MR LITTLE JEANS is the musical alias of Norwegian electro-pop singer/songwriter Monica Birkenes. We've featured her here on our little blog a few times over the past couple years, and she's just released one of the best albums of 2014 so far with her debut album, Pocketknife. Always effervescent and refreshingly down to earth, she recently chatted with us about the making of her opus, writing vs. performing, life in LA, and what the future has in store...
DRIFTWOOD: When I first met you in 2012, you thought your album might be coming out in just a few months. Here we are almost 2 years later, and Pocketknife has finally been released. Can you describe the journey you've been on to get here over the past couple years?
MR LITTLE JEANS: Oh yes, that old chestnut. I actually did think the album release was right around the corner for a veeeery long time. At some point I wised up to it though so when my label told me it was being released in March I didn't truly take it seriously until I got a copy of the album in my hand. It was definitely worth the wait.
DW: How were you feeling on the eve of the album's release? How excited were you for the world to finally hear your songs?
MLJ: It felt a little bit like what I'd imagine jumping out of a plane feels like. Overly exciting and intensely nerve wrecking. Now that it's out there I'm feeling very chipper and slightly relieved. I didn't get fired yet.
DW: There's a great range between the upbeat tracks and more down-tempo ballads on Pocketknife. Are there any particular tracks on the album that you're especially proud of or are favorites?
MLJ: Hmmm... I only get to pick a couple? Ok, let's go with; Good Mistake, Heaven Sent and Mercy. What are your favorites? Ask me another day and the answer might vary though!
(DW: Mercy, Don't Run, and Heaven Sent, although they're all seriously great. Not one miss on the album!)
DW: Having seen you perform live quite a few times over the past couple years, I've noticed new subtleties and flourishes on some of the songs that have been around for a while (for example, some wonderful sounding strings in the break on Mercy). You've had some time to fine tune your songs. When do you know a song is complete and ready?
MLJ: Well...In my own little music-making world a song is very rarely complete or ready. There are always minor (or major) adjustments to be made, so it's more about getting it to a place that feels somewhat comfortable . When I listen back now I tend to go between feeling very proud to annoyed with myself for not fixing certain things, all depending on what mood I'm in or what I'm listening on. The majority of the record has been done and ready for a couple of years though and the only reason nothing was changed in the meantime was that it got mixed and mastered back then (thinking it was going to be released at the time). Once that's done, you can't really keep going back. I did, however, keep adding brand new songs.. like Good Mistake, Heaven Sent and even Oh Sailor. Had the album come out when it was supposed to those songs wouldn't have made it, so I'm happy it took the time it did.
DW: Which part do you prefer more - writing/producing music or performing it?
MLJ: Oh it's so different! I'm more comfortable in a studio, I like the writing process and I can always hear myself and whatever instruments/sounds there are and I can re-do whatever I mess up. I don't even have to put on make-up! But doing shows and meeting the people who actually listen to my music is amazing. I recently did a show in San Francisco that left me speechless. Or sing-less. They were all singing my songs back to me and giving back whatever I was was putting out there which felt surreal. Makes me wanna do it again.
DW: You've made Los Angeles your home for a few years now. What do you enjoy about LA? Has it influenced your music in any way?
MLJ: Ooh what's not to love? Every time I look up at the mountains it makes me happy. I love the abundance of delicious food (healthy and unhealthy) and I love the fact that most of my favorite producers/musicians/artists either live in or visit LA on a regular basis. Places in general don't necessarily influence my music, but people do. In that way whatever angelenos or non-angelenos I've met over here have been an influence.
DW: Your live shows and lineup have evolved over time, balancing the use of traditional instrumentation with electronics and technology. What can we expect from your upcoming live shows?
MLJ: I'll be singing! And fairly soon I'll even be selling merch.
DW: What's next for Mr Little Jeans?
MLJ: Touring and more touring! My only wish is that I can sleep laying down.
Watch the video for her latest single Good Mistake below. The debut album Pocketknife is out now. And RSVP here (only $3!) for her show April 24 at the Roxy!
Good Mistake by MR LITTLE JEANS
