“The Horse” out now!
We’re in the year of the Horse, and we are celebrating by releasing Ferdinand Bergstrøm and Håvard Nordberg Funderud’s album The Horse on Nice Things Records.
Ferdinand Bergstrøm and Håvard Nordberg Funderud work together exploring the electric guitar's expressive possibilities. The Horse consists of 11 songs composed by Bergstrøm, inspired by runners, ice climbers and a variety of animals. The music ranges from simple melodies to free improvisation, often grounded in rhythmic patterns.
Originally inspired by the novel Gliff by Ali Smith, The Horse has unintentionally ended up as a celebration of the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolized by strong currents of independence, energy, and forward movement. With guest appearances from noise-rock legend Håvard Skaset and beats from Nice Things very own Henrik Sanstad Dalen, the album also incarnates this year's anticipated increase in ambition and boldness.
Available on cassette and streaming platforms (not Spotify).
“Endless Green Hills” out now!
“Endless Green Hills” by Simiskina is out now!
Nice Things Records is proud to present Simiskina's second album "Endless Green Hills" on January 23, 2026. The album consists of 9 improvised pieces where textures, rhythms and sound surfaces are allowed to develop freely over time.
Simiskina is a duo consisting of Jonas Cambien (keyboards, electronics, turntable) and Adrian Myhr (bass). The duo works with freely improvised music at the intersection of acoustic and electronic expression.
The name Simiskina is taken from a species of butterfly. The butterfly is often associated with transformation, metamorphosis and freedom - concepts that also reflect the duo's musical practice: an expression in constant change, driven by improvisation and exploration.
The album is being released digitally and in a limited edition of 100 cassettes. The cover of the cassette edition consists of scanned still images from Xavier Querel's films.
“Hidden River” out now!
“Hidden River” by Akira Sakata & Isach Skeidsvoll is out now!
Norwegian pianist Isach Skeidsvoll teamed up with Japanese saxophone player Akira Sakata to record the music on “Hidden River “during the spring of 2023. The results are the three tracks on this hard hitting album, presenting the improvising duo’s spontaneous energy and in-the-moment-ness as well as a traditional Japanese folk song in their own arrangement.
Isach Skeidsvoll has made his mark as an expressive musician in several bands the last few years. Some of these are General Post Office and his own septet Isach Skeidsvoll - Dance to Summon. Akira Sakata is a renowned musician in the world of free jazz and expressive music. His first group Saibo-bunretsu was started in 1969. He has been active ever since, and has been heard in several bands and constellations like Yamashita Yosuke Trio, Arashi and Sakata Trio.
“Hidden River” is a piece of pure musical joy, and we are proud to release this album!
Available on CD and streaming platforms May 23rd 2025.
Mixed and mastered by Christian Løken
Cover art by Lasse Marhaug
“TRUE” out now!
“TRUE” by Phil Minton & Ståle Liavik Solberg is out now!
After having worked together on and off for about ten years British legend Phil Minton and Norwegian stalwart Ståle Liavik Solberg finally went on a duo tour together in November 2023. The music you are now hearing is recorded at Oslo’s long running concert series for improvised music, Blow Out. It shows both musicians on top form where they go from background to foreground, from dense to open, and from melodic to abstract playfulness.
Saxophonist John Butcher says this about the music:
Ståle Liavik Solberg plays a uniquely constructed drum kit. Its small scale and carefully chosen ingredients provide a wide sonic range and flexibility which lead naturally to the intimate expression ideal in duo settings. I speak from experience, having valued playing with Ståle for more than 10 years. Another long term duo partner of his, and fellow expert in nuance, timing and attention to detail, was the late guitarist John Russell. On TRUE he is joined by the one and only Phil Minton. Spaciousness and intensity somehow join together in a music full of mysterious shapes and unforced interactions. A beautiful, and occasionally alarming, example of the art of the duo.
Recorded live at Blow Out, Kafe Hærverk on November 21st, 2023 by Magnus Skavhaug Nergaard.
Cover design and photo by Lasse Marhaug
“Varmerekord” out now!
“Varmerekord” by GIGAMY is out October 16!
On their debut release this unusual trio find themselves playing with the rhythms of waves and ropes onboard a sailboat, unquestionably affecting their interplay in ways they could not foresee. “Varmerekord”(meaning «Heat record») was recorded at a harbor in Oslo, among the squawks of seagulls and cityfolk eating costly seafood and bathing. Look forward to unexpected sounds, erratic improvisations and lush soundscapes. Available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms October 16. Lovely CD edition with coverart by Lasse Marhaug available by the end of November.
