Press

The Pitch

Danny Knapp is a Southern California-based bass guitarist and software engineer who splits his time across more than ten active bands and projects simultaneously — from an Iron Maiden tribute act to a 70s funk/disco revival group to studio session work for independent artists. Performing under the name “The Melonhead,” he brings a dry, self-aware sense of humor to an unusually varied career: 90+ live shows a year, endorsement deals with four major gear brands, and a day job in software that he credits with reigniting his path back into music.

Story Angles

The 10-Project Bassist. Danny is a simultaneous member of Maiden United (Iron Maiden tribute), Pretty in Pink (Psychedelic Furs tribute), Groove & the Gang (70s funk/disco), The Goodwin Club (ska), We’re No Gentlemen (original rock), Dance Dance Evolution, and several other acts — a rare look at how one working musician juggles overlapping bands, rehearsal schedules, and stage identities in the modern SoCal live circuit.

Iron Maiden × Craft Beer. Maiden United was tapped to perform at Lagunitas Brewing’s release party for the Trooper West Coast IPA — a collaboration between Lagunitas and Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson — marking the first time the Trooper brand brewed outside its UK home base. Danny holds down the bass chair for the band.

From Code to Chords. Danny’s original path into music came through an early fascination with gear and MIDI, which led to a software engineering career — one that, later in life, helped fund and reignite his return to full-time musicianship. A genuinely different “day job meets night job” story for outlets covering musician side-careers or non-traditional paths into the industry.

Tribute Band Culture. As an active member of several long-running tribute acts (L.A. Sound Machine, Maiden United, Pretty in Pink) that recently performed at the inaugural Tribute Band Hall of Fame ceremony, Danny can speak to the tribute-band scene as a legitimate, durable corner of the live music economy — how bands sustain year-round bookings, build audiences, and treat the work with the same professionalism as original acts.

Gear & Tone. Endorsed artist for Sandberg Guitars, S.I.T. Strings, Schroeder Cabinets, and Pig Hog Cables, running a Kemper Profiler PowerRack as his amp platform — available to speak on modern bass rig setup, IEM/click-track live production, or gear demos for outlets covering musician equipment.

Quick Facts

• Based in Costa Mesa, CA (Orange County)
• Professional musician since age 16; 20+ years performing
• 90+ live shows annually across 10+ active projects
• Genres: rock, metal, funk, disco, ska, reggae, tribute/cover acts

Availability

Danny is available for interviews (in-person, phone, or video), podcast appearances, and written Q&As. Comfortable discussing gear/tone, tribute band culture, balancing multiple simultaneous projects, or the intersection of his software career and music career.

Contact

Email: danny@melonheadmusic.com
Website: melonheadmusic.com
Instagram: instagram.com/the_melonhead

Full artist bio & press kit: View the complete EPK
Press coverage archive: Articles & Interviews