Photo: Audun Fegran Kopperud/Nucleus
Now the 10 finalists in the selection of "Norway's best background music" are ready. In September, people were invited to nominate their favorite, and they did so in large numbers. A total of 112 nominations were received from all over the country, with a large geographical range - from Kautokeino in the north to Stavanger in the south.
/ 30/10/2025 / Kristian DugstadThe jury, which consisted of influencer Gard Øksendal, artist and songwriter Synne Sørgjerd, and three employees from TONO, has found its chosen ones based on the people's nominations and justifications. The winner, who will, among other things, get a concert with Synne Sørgjerd at their premises, will be announced on November 10, 2025.
– We are doing this award to highlight shops, cafes and others who use music consciously and in a good way. This is something that customers notice, and it is the customers themselves who have nominated, says communications director Willy Martinsen at TONO.
The finalists range widely – from grocery stores, clothing stores and hairdressers to electronics stores and nightclubs. The range is a good illustration of how thoughtful background music elevates the experience, regardless of industry.
– We are impressed by the variety of nominations and the commitment people have shown. The ten finalists show that good background music creates good customer experiences everywhere, in the grocery store, clothing store, at the hairdresser, in the electronics store and in nightclubs. Good and correct use of music makes people feel good and come back, says Martinsen.
The 10 finalists
– I am looking forward to performing at one of these 10 venues. I promise it will be a memorable experience for everyone. For us artists and songwriters, conscious use of music means both that the music can live in people's everyday lives and that through the TONO license we get opportunities to continue making good music, says artist and songwriter Synne Sørgjerd.
- It's been really fun to be on the jury. We received several unexpected nominations – and that's extra fun. It's really opened my eyes to the fact that good background music is everywhere. Even in the grocery store, it can lift the whole experience. And it's great to see how many people are cheering on their favorite local places. Worthy finalists – with great breadth, says influencer/tiktoker Gard Øksendal (@MankeGard).
For all the nominees, see www.tono.no/bakgrunn.
For more information:
Willy Martinsen, communications director at TONO.
Mobile: 909 65 254,
Email: willy.martinsen@tono.no
About TONO
TONO was founded in 1928 and is a non-profit cooperative owned and managed by composers, lyricists and music publishers. TONO manages the economic copyrights in their musical works and grants licenses for the use of protected music publicly for a fee. TONO's financial results are transferred to copyright holders in music that has been performed publicly in Norway and abroad. TONO has more than 44,000 members and also represents millions of international authors. In 2024, TONO paid out NOK 741.7 million to copyright holders at home and abroad.