Andrine Dyblie Erdal - cello, synth
Martin Sandnes Haukedal - guitar
Jomar Jeppsson Søvik - drums, electronics, recording
Mixed by Daniel Wold
Mastered by Espen Høydalsvik
Cover by Lasse Marhaug
“Om tålmodighet” out now!
“Om tålmodighet” by Henriette Eilertsen & OJKOS is out now!
Jazz flutist Henriette Eilertsen (NO) has picked up her flute and pen once again, this time with a work that aims to capture different aspects of patience through music. Om tålmodighet (meaning: regarding patience), released on Nice Things Records, is a commissioned piece written for the composer collective OJKOS (the Orchestra for Jazz Composers in Oslo), which Eilertsen co-founded in 2018. This album marks the culmination of her musical journey with the collective and is a deeply personal work that summarizes years of creative exploration and collaboration.
Eilertsen has gained recognition for her original and captivating flute playing, which not only brings a necessary instrument into contemporary jazz but also acts as an artistic driving force that shapes the music. Her debut album as a solo artist, Poems for Flute, has been described as an album that knows where it wants to go, showcasing Eilertsen’s ability to combine composed and improvised elements in a fascinating way.
Available on CD, vinyl and streaming platforms now!
“Death Grip” out now!
“Death Grip” by Sex Magick Wizards is out now!
With its frenetic grooves, feverish melodies and the sense of a divine presence, “Death Grip” transcends conventional boundaries, guiding listeners through the realms of heaven, hell and purgatory. Drawing inspiration from spiritual music traditions, Sex Magick Wizards elevate their psychedelic elixir, emerging as an even more potent, cohesive force.
"Death Grip" is available on vinyl, CD and streaming. Get your copy where you buy music now!
Sex Magick Wizards have in recent years cemented their cult status in rock clubs across Germany and Norway with their uncompromising fusion of hypnotic rock, freeform improvisation, and profound musical spiritualism. Their 2021 release "Your Bliss My Joy" on Rune Grammofon garnered widespread acclaim, clinching the second spot in El Coyote's list of the top 40 albums of the year. JazzJournal went as far as to suggest that the band was already on par with the heavyweights of their genre.
Catch them on tour in Norway and Germany in September. Dates coming soon!
“Valfart” out now!
“Valfart”, the second single from Henriette Eilertsen & OJKOS is out now!
"Jazz flutist Henriette Eilertsen (b. 1993) has been playing the flute and picking up the pen, this time with a work aimed at capturing different aspects of patience through music. ”Om tålmodighet” (meaning: regarding patience), which will be released by Nice Things Records on September 6, 2024, is a commissioned work written for the composer collective OJKOS (The Orchestra for Jazz Composers in Oslo), which Eilertsen co-founded in 2018. This album marks the culmination of her musical journey with the collective and is a deeply personal work that summarizes years of creative exploration and collaboration."
"The first single, 'Dorging ved midnatt,' was released in May, and the single 'Valfart' brings Eilertsen OJKOS together for a mesmerizing little journey where they get to express themselves as a collective group."
Artwork by Agnetha Berg
“Spiritual Community” out now!
The acclaimed psychedelic rock band Sex Magick Wizards proudly unveil their latest single, "Spiritual Community".
A mesmerizing track that showcases the band's exceptional ability to blend deep, bass-driven grooves with spiritual and introspective themes. Listeners are taken through rich, danceable soundscapes, anchored by a powerful bassline that forms the heart of the track. This atmospheric vibe is further enhanced by communal vocals and a soulful, assertive saxophone, creating a profound and immersive listening experience. Lyrically, "Spiritual Community" explores themes of unity, self-discovery, and the spiritual connections that interweave through our lives.
"Spiritual Community" precedes the highly anticipated third album "Death Grip," set to drop on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms on August 9 via Nice Things Records.
Guitar, vocals and composition by Viktor Bomstad
Saxophone and vocals, Sigrid Aftret
Bass and vocals, Henrik Sandstad Dalen
Drums and vocals, Ingvald André Vassbø
Recorded and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen
Mastered by Espen Høydalsvik
Cover art by Manuel Lambertz
“Jeg er martaum” out now!
"Jeg er martaum" by GIGAMY is out now!
GIGAMY is a lovely trio comprising Andrine Dyblie Erdal (cello), Martin Haukedal (guitar) and Jomar Jeppsson Søvik (drums). "Jeg er martaum» ("I am seaweed") is the first single from their upcoming album «Varmerekord» ("Heat Record"). Out on CD and streaming on October 11th.
