TONO brings artist and songwriter Gunn Kvaale with them in the hunt for Norway's best background music. (Photo: Stian Karlstad Berntsen)
After last year's strong commitment, TONO is repeating the award for "Norway's best background music". Now the public can once again nominate the places that use music consciously to create good experiences. The winner will receive an exclusive intimate concert with artist and songwriter Gunn Kvaale.
/ 11/09/2026 / Willy MartinsenTONO is now accepting nominations for "Norway's Best Background Music". From September 11th to October 18th, the public can nominate places across the country that use music consciously to create atmosphere and good experiences. www.tono.no/bakgrunn.
– Many people have a favorite place where music is an important part of the experience. Now we hope people will help us promote these places, says Willy Martinsen, Communications Director at TONO.
The award aims to highlight the importance of music in customer premises across the country, from cafes, restaurants and shops to hair salons, gyms and hotels.
Music affects the mood, pace, well-being and how we experience a place. When the music is well-suited to the space, the audience and the situation, it can enhance the overall impression, contribute to increased sales and create a stronger connection to the place. When it is not, it can be disruptive.
– Places that use music consciously also deserve recognition for that. With this award, we want to highlight the places that understand how big a role music plays in the experience, says Martinsen.
The jury, consisting of TONO and artist, songwriter and TONO member Gunn Kvaale, selects five finalists based on the audience's nominations and justifications. The audience can then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive the title "Norway's Best Background Music" 2026 and a mini-concert with Gunn Kvaale.
– Music helps set the mood in many of the moments we remember from everyday life. For us who make music, it's extra nice to know that our songs are actually played and heard where people are. When venues use background music thoughtfully, they create a better experience for their guests – and at the same time help give musicians and songwriters the opportunity to create even more new music, says Gunn Kvaale.
Last year the award went to REMA 1000 in the Korsirkekvartalet in Bergen, who won an intimate concert with Synne Sørgerd.
The finalists will be announced in October, and the winner will be chosen in week 47.
Who plays the best music? Nominate your favorite place here: www.tono.no/bakgrunn
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 public use of protected music 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 2025, TONO paid out NOK 715 million to copyright holders at home and abroad.