Lucas Harwood

Lucas Harwood
Harwood (right) alongside drummer Michael Cavanagh (left) performing at Forest Hills Stadium on August 17, 2024
Born	Lucas Skinner
Other names	Lukey
Occupation	Bassist
Years active	2010-present
Known for	Member of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Atolls, Heavy Moss

Lucas Harwood (born Lucas Skinner) is an Australian bassist known for his role in King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard as well as Atolls and Heavy Moss.

Biography

Early life

Lucas is a native of Geelong, Victoria.[1][2] When he was a child his parents took him to music festivals such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Queenscliff Music Festival which helped foster his love for music.[3] Lucas had been in a garage band before joining King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and said band kicked out their bassist, with Lucas transitioning from guitar to bass to pick up the slack.[4]

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Main article: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Since 2010 Skinner has been the lead bassist for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.[5] Although not a member of the original trio of Eric Moore, Joey Walker and Stu Mackenzie, Lucas would be with the band in its earliest form, joining as the fourth member as a student project for a RMIT course on Contemporary Music Performance.[6] Lucas said that his favorite part of being in the band is the freedom the band offers to pursue new musical styles.[7] During the development of Flight b741 Lucas stated that it was an intentional decision for the band to lean into 60's and 70's classic rock, as "It’s just you and your instrument. And it’s like, ‘What can I do without all the other bells and whistles that technology affords?’"[8] Lucas also commented that the band was working on another album concurrently with Flight b741.[3] As bassist Lucas uses a EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker, and a Big Muff.[4] Harwood stated that he liked it when the band tours in smaller cities, as "In places like that, the fans are so pumped and appreciative that you’re coming through their town."[3] During live performances Lucas is placed on a riser alongside Michael Cavanagh.[9]

Atolls

Main article: Atolls (band)

Skinner founded a band named Atolls in 2011 as a side project between work for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard recruiting Oli Grinter and Sam Ingles to bring some Demos he made that didn't fit with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's tone, to life.[10] The band was noted for its "laidback" and "shoegazey" style and its high use of distortion.[10] After releasing two EPs; Hair Machine in 2013 and New Dreams in 2014 respectively, the band fell apart in late 2014. Near the end of the bands existence it was described as "criminally undervalued and perpetually overlooked."[11]

Heavy Moss

Main article: Heavy Moss

When visiting his home in 2022 between tours for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Lucas happened across Ingles. After reconnecting the pair formed a new band: Heavy Moss.[1] As the pair where work-shopping some demos Lucas made that didn't fit with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's style, they also brought on Kyle Tickell and Bec Goring rounding the band out to its four members.[12] The first album by Heavy Moss was Dead Slow, released on November 22, 2024 with Lucas and Stu mixing half the album while on tour, while the other half was mixed by Michael Badger, who mixed Nonagon Infinity.[13][14]

Personal life

In 2019 following his marriage to Liza Harwood, Lucas took his wife's surname, becoming Lucas Harwood.

Lucas has a brother named Michael who was in a band called Mallee Songs that collaborated with Stu Mackenzie.[15]

References

1. Sterdan, Darryl. "Albums Of The Week: Heavy Moss". tinnitist. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
2. Glasgow, Isabel. "King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Reflect on Their Anxious Energy: "That's Where the Magic Is"". Exclaim!. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
3. Cohen, Jonathan. "Exit Interview: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's Lucas Harwood on Prolific 2022, Bed Bugs, and Basslines". Spin. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
4. "King Gizzard Bassist Reveals Which Pedals & Effects He Uses, Speaks on Picking With Fingers vs Using a Pick". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
5. Benja, Neisan. "King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: All About the Australian Psych Rockers". vocal.media. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
6. "A Conversation With King Gizzard's University Professor". kglw.net. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
7. "Bassist Lucas Harwood Names Best Thing About Playing in King Gizzard, Gives His Top Advice to Young Musicians". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
8. Fauria, Krysta. "Aussie band channels rock 'n' roll's heyday for album's sound". Baltimore Sun. Associated Press. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
9. Garcia, Christina; Gross, Joe; Hernandez, Raoul; Toland, Michael; Towers, Julian. "The Most Memorable Moments of Levitation's Thursday and Friday". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
10. Narinli, Celline. "INTRODUCING: Atolls". whothehell.net. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
11. Tell, Stephanie. "Live Review: Atolls, The Demon Parade". The Music. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
12. Wilde, Thomas. "Heavy Moss: Dead Slow [Album Review]". thefirenote. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
13. LeSuer, Mike. "Heavy Moss Take Us on a Journey with Gentle New Psych-Odyssey "Treadmills"". Flood Magazine. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
14. "Heavy Moss – "Star" [Video]". thefirenote. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
15. "INTRODUCING: Mallee Songs". whothehell.net. Retrieved February 4, 2025.