EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

Danny Knapp

Bass Guitarist · Vocalist · Songwriter

Danny Knapp is a Southern California bassist with 20+ years of professional experience, four gear endorsements, and a track record of showing up prepared, locked in, and ready to elevate your project.

Available for session recording, live touring, and artist collaborations — Contact Danny →

ARTIST SNAPSHOT

Location: Southern California — available nationally
Specialties: Electric & fretless bass, vocals (lead & backing), ukulele, studio tracking
Live Work: Active year-round performance schedule
Endorsed Artist: Sandberg Guitars · S.I.T. Strings · Schroeder Cabinets · Pig Hog Cables
Current Projects: We’re No Gentlemen, The Goodwin Club, Maiden United, L.A. Sound Machine, Groove & The Gang, and more

SHORT BIO

Danny Knapp — known across the Southern California music scene as The Melonhead — has spent more than two decades earning a reputation as one of the region’s most dependable and versatile bassists. He has shared stages at Phoenix Symphony Hall, the House of Blues, Whisky a Go Go, and casino/resort stages nationwide, bringing precision, deep groove, and zero-drama professionalism to every gig.

Known for fast preparation and genre flexibility, Danny is a first-call bassist for both live and studio work across rock, pop, metal, Latin, funk, ska, and more. As an officially endorsed artist with Sandberg Guitars, S.I.T. Strings, Schroeder Cabinets, and Pig Hog Cables, he brings professional-grade tone and reliability to every project he joins.

FULL BIOGRAPHY

Danny Knapp — known to many as “The Melonhead” — is a Southern California bass guitarist, vocalist, and composer recognized for his versatility on both electric and fretless bass. A high-demand live and session musician, Danny maintains a full performance calendar year-round across genres including rock, pop, emo, ska, reggae, metal, funk, jazz, and Latin.

Danny is known not only for technical skill, but for elevating every project he joins with a deep sense of musicality, professionalism, and stage presence. His approach blends precision, tone, and creative expression, making him equally effective in high-energy live shows, polished studio sessions, and genre-diverse ensembles.

Danny is currently the bassist for the high-octane emo band We’re No Gentlemen, ska-punk outfit The Goodwin Club, Iron Maiden tribute act Maiden United, and Gloria Estefan tribute band L.A. Sound Machine, while also recording and performing with artists including Serena Foster, Groove & The Gang, Bryn Ryan-VanDyke, Taysti, and many other Southern California-based acts. He additionally performs on ukulele and frequently contributes both backing and lead vocals.

Original Music and Creative Projects

Danny is a creative force behind several original projects, including We’re No Gentlemen and The Goodwin Club. His bass lines combine technical skill with emotional instinct, bringing both rhythmic drive and melodic depth to each performance.

Session Work and Collaborations

In addition to his live work, Danny is an in-demand session bassist for artists across multiple genres. Studio credits include We’re No Gentlemen (Blast Stage Records), Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke, Taysti, and a variety of independent musicians and producers throughout the U.S. Whether crafting supportive lines for pop and singer-songwriter tracks or driving the rhythm section for rock and funk projects, Danny’s playing consistently elevates the material.

Career Foundations

Before his current projects, Danny built his foundation through a wide range of live and studio work. He performed with the alt-rock/ska/reggae group The Bredren — featuring former members of Save Ferris, Jeffries Fan Club, and For Pete’s Sake — as well as with Feedbags (alongside Scott Johnson of Gin Blossoms). These early collaborations established his reputation for professionalism and adaptability across genres.

Tribute Performances and National Touring

Danny is a cornerstone of the tribute scene, performing with national-level acts including Maiden United (Iron Maiden), L.A. Sound Machine (Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine), RepliKaty (Katy Perry), and Raise Your Glass (P!nk). Danny is a regular performer at the legendary Whisky a Go Go, with additional credits at the Troubadour, the House of Blues, and Phoenix Symphony Hall, alongside frequent performances at outdoor summer concerts, theaters, and casino venues across the country. Each show reflects his commitment to authenticity and musicianship alongside a dynamic live presence.

GEAR & ENDORSEMENTS

Danny’s tone and reliability are supported by industry-leading gear partnerships. His relationships as an official artist with the following brands reflect years of professional consistency and trust from top musical equipment manufacturers.

