Alex Botwin lingers casually behind a rather thick-lensed pair of spectacles at almost all times. Full of facial hair and sporting a snapback, one of electronic dance music’s most progressive and multi-dimensional forces remains humble but poised nonetheless.

Paper Diamond means the concept of taking a piece of paper and turning it into a piece of artwork. Whether it is complex or simple it is something beautiful and it is your art. That’s what Paper Diamond means, it is about taking nothing and turning it in to something that is your own, whether it be complex or simple.

His story boasts an inspiring framework defined by relentless work ethic, seemingly driven by some personal vendetta against the “achieved artist'” who sits comfortably in his anti-dynamic safe house. Don’t expect to see PD exploit fans at the mercy of a recognized brand. Rather just a humble student of the game on the grind.

Success as a musician tandems an inevitable opportunity to make a large scale difference within the community. Botwin leads by example, heading operations at Boulder’s creative boutique Elm & Oak, a local grassroots company which pushes artistic expression to the forefront.

Paper Diamond is quietly the most interesting man in EDM. I thought it was time to properly explore his evolution as an artist:

1.) Pnuma Trio

The road less traveled begins in 2004 with Pnuma Trio, a jamtronica collective that permeated the festival scene as one of 2007’s most talked about new-circuit bands. Along with Paper D on the bass guitar, Pnuma featured Ben Hazlegrove on keyboards and Lane Shaw on drums. Both Lane and Ben are now part of Mansions on the Moon.

Pnuma built a committed fan following by incorporating elements of funk, jazz, classical, hip-hop and more into live instrumentation sets with stops at Wakarusa, Camp Bisco, and Summer Camp among others. The group disbanded but fans continue to show their support, hoping for a comeback even years after.

When I spoke to Alex last Fall in West Virginia, he told me that if schedules permitted and proper practice time was available, he’d be down for a night or two of Pnuma reunion somewhere. Fingers crossed….hint hint to promoters ;).

Pnuma Trio at Big Up Festival in 2010 with Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli Joining on Sax

2.) Alex Beats

After Pnuma dissolved, Botwin began a solo project under the moniker Alex Beats. In my opinion, this is the most intriguing period of Paper Diamond’s evolution. Alex Beats was essentially the raw stage of experimentation. The productions were rougher around the edges and creepingly spiritual at times.

Botwin hadn’t defined his identity yet. He was bouncing around the Mountains, thriving off nothing but the energy of intimate Rocky Mountain crowds. You’ll hear classic elements of staple Paper Diamond with something undefinable – call it naive beauty if you will.

3.) Paper Diamond

The explosion of his identity as a producer. Paper Diamond has become one of the most recognized and sought after artists in the american dance music market. Why? Because he’s been able to create an identity of his own. I’m going to use a quote from a recent DJ Mag article to sum it up:

It’s about invention, necessity, love and having a good time. It’s not about history, it’s not about learning some formula, it’s about smashing formulas and making music that utterly alienates some people whilst entrancing others.

Take a look at his EP’s. From releasing Levitate on Pretty Light Music to Wavesight on Mad Decent’s Jeffree’s, Botwin’s following is a result of constantly pushing the boundaries of his sound. By not falling into a rut he’s essentially created an association of his own.

4.) Elm & Oak

Colorado, without a doubt, claims the strongest, most self-sufficient local edm scene in the entire country. From Boulder to Breckenridge to Durango the mountainous landscape bolsters a sense of community which big cities and commercial markets can’t begin to parallel.

While most of his grand exposure results from the creative efforts stemming from his addition to Pretty Lights Music in 2010, the Colorado native serves up an endless offering to the music we love and the culture behind it.

Colorado’s pride lies within what the distinguished crop of hometown artists contribute back. Botwin launched Elm & Oak in 2010 as a proactive towards the development of art in every form. E&O is an expression of Denver’s creative backbone and an example of a “success story” returning to strengthen the scene which supported him first and foremost. Colorado gives back to Colorado, and Paper Diamond is no acception.

Ultimately I want to open an Elm and Oak store in Paris, Tokyo, London, Canada, and Mexico—really wherever I can to rock the brand and build the clothing line into some reputable. – Paper Diamond in an interview with The Untz

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Paper Diamond

1. He has a Chow Chow named Otis AKA Puppy Diamond

and Puppy Diamond has more swag than you, bro.

2. He’s a Trained Classical Violinist

I’ve been a musician my whole life, I started playing the violin when I was four, then I moved to guitar, bass, drums, and piano when I was 12 and 13… – interview with whenthemusicsover.net

3. He did a remix of “Voodoo” For Bassnectar

Which was never released. I heard him play it at Starscape’s final bow and fell in love. Ehem…we’re still waiting patiently…Lorin.

4. He taught a seminar on the campus of CU-Boulder

With Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic

5. He Improvises Every Set

Yep, my sets are completely improvised every night. When I trigger a new track, it has a corresponding visual clip with it, but I don’t have to play clips in any specific order. I can speed things up, I can slow thing down, and I’m controlling everything from an Ipad that is wirelessly connected to my two computers, so I’m able to be mobile. – interview with Into The AM

Image Credit: Billboard | Quote via Life & Times

Editor’s Note: This is an opinionated editorial and does not reflect the opinions of WhiteRaverRafting.com as an outlet.

Paper Diamond Related Reads on WRR:

• 21 Rare Pretty Lights Tracks
• Paper Diamond Continues To Prove His Production Has No Limits
• Incredible Performances From Zeds Dead & Paper Diamond Define The New Culture of EDM in DC

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