Shockingly, we do still manage to get a lot done despite our tendency to goof off quite a bit. We truly enjoy each other, and we have a blast no matter the task.
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.
The Nguyen Twinz at the OC Fair
A few pics from my first show performing as a member of The Nguyen Twinz band August 5th at the OC Fair. I’m really proud and having a blast as a member of this team.
WNG performing “Sk8r Boi”
You can watch the full-length video of We’re No Gentlemen doing a fun cover of “Sk8er Boi” by Avril that we recently recorded live at @Takeover.Live on our YouTube channel
Behind the Scenes: In the studio
Here’s what it sounded like in the control room during the first live recording session for Maiden United, a new Iron Maiden tribute band. Do you recognize this song?
New member of We’re No Gentlemen
Please welcome the new We’re No Gentlemen guitarist, Alex Messano to our beautiful family of misfits. We’ve been having a blast at rehearsals and everything sounds amazing. I can’t wait to hit the stage and the studio with this talented non-gent. We’ll announce our debut show with the new lineup soon!
New project: The Nguyen Twinz
I’m performing with The Nguyen Twinz at OC Fair on August 5th! I just recently started rehearsing with this crew, and I’m having a blast and loving every minute working with them. I can’t wait to hit the stage with them.
Behind the Scenes: In the recording studio
There’s a special magic for me every time I step into a recording studio. My Kemper Profiler and I have been in our happy place for the past few days working on tracks for a new Iron Maiden tribute project.
New bass? New photos!
First studio photos with my new, customized Fender Precision 5-string bass. Much thanks to @dgomes818419 on Instagram for suggesting that I name it ‘Ehukai (Hawaiian word for sea spray). Now that this bass is all set up and ready to go, I’m looking forward to using it at a recording session next week, and then we’ll be busy with quite a few gigs coming up.
Photos by Red Hare Images
Custom pickguard by Alperious Pickguard
Maiden United in the recording studio
Gathered ’round the mic with Rich and Scott for some backing vocals during the first Maiden United recording sessions.
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?