Photo: Audun Fegran Kopperud/Nucleus
Together with influencer Gard "Mankegard" Øksendal and artist/songwriter Synne Sørgjerd, TONO is now inviting the public to nominate shops, cafes, hairdressers, gyms, hotels and so on for a competition to be named the place in Norway with the best background music.
/ 25/09/2025 / Willy MartinsenFrom September 24th to October 24th, TONO invites the entire country to nominate places that master the art of using music to create atmosphere: www.tono.no/bakgrunn.
– TONO simplifies music licensing for those who use music, and ensures that music creators get paid. Reaching out with information about this to businesses that use music is a continuous and major effort for us. This campaign is one of many initiatives. Here we will highlight the importance of music in customer premises and pay tribute to those who have a good music profile. In this way, we contribute to increasing awareness of TONO and knowledge about music rights, says Willy Martinsen, Director of Communications at TONO.
Music in customer spaces, from cafes, restaurants and nightclubs to shops, hair salons and gyms, influences emotions, well-being, pace, conversations and shopping experiences. A well-thought-out playlist with good sound and the right volume makes us stay. Similarly, the wrong music and distracting soundscapes can make customers leave.
– Proper music use means first and foremost having a conscious music profile. At the same time, it is important to secure a license that covers the rights that TONO and Gramo manage. With one TONO license, businesses can now choose freely from both known and unknown music from the millions of works we manage – on behalf of both TONO and Gramo, and at the same time know that those behind the music are getting paid, says Martinsen.
It is also important that businesses use streaming services designed specifically for public use by businesses. Private streaming subscriptions cannot be used by businesses.
TONO has recruited TikToker Gard Øksendal (@MankeGard) and artist and songwriter Synne Sørgjerd to join the jury. Together with representatives from TONO, they will select ten finalists – and ultimately choose a winner – based on the audience's nominations and justifications.
The finalists will be announced on October 29. The winner will be announced in week 46 and will receive the title "Norway's best background music" and an exclusive intimate concert with Synne Sørgjerd.
– This engages me! I am passionate about music and good experiences, and I look forward to finding the place with the best atmosphere and the right vibe. It's not just about what is played, but when and how. Curation and timing are everything, says Øksendal.
– For artists and songwriters, background music is more than just background. It is an important part of everyday life, both as a source of income through TONO and as a way for the songs to live on in people's lives. When venues choose music with care, they create good experiences for their guests and contribute to the creation of new music, says Synne Sørgjerd.
Who plays the best music? Nominate your favorite place here: www.tono.no/bakgrunn