Monica Linn Birkenes, better known by her stage name Mr Little Jeans, is a Norwegian singer-songwriter living in Los Angeles, California.[1] She has released two studio albums: Pocketknife in 2014, and Better Days in 2022.[2]
The pseudonym Mr Little Jeans is inspired by Kumar Pallana's character in Wes Anderson's film Rushmore.[3]
Early life
Birkenes grew up in rural Grimstad, Norway, the daughter of a shipbuilder and a secretary.[3] In her youth, she performed in town plays and musical events, as well as church choirs and retirement homes.[4] At age 18, she moved to London to study drama, while serving tables to make ends meet.[4]
Music career
After signing to independent label Neon Gold, Birkenes released her first single, "Rescue Song", in 2010.[2] The Guardian compared her sound at the time to Lykke Li, Robyn, and Annie.[5] Later that year, she put out her first EP, titled Angel[2] Birkenes grew in popularity with her 2011 cover of Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs".[6] She often collaborates with Los Angeles producer Tim Anderson, who was instrumental in creating her debut album, Pocketknife.[7] The record was released on Harvest Records on 25 March 2014.[8]
