Author: Danny Knapp

Danny Knapp, aka “The Melonhead” is a Southern California-based musician and composer, specializing in electric and fretless bass guitar. He also sings and plays ukulele. Danny is a diverse musician that 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” and “Mikio’i Music”. Danny is an energetic live performer as well as being an efficient 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 is currently the bass guitarist for the emo/alternative-rock band We’re No Gentlemen, singer/songwriter Serena Foster, and the reggae/pop/alt-rock band, The Bredren. Danny also regularly records and performs with Marlon Hoffman, For Pete’s Sake, LA Sound Machine, Prizmatic, La Vida Loca, Thank-U Drive-Thru, and several other L.A.-based projects.
on by Danny Knapp

Today is International Jazz Day as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011 “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.

Today is International Jazz Day as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011 “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.” To celebrate, here’s a clip of Danny’s bass cover of the crossover Latin jazz song “Mi Tierra” (My Homeland) by Gloria Estefan. This song was first released in the United States and took Gloria to the Hot Latin Tracks top position. The song was also a hit on other markets (like the dance market), where it became Gloria’s first Spanish single to ever reach the Top 5 of the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.This song was also Gloria’s first No. 1 in Spain, which led the album to become the most successful album released in the country for its sales of more than a million. The song was one of the first Spanish-language songs to reach the Top 40 on some English language countries like the United Kingdom, a record-breaking honor which would set the tone for the success of future Latin-American and Hispanic artists. You can watch the full-length video on Danny’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/CmD1kvyW2dk

on by Danny Knapp

Three of my basses have a one-of-a-kind custom pickguard made by Alper from @alperiouspickguard.

Three of my basses have a one-of-a-kind custom pickguard made by Alper from @alperiouspickguard. I couldn’t be happier with how they have turned out. These pickguards help to transform each bass into a unique work of art. Alper is currently crafting a pickguard for my brand new @fender Precision 5-string bass. I look forward to posting the unboxing when it arrives. I can’t wait to show it off!

on by Danny Knapp

The bracelet I’m wearing is made from repurposed, used bass guitar strings.

The bracelet I’m wearing is made from repurposed, used bass guitar strings. Much thanks to my long-time friend and former work co-hort David Kohler for such a thoughtful gift from @retunedjewelry.

Because of the various alloys used to make guitar/bass strings, they are extremely difficult to recycle. Over 700 tons of strings end up in the dump every year. Retuned Jewelry works with music shops and musicians to collect used strings that would have otherwise been thrown away and instead make a variety of jewelry that are works of art in their own right.

My buddy David is an amazing artist as well. Check out the beautiful exotic wooden bowls and vessels he spins at https://dgkdesign.com (hit the link in my bio).

Thanks for the killer gift, David! I miss giving you all my money in our weekly poker games. 🤘😎