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 at least 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 and singer/songwriter Serena Foster. He is also an official Pig Hog Cables artist. Danny regularly records and performs with many other artists such as pop-duo Taysti, The Nguyen Twinz (Kitty & Celina), L.A. Sound Machine, Maiden United, Prizmatic, La Vida Loca, Sugarlips, Thank-U Drive-Thru, and many other L.A.-based projects.
Danny Knapp is now an official Pig Hog Cables artist. Danny has been sharing his love for their products for several years — truly the best cables he’s ever owned and used. Danny feels truly honored to be alongside all the phenomenal Pig Hog artists, including Steve Vai, John5, Courtney Cox of The Iron Maidens, Kurt Vile, and many others. You can check out Danny’s artist page, as well as all the great Pig Hog products and other artists at https://pighogcables.com/pages/danny-knapp.
Big thanks to By The Barricade magazine for featuring an interview with We’re No Gentlemen about the genesis of the band and what we’ve been up to lately. Visit their site to read the full interview.
We’re No Gentlemen played a showcase set to an enthusiastic crowd at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA on July 14th, 2022. Danny Knapp debuted a new bass guitar – a Schecter Ultra Bass 5-string, which is a new addition to his live arsenal.
On June 18th, the Gloria Estefan tribute band ‘L.A. Sound Machine’ started their summer season with a performance at the Fountain Valley Summerfest. The band played for a little over 90 minutes and finished with an extended version of “Conga”.
Danny attended the Summer NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center on June 3rd and 4th to check out the latest in music technology and reconnect with his peers.
Maiden United made their Ultimate Jam debut on May 24th for UJN’s ‘Britain Rocks!’. By request, Danny Knapp and the gents performed two Iron Maiden classics, “The Trooper”, and “Hallowed Be Thy Name”.
