There can be considerable down-time in the recording studio. I’ve spent a more than a few hours hanging out and goofing around on the beanbag in the control room at For The Record Studios between takes, while listening to mixes, or just flat-out grabbing a quick snooze during a long session. I even found a new friend that looks a lot like me.
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.
Identity Theft (the band) at Dos Lagos
Such a great turnout and all-out fun gig for IDT on Saturday night at Dos Lagos Rockin’ Summer Concerts! Much thanks to all the crew at City of Corona, Eric Blake, and the Shops at Dos Lagos for a safe and well-run show.
Photo by @DynamosDills on Instagram
Maiden United: Suprise Show
I’m very stoked for my first show with the new Iron Maiden tribute: Maiden United. Catch us live tonight in Anaheim at Bobby V’s Cocktails
Featured in Shoutout L.A.
Southern California bassist Danny “The Melonhead” Knapp was recently featured in an interview with Shoutout L.A., where he discussed his musical journey, creative influences, and ongoing projects.
In the article, Knapp reflects on his path from early performances in regional acts to his current work with nationally recognized tribute shows such as Maiden United, L.A. Sound Machine, and RepliKaty, as well as his collaborations with original artists across genres. He also shares insights into the discipline and passion that drive his approach to both live performance and studio work.
Continue reading “Featured in Shoutout L.A.”Goofing around
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.
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.