the song and video concept remain under wraps, the band promises a cinematic experience that channels the spirit of classic Maiden videos with a modern twist. The Maiden United crew is going all in to deliver something that pays homage to the legends while carving out a visual identity of their own.

Stay tuned for more updates as Maiden United prepares to unleash their maiden voyage into the world of music videos—iron-clad and louder than ever.

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The Goodwin Club Skanks The Garden Amp

Garden Grove was bouncing to the beat as The Goodwin Club brought their signature high-energy ska sound to The Garden Amp, joining forces with ska-punk legends Mustard Plug and Voodoo Glow Skulls for an unforgettable night of music and mayhem. The all-ages crowd skanked, shouted, and sang along to every beat in a celebration of Southern California’s thriving ska scene.

The Goodwin Club, led by powerhouse vocalist Tami Demaree, delivered a punchy, horn-driven set filled with crowd favorites and new material from their latest album Join The Club. Holding down the low end with flair and finesse was bassist Danny Knapp, whose rhythmic grooves kept the pit moving and the pit floor packed. His stage presence and tight musicianship continue to make him a standout in the West Coast ska circuit.

Sharing the bill with heavyweights Mustard Plug and Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Goodwin Club held their own with a vibrant performance that blended old-school ska energy with a fresh, nerdy twist. Whether you were a longtime fan or a newcomer to the scene, this night at The Garden Amp was a skank-worthy showcase of third-wave ska at its best.

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We’re No Gentlemen Release Official Music Video for “Beautifully Broken”

Alternative rock band We’re No Gentlemen has just dropped the official music video for their latest single, “Beautifully Broken”, delivering a visually gripping and emotionally charged experience that mirrors the raw intensity of the track. Known for their bold style and honest storytelling, the Southern California-based group continues to carve their own lane in the rock scene.

The video features the band in their element—dark, defiant, and unapologetically vulnerable. Frontwoman Amanda Gabel commands the screen with haunting vocals and fearless emotion, while Danny Knapp anchors the sound with his dynamic bass lines. Alex Messano’s gritty guitar work and Vince Gudino’s explosive drumming round out the track, amplifying the song’s themes of pain, resilience, and rebirth.

“Beautifully Broken” marks another evolution in We’re No Gentlemen’s sonic identity, pairing hard-hitting instrumentation with lyrical introspection. The video is now streaming on the band’s official YouTube channel.

Bass Guitarist Danny Knapp Named Featured Artist for Schroeder Cabinets

Renowned bass guitarist Danny Knapp is now a featured artist for Schroeder Cabinets, the boutique amplifier and cabinet manufacturer known for delivering high-performance gear to working musicians and tone connoisseurs alike. With a career spanning multiple genres and a reputation for commanding stage presence, Knapp’s precision and punchy low-end sound make him a natural fit for Schroeder’s signature craftsmanship.

Knapp, currently holding down the low end for several high-profile original and tribute acts including We’re No Gentlemen, The Goodwin Club, and Maiden United, is known for his versatile tone and road-tested reliability. Schroeder Cabinets, handcrafted in the USA, are a key part of Knapp’s sonic arsenal both in the studio and on tour. Whether he’s bringing thunder to an Iron Maiden tribute or laying down grooves with a pop or ska outfit, Schroeder’s cabinets deliver the clarity and power he demands.

“Schroeder Cabinets give me the tight response and clarity I need—no matter what style I’m playing,” says Knapp. “They’re built like tanks and sound like thunder.”

Fans and fellow musicians can look forward to seeing more of Knapp’s rig in upcoming performance footage and exclusive content through his official website.

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Maiden United Shreds the Garden Amp

The thunder rolled in Garden Grove, CA as Maiden United, the high-octane Iron Maiden tribute band, took over the Garden Amp for an unforgettable evening of metal mayhem. Channeling the raw energy and theatrical flair of the legendary British heavy metal icons, Maiden United delivered a blistering set that had fans headbanging from the first note to the final scream of “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”

With note-perfect renditions of Maiden classics like “Run to the Hills,” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” and “The Trooper,” the band proved they don’t just play the songs—they live them. Leading the charge in the rhythm section was bass guitarist Danny Knapp, performing under his fitting alias Steve Hairless. Sporting galloping bass lines and an iron will, Knapp paid authentic homage to the legendary Steve Harris while adding his own fearless flair to the performance.

The Garden Amp pulsed with Maiden energy as fans chanted lyrics, waved flags, and flashed devil horns under the SoCal night sky. For die-hard Maiden fans and newcomers alike, Maiden United’s performance was not just a tribute—it was a resurrection of heavy metal’s golden era.

With more shows on the horizon, Maiden United continues to carry the torch for one of the most iconic bands in rock history. If this performance was any indication, the beast is far from tamed.

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Serena Foster’s “Heartbreaker” Release Party

Hollywood’s iconic Viper Room pulsed with energy as singer/songwriter Serena Foster hosted the official release party for her latest single, “Heartbreaker.” The intimate yet electric venue was the perfect backdrop for the genre-bending artist’s vibrant performance, where pop, rock, and raw emotion collided onstage.

The night’s sonic foundation was laid down by bass guitarist Danny Knapp, whose deep grooves anchored the set with commanding precision. Adding to the musical chemistry was guitarist Robert Luis, delivering searing riffs and melodic layers that elevated Foster’s powerful vocals. Behind the decks, DJ Mostart kept the crowd hyped between sets with his signature blend of high-energy mixes, while performance artist Yujin delivered a jaw-dropping special percussion performance that added a global rhythm to the night’s soundscape.

One of the evening’s standout moments came during the live debut of the fiery track “Good Girls Go Bad,” where Foster was joined by Holly Jade. Their duet turned the stage into a theatrical explosion of attitude and empowerment, matched by the crowd’s roaring approval.

With “Heartbreaker,” Serena Foster proves she’s not just breaking hearts—she’s breaking boundaries.

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Music Video for “Join The Club”

Orange County ska band The Goodwin Club just released their official music video for “Join The Club”, including Danny Knapp on bass guitar. The video, directed by Chris Graue, accompanies the band’s latest single.

In a statement to Punknews, lead vocalist Tami Demaree shared,

“We’re so stoked to share our video for our new single Join the Club! We’re total nerds — and if you are too, give it a watch and a listen! Want a membership card? Head over to our Instagram to find out how you can officially join the club. This video was an absolute blast to make, and Chris Graue crushed it as the director!”

“Join The Club” is also the title track of their upcoming album, set to drop September 20 via Wiretap Records. Pre-orders are available now — and in the meantime, check out the video below!

New Single “Sunshine Over Rainy Days” by Tanya Jae

Rising pop-soul artist Tanya Jae has released her uplifting new single “Sunshine Over Rainy Days,” a radiant anthem of hope and healing that’s already making waves across streaming platforms. The track, produced by the genre-blending visionary Santi Beatz, showcases Tanya’s signature heartfelt vocals layered over shimmering production that weaves together R&B grooves, pop melodies, and a touch of gospel warmth. Anchoring the track is a rich, soulful bassline from acclaimed bass guitarist Danny Knapp, whose dynamic playing adds both depth and texture to the feel-good arrangement.

Listen to the track on Spotify

sunshine over rainy days Single by Tanya Jae Spotify