Surrounded by yachts, shrimp leftovers and sweaty unsuspecting Oslo citizens beautiful music was made. GIGAMY’s first release was recorded on a 36 feet sailboat, packed with everything needed to create their improvised music. This resulted in a single containing live-prossessed splashes of waves, ropes mixed with synthesizers, cello guitar and drums: "Jeg er martaum".
“A Magick Blessing” out now!
"A Magick Blessing" is the first single from the forthcoming album Death Grip by the psychedelic free rock allstar ensemble Sex Magick Wizards, coming on Nice Things Records on August 9.
This riveting musical adventure highlights the band's signature sound, with a solid bassline driven by angular drums and flanked by otherworldly saxophone and guitar melodies. The track nods to '70s prog with a punk-ish attitude, creating beautifully orchestrated chaos in true Sex Magick Wizards style.
Viktor Bomstad, guitar
Henrik Sandstad Dalen, bass
Ingvald André Vassbø, drums and composition
Sigrid Aftret, saxophone
Recorded and mixed by Dag Erik Johansen
Mastered by Espen Høydalsvik
Cover by Manuel Lambertz
“Dorging ved midnatt” out now!
The first single from our upcoming album with Henriette Eilertsen and the composer collective OJKOS is out now!
"Dorging ved midnatt" consists of a small herring flock of rhythmic elements that together create a flowing groove, where the alto flute comes and gathers the flock together again. Along the way, you might sit and look out over the dark surface of the water and wonder what lies beneath - what will happen next.
“The Birds Sing a Pretty Song” out now!
We are thrilled to announce that NTR014 “The Birds Sing a Pretty Song” by Håvard N. Funderud is out now on Nice Things Records!
The Birds Sing a Pretty Song is Funderuds first project in his own name. In addition to himself on the guitar the band consists of Petter Abjørnsen (bass), Ben Rodney (trumpet), Sigrid Aftret (saxophone), Ingvald Vassbø (drums) and Tore Ljøkelsøy (drums). The somewhat untraditional sextet presents an album that explores Funderud’s compositions, taking the listener through free jazz, soundscapes and delightfully weird melodies. Everything is wrapped up in mystical song titles, leaving it up to the listener to make sense of them.
The artwork is made by Kristoffer Møllegaard and designed by Lasse Marhaug.
“Live in Europe” out now!
We are thrilled to announce that NTR015 “Live in Europe” is out now on Nice Things Records!
This extravagant double CD album features two improvised 45 minute sets from the creative minds of alto saxophone player Amalie Dahl, double bassist Henrik Sandstad Dalen and drummer Jomar Jeppsson Søvik.
Recorded live in Prague and Brussels following the release of their debut album “Fairytales for daydreamers” in 2023, these recordings showcase the resolute individual voices of this unique trio tethered to one another in sympathetic interplay.
For anyone in Bergen, Copenhagen or Århus, check out their release shows this spring!
Photo by Laurent Orseau
“Birth of Pop” out now!
EP “Birth of Pop” is out now!
Birth of Pop's EP will be out December 8th!
The improvising trio of Tore Ljøkelsøy, Ben Rodney and Håvard Nordberg Funderud investigates the odd format of drums, fiddle, trumpet and guitar. The trio's non-hierarchical improvisation has lead to long pieces of music, heavily processed by Ben Rodney.
“And Then Summer Came” out now!
"And Then Summer Came" by Bye Lila is out now!
Nice Things Records is happy to present this stunningly beautiful album from the duo Bye Lila, consisting of vocalist Lisbeth-Anita Grimsø Olsen and pianist Liv Andrea Hauge.
Characterized by close and personal lyrics, melodious compositions and lucid improvisation, this album explicitly showcases the talents of two heavy hitting performers in Norwegian jazz who share a wellspring of undeniably compelling ideas.
The album also includes a haunting version of "The Quiet Breath of Winter" featuring Arktisk Filharmoni arranged by Aleksander Waaktaar.
Available on streaming platforms now. Coming soon on CD!
“First as Farce” is out now!
We are overjoyed to present this exuberant album, lovingly performed and produced by the omnipotent guitar player Hein Westgaard, alongside double bass wizard Petter Asbjørnsen and drummer extraordinaire Simon Forchhammer.
Get your CD copy now directly from Hein at Bandcamp or wherever you purchase music.
