U:Move

    In this interview, the Colorado-based beat-maker and DJ, Paper Diamond  (aka Alex B), tells about growing up in Kansas City and the road that took him to leading the respected Elm & Oak label, why he‘s about to release projects from our own homegrown producer extraordinaire, Leonard Dstroy and much more.  He also chimed in about his favorite places to eat in Boulder.  Be sure to catch Paper Diamond live this weekend under the Critical Mass tent at the Kanrocksas Music Festival in Kansas City, KS. 

    u:move:  Previously, you were known as Alex B.  How and why did you decide to create an alter-ego for yourself?

    Paper Diamond:  Simply put, Alex B is my real name (abbreviated obviously) and the project was never my main focus. I was making beats while playing in the band Pnuma and instead of never releasing them, I just put them out for fun as Alex B. Pnuma was always my outlet for dance music and after five years playing together, we were starting to play less shows. I needed a new outlet for that side of my music to come out and that’s why I started Paper Diamond.

    u:move:  How does your music vary between the two different names?  Are you still making music under the Alex B moniker as well?

    Paper Diamond:  The music I make under Alex B has previously been mid to downtempo, jazz influced, off kilter beats. I still make music like this but it’s mainly just a hobby and is generally relaxing for me. So far the music I’ve released as Paper Diamond has been more melodic, bassey, dance music. Not every song is geared for that as you can see on the track “Snowfall” from my first EP “Levitate”. It keeps the hip hop/jazz/dreamstate/vibe while moving the EP forward into the heavier songs. Its interesting because i feel like Paper Diamond can be whatever I want it to be and it’s currently a fusion of my old styles, with an updated mentality.

    u:move:  You’re originally from Overland Park, KS, correct?  Tell us about growing up in Kansas City.  Was moving out of KC an artistic decision?

    Paper Diamond:  I did in fact grow up in Overland Park but my parents are divorced so I spent about half my time in Westport/plaza area. It was nice growing up in the area and having schools with supportive arts and music programs. It was because of my music teachers in high school that I decided to go to college for music.  Moving out of Kansas City was crucial for the growth in my career as there are many larger music hubs, but the music scene in KC is definitely growing.

    u:move:  Tell us about your artistic relationship with Kansas City’s Leonard DStroy.  You’re releasing a couple of his projects on your Elm & Oak label as well, correct?

    Paper Diamond:  I originally heard his music from a beats oriented website that I frequented. After listening to it a bunch one of my friends from high school started telling me more about Lenny and that we knew some of the same people. After linking up with him a few times and hearing all the new material he has, I thought he would be a proper fit for the E&O family. We basically run our label like a family. Its a huge group of supportive friends with music that we all represent personally.

    u:move:  What other artists are affiliated with Elm & Oak?

    Paper Diamond:  There will be many new artists announced to E&O very soon but there are a few which are about to be announced now that I can discuss.
Previously on the label we have been releasing the Alex B records, everything from Two Fresh (http://www.twofreshbeats.com) and we have co-released all the Paper Diamond material with Pretty Lights Music.  The next band to be announced is a band called Cherub based out of Nashville, TN. They are an “indie electro” type group but really i would classify them as my favorite parts of MGMT mixed with Prince in the body of two white dudes.  We also have resident DJ RAW RUSS and will soon be announcing several other acts!

    u:move:  What upcoming music projects and shows do you have planned for the rest of the year?

    Paper Diamond:  As far as Paper Diamond is concerned, you can expect several new remixes, 2 new EPs, and a slew of videos and tour dates to come. As of right now i’m just flying to festivals on the weekends. Its been nice because I’m able to make music and plan all week! I’m most excited for Kanrocksas festival this weekend and Outside Lands festival the following. You can expect a full tour announcement sometime this week or the next!

    u:move:  Lastly, give us your top 5 chart, whatever you’re feeling at the moment.

    Paper Diamond:  Its 3 pm and I haven’t eaten anything yet so i need to finish this interview and go get some food. Therefore, I’m gonna post my top 5 finger foods i MIGHT go eat after I finish typing this…

    1. Grilled Pork Bun from Happy Noodle House (http://www.happynoodlehouse.com/)
    2. Barcat Oysters from JAX (http://www.jaxfishhouseboulder.com/)
    3. Pork Taco from Centro Latin Kitchen (http://www.centrolatinkitchen.com/)
    4. Fried Okra from Shug’s (http://www.yelp.com/biz/shugs-low-country-cuisine-boulder)
    5. Bacon wrapped dates from The Med (http://www.themedboulder.com/)