Øien was educated at the "Nord-Norsk Musikkonservatorium" (1987–91), where he studied the music of
Edvard Grieg while he played in bands such as "Stett", "Tutu" and "Corny Horns". Øien participated in the
NRK series "Ung norsk jazz" with a trio comprising
Trond Sverre Hansen (drums) and
Konrad Kaspersen (bass). This led to the formation of a jazz band "Jazz i Nord" from
Troms, consisting of country musicians, where the trombonist
Øystein B. Blix also contributed. This partnership is evidence on the record
Song, Fall Soft (1995) with the vocalist
Marit Sandvik. In 1996 he led the jam backing band at
Moldejazz Festival, and moved to
Oslo, and settled as one of the most used freelance pianists in the last half of the 20th century in the Norwegian capital. Other cooperation was with
Knut Værnes,
Staffan William-Olsson's records
Smile (1998) and
Oak road boogaloo (2000),
Alf Kjellman Project,
Beady Belle and
Trionic,
Ole Jacob Hansen,
Espen Lind's band,
Espen Rud Sextett, awarded
Spellemannprisen 1998 for the album
Rudlende,
Tine Asmundsen's "Lonely Woman", and
Geir Lysne's "Listening Ensemble". Øien is part of the band
Oofotr (with two records) and the
Nordland quintet North. In 2003 he led the "Nordnorsk jazzforum" prosjekt
Milestones and appeared at
Moldejazz together with
George Garzone. He also play in
Nils-Olav Johansen Band (2006–), and the band
Moment with
Tore Brunborg,
Jens Fossum and
Andreas Bye. Moreover, he played a central part in the play "Chet spiller ikke her" at "Torshovteateret" 2009–10. In 2011
Erling Wiclund of NRK highlighted him as "one original and brilliant arrangerer in the upper world class". At
Vossajazz 2014, he appeared within
Ivar Kolve's
Polyostinat experience. Here he performed with an elite team of Norwegian musicians, including
Kåre Kolve,
Ellen Andrea Wang and last but not the least
Jarle Vespestad. They delivered an indulgent poly rhythmic and poly harmonic treat for the discerning ear. == Works ==