Sorrell Scrutton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sorrell, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m learning constantly from my community—what really brings people joy, and what doesn’t. It’s not always about what I want to put forward, but about listening for what’s missing, and finding thoughtful ways to create the spaces people are actually looking for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sorrell Scrutton—most people call me Soso. I built my career as a portrait photographer, creating intimate, intentional images of both humans and animals in studio and on location. Visual storytelling has always been at the core of my work. Alongside that, I’ve been DJing for over 20 years. What began as something more informal gradually became a large part of my creative vision. While I’ve never fully taken off the photographer’s hat—and likely never will—my focus has evolved. Today, I’m first and foremost a DJ and event producer, The way I think about space, energy, and connection comes directly from my years working as a photographer.
Helping to shape LGBTQ nightlife in Los Angeles and beyond, I run Soso Inc., my event production company. I believe starting out as a DJ is one of the most powerful ways to learn how to build great events. Reading a room, understanding energy, and knowing when to shift a vibe are skills that directly shape how I create experiences people actually want to be part of.
I’ve been DJing for over 20 years, back before the digital era—when we schlepped heavy crates of records, curated sets down to the minute, and learned how to adapt on the fly when a dance floor dipped. There were no requests back then, just instinct, preparation, and storytelling through music. That foundation still guides me today as I work across both vinyl and digital formats to create intentional, immersive nights.
Currently, I collaborate with Damn Good Dyke Nights (DGDN) on two events for lesbian and queer people over 30: Hot Flash and Hotter Flash. We have been throwing these parties monlthy for 3 yrs give or take. There have always been folks who still want to go out but don’t necessarily connect with a 20-something crowd—no shade, those spaces matter too. But there was a clear gap in LA nightlife, and together with Anna Goodman from DGDN, I helped build something that truly serves that community.
Beyond those 2 nights, I have produced several LA monthly queer parties in the past including DIVORCE, sportsbra (with Gina Young), Dad, I’m Gay (with Kim Hoffman) as well as numerous one-off events. My most recent project is Wreck Room, a 90s hip hop and R&B night that brings house-party energy, deep cuts, and shared nostalgia back to the dance floor. It’s the first event I’ve truly managed on my own, and I’m excited to see where I can take it.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is disconnection, obviously. When spaces stop listening, when communities are treated as trends instead of living, evolving groups, and when people no longer feel seen in the rooms they enter. It happens when the focus shifts away from care, intention, and presence.
What restores those bonds is listening. Paying attention to what’s missing. Creating spaces that are built from the inside out. Where music, energy, and community are in conversation with each other. For me, it’s about making nights that feel human again. When people recognize themselves in the space, connection follows.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t rush your definition of success. No matter how much pressure you feel.
You’ll build something that isn’t just a career—you’ll find a way to help people feel seen, both in portraits of themselves and in community on a dance floor. And somehow, That’s where your fulfillment and sense of purpose will come from.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my friends what they think matters most to me, they’d probably say it’s connection—bringing people together in ways that feel real. They’d say I care about community, about art and culture that come from the people in the room, and about creativity in all its forms. But just as important is feeling heard and understood, and making sure others know they’re seen and listened to as well. I think at the end of the day they think what I care most about is creating spaces where people can show up as themselves and feel like they belong.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Slow mornings laying in bed, drinking coffee with my wife and cuddling our dog.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sorrellscrutton.com
- Instagram: @soso_inc_
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj-justin-beaver
Image Credits
1. – Gretchen Wylder
2. – Anna Falzetta
3. – Anna Falzetta
4.- T. Do
5.- Myself (Sorrell Scrutton)
6. – Jeli Daniels
