Born in Milwaukee, WI, Hanson began his musical training at age four with guitar lessons. He formed M.I.J. when he was only 13, and after seven years the band released a 7", an EP, and a full-length on Caulfield Records. After going solo, he sent a demo to Kill Rock Stars. They signed him based on the demo alone, a rare exception for the label. Hanson recorded Son in Lincoln, NE, with AJ and Mike Mogis (the Faint, Bright Eyes) and it was released in February 2003. After releasing Jeff Hanson in 2005, a self-titled album (literally), he returned in August of 2008 with his third chamber-pop record for Kill Rock Stars, Madam Owl. ~ Kenyon Hopkin