Writing for JazzPort.cz, Jan Hocek described Hein Westgaard Trio as "one of the most distinctive young Nordic bands [...] The music has a very loose, almost intuitive feel to it, with a tremendous tension arising between the surging guitar and the elastic, seemingly disjointed rhythms."Mixed by Anton Toorell
Mastered by Christian Obermayer
Cover photo by Aurelijus Užameckis
Layout and design by Daniela Foe
Liner notes by Allen Lowe
“Swineherd Agitator” is out now!
The one and only single by Hein Westgaard Trio before their debut album "First as Farce" comes out on Nice Things Records September 1.
The album will be available on CD and streaming platforms.
Writing for JazzPort.cz, Jan Hocek described Hein Westgaard Trio as "one of the most distinctive young Nordic bands [...] The music has a very loose, almost intuitive feel to it, with a tremendous tension arising between the surging guitar and the elastic, seemingly disjointed rhythms."
Hein Westgaard, guitar
Petter Asbjørnsen, double bass
Simon Forchhammer, drums
Photo by Aurelijus Užameckis
“Mann med blå jakke” is out June 2!
New release!
NTR010 "Mann med blå jakke" by electric eclectic duo Torstein & Sigurd is out now!
This album features a visceral and intuitive set performed before an enthusiastic live audience at our label night at Cappelens Forslag in Oslo last year. A special bonus track featuring Jomar Jeppsson Søvik was also included for your listening pleasure.
Performed and produced by Torstein Slåen and Sigurd Ytre-Arne.
Cover photo by Gabriel Skålevik.
Mann med blå jakke is Harald Jordal Johannessen.
“A Lot of Music About Everything” is out now!
Good news!
Master Oogway returns on Nice Things Records with their brand new album A Lot of Music About Everything.
During the last few years Master Oogway has worked extensively with their music in a live format. The quartet has invited different guest musicians, composed and improvised new music in several different aesthetics and directions. This way Master Oogway has evolved from being a jazz/rock band to an ever changing and creative phenomenon. The live format is where Master Oogway’s music comes most alive, and this is the spirit they brought into Athletic Sound studio during the recording sessions of A Lot of Music About Everything. The quartet wanted to preserve their live energy, while utilizing the tools provided in a studio environment. With the expertise of sound engineer Dag Erik Johansen, A Lot of Music About Everything has become Master Oogway’s most gnarly, loudest and dirtiest album so far!
This release also features some awe-inspiring cover art by Lasse Marhaug.
“Fairytales for daydreamers” is out March 3rd!
We are happy to present NTR008 "Fairytales for daydreamers" by Amalie Dahl, Henrik Sandstad Dalen and Jomar Jeppsson Søvik. Out now on all streaming platforms!
On this live recording from their first performance together, the listener gets to experience the trio’s immediate chemistry through a lively and adventurous hour-long improvised set. They move confidently through polite introductions, interrogations, deep conversations and heated arguments before at last they reach tender reconciliation, as if they were old friends playing together.
They are touring Europe next week. Catch one of their shows in Prague, Cologne or Brussels!
Cover photo by Ferdinand Schwarz
“In Orbit” is out February 17!
A beautiful duo effort by Hein Westgaard and Alex Ventling.
Recorded over two days in the ever so flat Denmark, the freely improvised duo album reflects a lyricism and tranquility perhaps owing a shared longing to the mountains, with Westgaard being Norwegian, and Ventling carrying a sense of home in both Switzerland and New Zealand. The sounds of the guitar and prepared grand-piano seamlessly blend as to create a single sound source, or rather multiple sources of uncertain origin. Natural sceneries, expansive atmospheres and investigations into the smallest details create the listening pallet. From minimalistic soundscapes to dynamic sonic narratives, ‘In Orbit’ encapsulates the spur-of-the-moment adventurousness that open ended improvisation calls for.
Cover art by Fee Blumenthaler
“Ballads Inbetween Fast Songs” is out now!
Our second release of the year, "Ballads Inbetween Fast Songs" by Aksel Røed Trio, is out now!
In recent years Røed has been making waves on Norway's west coast as a sideman in projects ranging from straightahead jazz to heavy rock.
On this record Røed's playful saxophone sounds go head to head with the tumultuous bass lines of Magne Thormodsæther and the propulsive ride cymbals of Tore Ljøkelsøy. All culminating in a listening experience reminiscent of highlights in jazz history, while constantly forging ahead.
Buy nice things!
Our New Year's resolution is to sell more records. Please purchase them!
Contact us at nicethingsrecords@gmail.com or follow the links below!
NTR002 "Theme songs for society"
NTR001 "Martin h. Mellem's One and Two"
“FULL COMMUNITY” is out January 13!
