Paper Diamond wsg LOUDPVCK and Branchez
The Intersection, Grand Rapids
Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
$18 advance, $20 day of show
16+
sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232
Alex Botwin is a pretty busy guy. When he's not managing Elm & Oak Academy, a record label and design firm, he typically has his hands in something musical. For the past three years, that something has been a full-length album, two EPs and virtually constant touring as Paper Diamond, Botwin's electronic music project.
"I've been so immersed in the music I have actually only been back to my Colorado house for a few days since July," Botwin said.
And he doesn't slow down. Paper Diamond's initial two EPs, Wavesight and Paragon, were the first of three planned. And even with a crazy touring schedule, Botwin is still making music, and looking to release the third EP this year.
"There is a lot of unreleased music that I'm sitting on right now, and am working very hard to pick the right time to let it out," he said. "The last couple years have been spent mainly on the road. It's been an interesting process of writing while traveling so much, as opposed to being in a single studio where things always sound the same."
In the small amount of spare time he has, Botwin also put together a mix with Los Angeles-based DJ and music producer Diplo.
"The new mix for Diplo and Friends on BBC1 is going to be all over the place," Botwin said. "I have included some more down-tempo type feels, some nice melodies, some heavy tracks, some exclusives from friends ... along with some of my previously unreleased productions."
A constant explorer of creativity, Botwin also looks for ways to enhance the experience of his live shows. Most recently, he added some new equipment, as well as the ability to control the visuals during his performances.
"I love having the control of not only the audio, but the visual aspect of my show," Botwin said. "For me, it ensures that the performance is top notch, and also pushes the abilities of what's usually done with stage performance."
A top-notch performance is exactly what to expect from Paper Diamond, and especially so with the supporting artists hand-picked by Botwin.
"I wanted to create a great environment with artists that I personally like, not only musically, but as people," Botwin said. "I'm excited to work on music, travel and hang with everyone."
