Gathered ’round the mic with Rich and Scott for some backing vocals during the first Maiden United recording sessions.
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.
New tribute project
I recently started rehearsing with a new tribute project (and it’s a band that’s always been on my wish list). I’m putting together my wardrobe for an upcoming video shoot and a few shows. I had to get crafty with a fabric pen in order to recreate one of the clothing items worn by the bassist I am portraying (since the Interwebs seem to indicate that this item is no longer available).
Quiz Question: Which bassist is known for wearing these wristbands?
Great show at Terranea Resort
Thanks to the staff and the amazing audience that came out to catch Identity Theft (the band) last night at Terranea. We had so much fun and hope to see y’all again soon.
Upcoming Event: Identity Theft at Terranea Resort
Come catch me live with ‘Identity Theft’ at Terranea Resort tonight as part of the Terranea Sound Series at Nelson’s. We’re playing all your favorite 80s tunes at the Beer Garden from 6-10pm, surrounded by outdoor fire pits and unrivaled ocean sunset views. No reservations needed. Just arrive early enough to snag seating.
Behind the scenes: WNG photo shoot
Just finished a photo shoot with Red Hare Images and the new We’re No Gentlemen lineup. Lots of new stuff coming soon!
Behind the scenes for a new project
Rehearsing the live version of ‘Dancing with the Devil’ with The Nguyen Twinz for their upcoming show at the OC Fair on Aug 5, 2021.
New Addition to the Quiver
All set up and ready to make noise! My new Fender American Professional II Precision V now has an Alperious pickguard and custom fret markers with an ocean wave theme. It’s been PLEK’d and set up by the amazing team at 13th Street Guitars. It’s ready for gigs and recording sessions. Now, the most important thing…it’s name is ‘Ehukai (Hawaiian word for sea spray) — thanks to @dgomes818419 on Instagram for helping me name it.
Unboxing and Installing an Alperious Pickguard
Here’s a video about unboxing and installing my custom Alperious custom pickguard on my new Fender American Professional II Precision V. It looks even better than I imagined. Much thanks to Alper for his outstanding work and artistry.
My Vocal Coach
Since during the quarantine, I’ve had the opportunity to start working with a talented and inspiring vocal coach (something I’ve wanted to do for a while). Much thanks to Julian (@vocal_power77 on Instagram) for helping me establish new found confidence in singing lead and helping me to extend my vocal range and agility.
Just for fun, here’s a short clip of me having a blast singing and playing “Don’t You Want Me” to a great crowd at the New Wave Bar with my band mates in Radio Waves, because nothing says “80s New Wave” quite like a pirate shirt and faux leather pants.
My Bass Rig
I’ve been using my current amplification rig for about 5 years now, and I have to say it’s really been the best sounding and most trustworthy setup I’ve ever had. I’m using a Kemper Profiler, Source Audio and Panda effects, and Shure QLXD & PSM900 wireless systems. It’s all loaded into a Gator shallow 6u case, and I use my Sensaphonics IEMs or my Schroeder custom 2×12 cabinet for monitoring.