2023 is off to a good start!
In support of FULL COMMUNITY's appearance at the lovely All Ears Festival January 14, we are happy to announce our first release of the year.
The substantial live album ‘FULL COMMUNITY’ presents six excerpts from concert recordings produced in 2022 by the newly formed group of the same name.
Spearheaded by guitarist and composer Håvard Nordberg Funderud, this large ensemble (ranging from 7 to 9 different musicians on stage each concert) practices collective improvisation based on six predetermined musical ideas. A study in individualism vs. collectivism - the listener experiences how each musician strives to shape the group’s musical output. Sometimes working to support each other while nurturing stability, other times calling out for a radical change in direction and encouraging chaos.
‘FULL COMMUNITY’ gives testimony to the same ideas and motivations that Nice Things Records was founded on - the importance of expressing your creative spirit and participating in your community.
Available on streaming platforms and a severely limited edition tape cassette January 13.
“Sámi noise” by Viktor Bomstad out December 2!
A riveting solo venture by one of the most exciting Norwegian guitar players on the scene today.
Noise, joik, sampling and fuzz sounds are welded masterfully together on this album to paint images of suppressed native culture, anger and at last rejuvenating freedom.
Beautiful artwork by Ida Jacklin.
“Rev med gule øyne” is out October 7!
An absolutely stirring debut album by the enthralling duo Torstein & Sigurd.
Torstein Slåen: guitar, electronics
Sigurd Ytre-Arne: SP-202, Roland SH-09, MFB 522, electronics
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Torstein & Sigurd
© Nice Things Records 2022
“Theme songs for society” is out September 2!
With their debut album "Theme songs for society" double bass player Henrik Sandstad Dalen and Passe Planta have composed a variety of colorful themes inspired by Mother Nature, free jazz and 90's sitcom soundtracks.
Each theme is intended to underscore a certain facet of human society and how the individual copes with partaking in it. Still there is ample room for the listener to freely associate and find whatever meaning they can in the work - much like one aspires to find meaning and purpose in society itself.
Henrik Sandstad Dalen, double bass, compositions
Ingrid Skåland Lia, saxophones
Sigrid Aftret, saxophones
Lyder Øvreås Røed, trumpet & flugelhorn
Torstein Slåen, guitar
Recorded by Dag Erik Johansen at Athletic Sound July 2020.
Mixed by Andréa Louise Horstad.
Mastered by Espen Høydalsvik.
Artwork by Henrik Koppen.
“Gå i skogen” is out August 19!
"Gå i skogen" (“Walk in the woods”) is the enthralling first single from ambient duo Torstein & Sigurd. Their debut album “Rev med gule øyne” is out October 7.
Torstein Slåen, guitar and electronics
Sigurd Ytre-Arne, electronics, artwork and video
“Land of the trees, pt. 2” is out now!
"Land of the trees, pt. 2" is the reassuring first single from Norwegian quintet Passe Planta's upcoming debut album "Theme songs for society".
Double bass player Henrik Sandstad Dalen has composed a variety of colorful themes inspired by Mother Nature, free jazz and 90's sitcom soundtracks. The album will be available on tape cassette and digital streaming platforms September 2 this fall.
Ingrid Skåland Lia, soprano sax
Sigrid Aftret, tenor sax
Lyder Øvreås Røed, trp & flugelhorn
Torstein Slåen, gtr
and Henrik Sandstad Dalen, double bass and compositions.
Recorded by Dag Erik Johansen in Athletic Sound.
Mixed by Andréa Louise Horstad.
Master by Espen Høydalsvik.
Artwork by Henrik Koppen.
“Out of kindness experience” out now!
Rowland’s EVIL JAZZ TRIO presents their enthusiastic new single “Out of kindness experience”!
Available now on Bandcamp and streaming platforms.
Martin h. Mellem’s One and Two is out now!
Check it out on your preferred streaming service by following the link below.
https://linktr.ee/nicethingsrecords
One and Two is the cheerful debut album of innovative Norwegian drummer and composer Martin h. Mellem. His explosive approach has contributed to the rise of many high energy bands such as Master Oogway and Bear Brother, as well as the low-key Ototoi. He is a familiar sight on the Scandinavian jazz and improvised music scene.
This album, a live recording from October 2021, comprises the two tracks “One and” and “Two”. A stellar group performance by Mellem, Håvard Nordberg Funderud (guitar), Aksel Rønning (sax, flute), Karl Erik Horndalsveen (double bass) and Hans P. Kjorstad (violin) makes this debut a remarkable listening experience.