Background music is not a new phenomenon in Norwegian stores and commercial premises. Back in the 1970s, there was a focus on background music that promoted employee well-being and created a good atmosphere in the store.
/ 17/04/2024 / Audun Fegran Kopperud // NucleusThe article is taken from TONO's background music magazine. "Music that amplifies"
American George Owen Squier's company Wired Radio was already offering specially composed music for both homes and businesses in 1920. The word "muzak" was established as the company's new name and as a term for background music in general.
Read more about the phenomenon in the article "Background music throughout history" in our background music magazine at musikkenforsterker.no
Background music in commercial premises also has a long history in Norway. After a quick search in NRK's extensive archive, we find a program that deals with the topic. In 1970, the program "Music - doping, noise or anesthetic» what people thought about the background music.
Through presenter Gøril Strømholm, we get to know store managers, customers, academics, and even a cattle farmer.
– We use background music to create a pleasant atmosphere for customers and to encourage staff, said Steen and Strøm director Per Strøm.
According to Strøm, in a survey they had found that the majority of the department store's employees thought background music in the premises would be encouraging.
Recent studies have shown that background music that matches the brand can increase turnoverThis was also something Director Strøm was asked about by NRK's Strømsholm. However, he did not know of anything that supported this theory.
In the barn, tenant farmer Kjell Alme stood and raked cow dung. He was convinced that the cows felt better with background music. He even believed that milk production increased.
The aforementioned Muzak had a studio in operation in Norway at this time and, according to the NRK program, offered background music to offices, factories and public premises, which they sent out via a telephone line.
In the background: Perhaps it was this album that customers at Steen og Strøm were served during their shopping trip in 1970.
Many people expressed their opinions on background music in the program. UiO lecturer and former pianist Øyvind Eckhoff was critical of being "exposed to stimuli without being aware of what is happening to us."
– When it is supposed to be in the background and not demand anything from you, you are cut off from the chance to become interested in music, he said.
Audiophysicist Gordon Flåttorp, for his part, was afraid that if we "abused our sense of hearing, our ability to listen would be reduced."
In a garment factory, one of the seamstresses said that she found the work easier with music in the background. A female shop customer said that she really enjoyed the background music.
– There will be a little more life and I will be in a better mood, she said.
Other customers placed more emphasis on the fact that the volume could be too loud and the music would then be disruptive.
Watch NRK's program from the 70s HERE.
In the spring of 2023, we at TONO took a trip to a café to hear about guests' relationship with background music. Even in today's society, opinions are many. Some want it completely quiet, while others love the atmosphere that background music puts them in.
– It gives me energy and is something that makes life worth living, said Finn Ravndal.
Even though the world is changing, background music seems to be here to stay, whether you love it or would rather not have it. But what kind of role will background music play in the future?
According to Tommy Tangløkken, marketing director at TONO and responsible for the background music area, the importance of music does not diminish with time.
"Music has accompanied humans since the dawn of time, and it is an important part of being human. It touches us on a deep level, and I can't imagine it not being just as important in the future," he says.
– At TONO, we are passionate about making it easy for businesses to use their customers' favorite music. With a TONO license, stores can play whatever they want from a whole world of music. And remember, music in the store not only creates good customer experiences, but also contributes to employee well-being at work, says Tommy.
Would you like to make an appointment for background music? Fill out the form on our customer pages. here..