Danny Knapp

Bass Guitarist • Vocalist • Songwriter

ARTIST SNAPSHOT

A high-energy, genre-versatile performing and session bassist across rock, pop, emo, ska, metal, and Latin music.

Location: Southern California
Strengths: High-energy performer, fast-learning session musician, genre-flexible
Live Work: 80+ performances per year
Specialties: Electric & fretless bass, vocals, ukulele, studio tracking
Endorsed Artist: Sandberg Guitars • S.I.T. Strings • Schroeder Cabinets • Pig Hog Cables
Current Projects: We’re No Gentlemen, The Goodwin Club, Maiden United, L.A. Sound Machine & more

SHORT BIO

Danny Knapp — known across the Southern California music scene as The Melonhead — is a versatile bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. Known for fast preparation, on-stage confidence, and consistent professionalism, Danny is widely recognized as a dependable first-call bassist for both live and studio work. A dynamic and reliable live performer, Danny is the bassist for We’re No Gentlemen, The Goodwin Club, Maiden United, and a rotating lineup of artists showcased on his Projects page. As an officially endorsed artist with several highly respected brands, he brings consistent tone and professional musicianship to every project.

FULL BIOGRAPHY

Danny Knapp — known to many as “The Melonhead” — is a Southern California bass guitarist, vocalist, and composer recognized for his versatility on both electric and fretless bass. A high-demand live and session musician, Danny performs more than 80 shows per year across genres including rock, pop, emo, ska, reggae, metal, EDM, folk, funk, jazz, and Latin.

Danny is known not only for technical skill, but for elevating every project he joins with a deep sense of musicality, professionalism, and stage presence. His approach blends precision, tone, and creative expression, making him equally effective in high-energy live shows, polished studio sessions, and genre-diverse ensembles.

Danny is currently the bassist for the high-octane emo band We’re No Gentlemen, ska band The Goodwin Club, and singer/songwriter Serena Foster, while also recording and performing with artists and projects such as Taysti, Kitty Antix, L.A. Sound Machine, Maiden United, Bryn Ryan-VanDyke, and many other L.A.-based acts. He additionally performs on ukulele and frequently contributes both backing and lead vocals. Read more about Danny on the Bio page.

GEAR & ENDORSEMENTS

Danny’s tone and reliability are supported by industry-leading gear partnerships. His relationship as an official artist with Sandberg Guitars, S.I.T. Strings, Schroeder Cabinets, and Pig Hog Cables reflects years of professional consistency and trust from top musical equipment manufacturers.

HIGHLIGHTS & CAREER CREDITS

Danny has been performing professionally since age 16. Highlights include:

  • Current bassist for the influential Orange County ska-punk outfit The Goodwin Club, including current and former members of The Aquabats, The Hippos, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, and others.
  • Performed on the internationally released singles “Beautifully Broken” and “Suffocating” (We’re No Gentlemen, 2025 – Blast Stage Records).
  • Early career bassist for Feedbags with Scotty Johnson (Gin Blossoms).
  • Recorded and performed with Hawaiian reggae band Mikioi (2006–2010), contributing to “Hawaii, My Home,” “Mikio‘i Music,” and “Kanaka Wai Wai,” receiving Polynesian radio attention.
  • Bassist/ukulele performer with the acclaimed Pangean Orchestra.
  • Member of actress/singer/songwriter Katie Garfield’s live band.
  • Longtime bassist for alt-rock/ska/reggae group The Bredren, featuring members of Save Ferris, Lit, Jeffries Fan Club, and For Pete’s Sake.

PRESS & MEDIA

See more articles and interviews on the Press page

MUSIC

Additional music examples are available on the Music page.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Featured performance video

Additional videos

View Danny’s full performance and music video library at the Videos page.

NOTABLE VENUES & PERFORMANCES

Danny has performed across the United States at major theaters, casinos, summer concert series, festivals, and premier live venues, including:

  • Phoenix Symphony Hall — Phoenix, AZ
  • Riverside Municipal Auditorium — Riverside, CA
  • House of Blues Anaheim (Main Hall) — Anaheim, CA
  • Troubadour — West Hollywood, CA
  • Whisky a Go Go — West Hollywood, CA
  • Celebrity Theatre — Phoenix, AZ
  • The Ritz — San Jose, CA
  • Fantasy Springs Casino & Resort — Indio, CA
  • Yaamava Casino & Resort — Highland, CA
  • Agua Caliente Casino & Resort — Palm Springs, CA
  • The Viper Room — West Hollywood, CA
  • The Hotel Cafe — Hollywood, CA
  • The Glass House — Pomona, CA
  • Garden Amp — Garden Grove, CA
  • Vamp’d — Las Vegas, NV
  • Retro Junkie — Walnut Creek, CA
  • OC Fair — Costa Mesa, CA
  • San Diego Fair — Del Mar, CA
  • Riviera Theater — Niagara, NY
  • Village Green Park Amphitheater — Fairfield, OH
  • Hillside Commons — Hillside, IL
  • Gaylord Alpenfest — Gaylord, MI

PHOTOS

These downloadable, high-resolution images are available for use in promotional materials.

Danny Knapp with his bass rig and bass guitar
Danny Knapp, bass guitarist
Bass guitarist Danny Knapp

For a larger collection of high-resolution images, visit the Photos gallery.

CONTACT & BOOKING