Today we’d like to introduce you to Clayton Gould
Hi Clayton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for music and event production began in San Francisco. After graduating from university and ready to leave my Texas roots, I moved to San Francisco in the summer of 2014. While attending events in the Bay Area and traveling to festivals like the Amsterdam Dance Event and Burning Man, I developed a deep appreciation for the electronic music community. I was drawn to these events not only by the music but also by the spirit of the community, which reflects many of my values, such as freedom of expression, respect, connection, and personal growth. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to authentically be myself as I was afraid to express myself as a gay man in Texas. Being my true self in these spaces allowed me to grow and heal.
After eight years in San Francisco, I relocated to San Diego in January 2023 hoping to find events similar to those I enjoyed in San Francisco. I was looking for queer events that focused on music and community. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I decided to create my own event. In the summer of 2023, I started Sights and Sounds Productions and produced a series of events called “METRO”. Each event showcased emerging DJs, focusing on house, tech house, and techno music, and hosted in an intimate art space in North Park. These events were a product of love and my initial effort to grow San Diego’s queer underground scene.
After returning from Burning Man this year I was inspired to renew my work in production and began planning a campout event with help from a few friends. The campout will feature wellness classes, drag and art performances, and late-night music under the stars on a 34-acre property in Sage, California. We recently announced the event, “Love Oasis”, and are working to deliver an exceptional experience for the adventure seekers who attend.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is finding a venue to host our events. “Connect San Diego” originally held the METRO events at their North Park location, but unfortunately, that space closed at the end of 2023. As we have a niche following, it has been difficult to find another venue that meets our requirements. The campout I am currently organizing aims to increase brand awareness and demonstrate the community’s support for these types of events.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My events are curated for the LGBTQ+ community and focus on house, tech house, and techno music. I embrace the underground vibe by booking up-and-coming artists and keeping the crowd size intimate. It is a safe space for the queer community and for artists to share their expression through music and performance. I’m proud to have attracted other creative and inspiring people who have helped this work of love evolve into something greater.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating moments of connection, joy, and growth brings me happiness. When I came out to my family as a gay man, they rejected me and my identity. For many years, I lived without anyone in my life whom I could trust or be close to. Finding a new family through friends in the queer music scene saved me from many more years of loneliness. Those difficult years taught me how essential it is to have people in your life who truly see you, accept you, and love you for who you are. I want to offer others that same support and help them become their best selves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sightsandsoundsproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sightsandsoundsofficial
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sights-and-sounds-ofc
Image Credits
Carla Frias
