At a coffee shop open-mic night, John Wayno sat and listened passively to the musicians migrating to and from the stage. Wayno kept his eyes closed as he grooved along to the music, but said he found that the sounds didn’t catch his attention for long.
Wayno then saw a guitarist walk onto the stage and begin to sing. It was then, Wayno said, that he knew he wanted to work with the guitarist, Griffith Clawson.
After months of learning each other’s playing styles and compositional techniques, Clawson, a first-year world arts and cultures student, and Wayno, a Westfield State University alumnus and pianist, will perform an original piece, titled “Gold,” as a duet at Spring Sing.
Wayno said his ties to UCLA sprung from chance. He said he initially wanted to move to California from Massachusetts to further his interest in music. The transition was difficult, however, as Wayno said he had no family or friends in Los Angeles and did not have a support system to fall back on.
After meeting Clawson, who was beginning school at UCLA, Wayno said he found a friend that supported him both musically and emotionally.
“It was tough moving 3,000 miles away from home,” Wayno said. “We have a bit of an age gap, but he’s become something like my little brother.”
Clawson said that throughout their months of working together, Wayno showcased his improvisatory skills by filling in blank spaces within the piece, fleshing out the song and rounding out the tune.
Wayno said Clawson’s lyrics are infused with emotion beyond his years.
“Writing original, meaningful lyrics is incredibly difficult, especially because of Griffith’s youth,” Wayno said. “But we collaborate together – I give suggestions on some lyrics, and Griffith provides input for the tune – to create the best final piece possible.”
“Gold” combines Clawson’s original lyrics and some of Wayno’s musical ideas through its depiction of love and heartbreak.
Clawson said he and Wayno were initially worried that the sound of “Gold” would not fit with the atmosphere of Spring Sing because of its laid-back vibe.
As the days neared Spring Sing, however, the duo decided to keep “Gold” as its piece because Wayno said the song is simple but elegant and leaves listeners with the satisfaction of having heard something good.
“‘Gold’ is like cooking rice in a rice cooker – you put the water in, you put the rice in and you let it simmer and just happen,” Wayno said. “The song moves and cooks, so in the end, it’s perfect, it’s cooked, it’s done quickly and the audience doesn’t have to worry about it.”
By performing “Gold,” Clawson said the duo hopes the audience feels its passion for music as well.
“I’m excited to see how the whole thing comes together,” Clawson said. “It’ll be a good taste of what we have to offer.”