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Mr Little Jeans
Birth nameMonica Birkenes
BornGrimstad, Norway
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2010–present
Labels
Websitemrlittlejeans.com

Monica 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]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[9] 		US
Heat
[10]
Pocketknife 40 33
Better Days
  • Released: 3 June 2022

Extended plays

Title EP details Peak chart positions
US
Electronic

[10]
Angel —
Good Mistake
  • Released: 18 February 2014[12]
  • Label: Harvest
  • Format: digital download
 17
F E V E R S
  • Released: 21 October 2016
  • Label: Nettwerk
  • Format: digital download
 —

Singles

Title Year Album
"Angel" 2010 Angel
"Rescue Song" Pocketknife
"The Suburbs" 2011
"Runaway" 2012
"Oh Sailor"
(featuring the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Youth Chorale) 		2013
"Good Mistake" 2014
"Dear Santa" Non-album singles
"Single Ladies" 2015
"Waking Up" F E V E R S
"Fool 4 You"
"Stitches" 2016
"Forgetter" 2018 Non-album singles
"Unfollow"

Guest appearances

Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Back to the Start" 2013 — Iron Man 3 soundtrack

References

  1. ^ "Bio". mrlittlejeansmusic.com. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  2. ^ a b c "Mr Little Jeans". Discogs. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Mr. Little Jeans". Last.fm. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  4. ^ a b "Mr Little Jeans: Pocketknife". Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  5. ^ Lester, Paul. "New band of the day – No 906: Mr Little Jeans". the Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire Cover)". Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Pocketknife - Mr. Little Jeans | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  8. ^ "Album Review: Mr Little Jeans - Pocketknife". Retrieved 29 July 2015.
  9. ^ "DISCOGRAPHY MR. LITTLE JEANS". eMedia Jungen. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Mr Little Jeans – Awards". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  11. ^ Kelly, Katie (18 March 2014). "Stream Mr. Little Jeans' Debut Album "Pocketknife"". Complex. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  12. ^ NK (18 February 2014). "Make a "Good Mistake" and Hear Mr. Little Jeans' New Song". Earbuddy. Retrieved 31 March 2020.

External links


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