HIGHLIGHTS & CAREER CREDITS

Danny has been performing professionally since age 16. Career highlights include:

  • Current bassist for The Goodwin Club, an influential Orange County ska-punk outfit featuring current and former members of The Aquabats, The Hippos, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, and others
  • Performed on the internationally released singles “Beautifully Broken” and “Suffocating” (We’re No Gentlemen, 2025 — Blast Stage Records)
  • Session bass on “It’s OK (Special Edition)” by Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke (2025)
  • Early career bassist for Feedbags with Scotty Johnson of the Gin Blossoms
  • Member of The Bredren, featuring members of Save Ferris, Lit, Jeffries Fan Club, and For Pete’s Sake
  • Bass and ukulele performer with the acclaimed Pangean Orchestra
  • Live bassist for actress/singer/songwriter Katie Garfield

PRESS & MEDIA

Press inquiries and interview requests are welcome. High-resolution photos are available for editorial use at melonheadmusic.com/media/photos.

See all press coverage →

MUSIC

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  • We’re No Gentlemen — “Beautifully Broken” — High-energy emo/alt-rock studio single. Notice the locked pocket between bass and kick in the verse, and the melodic run into the chorus.
  • Taysti — “Thanks for the Memories” — Pop duo production with a groove-focused bass line that sits deep in the mix without losing presence.
  • Maiden United — “Skyfall” — A full arrangement rework of the Adele original in the style of Iron Maiden. Showcases genre adaptability and tonal control across a demanding dynamic range.
  • Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke — “It’s OK (Special Edition)” — Singer-songwriter ballad. A good example of supportive, musical bass playing that serves the song without overplaying.
  • L.A. Sound Machine — “Mi Tierra” (live) — Live Latin-pop performance. Notice the rhythmic precision and genre-specific feel in a real, unedited performance setting.
  • Maiden United — “Iron Maiden” (live) — Live metal tribute. A clear demonstration of energy, stamina, and note-for-note precision under live conditions.

Listen to more music →

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Maiden United — Highlight Reel This reel showcases Danny’s stage presence, technical proficiency, and comfort in high-energy live environments.

We’re No Gentlemen — “Beautifully Broken” Official music video for the 2025 Blast Stage Records single.

Maiden United — “Skyfall” A re-imagination of Adele’s Skyfall in the spirit of Iron Maiden.

Bryn Ryan-VanDyke — “It’s OK (Special Edition)” Official music video featuring Danny on bass.

View full video library →

PHOTOS

High-resolution images are available for promotional and editorial use.

View full photo gallery →

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Danny is not only a polished professional, but also a tremendous vibe on stage. I’ve played numerous shows with him, and he is nothing less than impeccable. His studio and recording talents not only match his showmanship on stage but will leave you in awe of what this Melonhead can come up with and accomplish during a session!”

— Saint Saunt, Singer/Songwriter, Producer

“Danny Knapp is one hell of a musician… He’s got a great ear for on the spot situations live and in studio. And his work ethic is incredible. He does his homework when he fills in for other musicians. He’s fun to work with and he has a great sense of humor. He’s the WHOLE package!”

— Tanya Jebeile, Lead Singer/Songwriter, Taysti

“Working with Danny was fantastic. His playing was exceptional, and he has an incredible ability to lock into a song while adding his own musicality in all the right places. He was professional, collaborative, and made the entire session effortless. I couldn’t have asked for a better bassist, and I hope we get to work together again.”

— Apricity

“Danny is very professional and so much fun to work with! I love that Danny is always down for anything! He is easy to work with and has great stage presence. Performing with him on stage is memorable, and I can trust Danny to deliver an excellent show.”

— Kitty Antix

CONTACT & BOOKING

Danny is available for session recording (studio and remote), live touring support, tribute productions, corporate events, and artist collaborations. He is experienced with click tracks, in-ear monitoring systems, and fast rehearsal integration. Based in Orange County, CA — available nationally.

Email: info@melonheadmusic.com
Website: melonheadmusic.com
Contact page: melonheadmusic.com/contact
Instagram: @the_melonhead
Facebook: @officialdannyknapp