Henrik Sandstad Dalen is a Norwegian bass player, composer and organizer based in Oslo, Norway. He is known for his diverse work within many idioms, ranging from free improvisation and free jazz, to folk music, rock and noise.

Dalen plays and performs regularly across Europe with groups like Sex Magick Wizards, Sigrid Aftret’s No-Notion Octet, Ole Mofjell’s 3 Days of Maceration and his trio with Amalie Dahl and Jomar Jeppsson Søvik. He has played and collaborated with countless artists from across the world on the improvised music scene (always open to play with more!). In 2025 he was chosen to be part of the European collaborative Melting Pot project, performing at festivals across Europe. He was also part of Sigrid Aftret’s edition of Trondheim Jazz Orchestra performing at Moldejazz the same year.

In 2022 he founded the Norwegian independent label Nice Things Records together with guitarist Håvard Nordberg Funderud.

From 2027 he will be curating the All Ears Festival, together with saxophonist and longtime collaborator Sigrid Aftret.

Photo by Eirik Havnes