More correct distribution to rights holders

Comprehensive survey on music sources

As part of our work on continuously improving the distribution of remuneration, Gramo, together with TONO, conducted an extensive survey last fall of which music sources are actually in use by our corporate customers.

The main findings of the survey show, among other things:

• 60% use streaming services as their main source of recorded music
• Spotify is by far the most used streaming service
• Large chains in retail, catering, hotels and training often use professional music providers, such as Liveqube and Soundtrack.
• 35% cite radio as their primary source of recorded music
• P4, NRK P1 and Radio Norge are the most used radio channels

Better data basis provides more correct distribution

Based on the survey, Gramo has entered into agreements with music providers Liveqube and Soundtrack Your Brand, which give us access to multiple data sources and a larger and more detailed data base. We also receive playtime data from streaming services such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer and from all Norwegian radio channels.

The comprehensive datasets enable us to link repertoire, playing times, revenues and rights information in a more accurate way, which in turn means that our rights holders receive a more correct and transparent distribution of remuneration from Gramo.

‍

– It is encouraging to see that music from lesser-known artists that we use is being distributed properly. Now we must stand together to ensure that only licensed streaming services are used in public spaces – for fair distribution without AI-generated music, says Sigbjørn Grimsæth, CEO of Liveqube.

‍

Full control with automatic content recognition

Norwegian radio stations have for many years sent detailed airtime reports to Gramo, which we use as a basis for the distribution of collected royalties. Last year, Gramo also invested in systems for automatic content recognition (“ACR”), which monitor all use of recorded music on radio and TV – both in Norway and abroad. The system uses advanced audio technology to identify music – in real time – and gives us a significantly better data basis for both the collection and distribution of royalties to our rights holders.
‍

NOK 103.6 million paid out in March

On March 18, we paid out NOK 103.6 million to producers and performers, based on 209,589 unique recordings and processing of 210,1515 hours of music. The payment is for the use of recorded music on national radio and in public places.

‍

– With the new distribution model, we are taking an important step towards more precise distribution of remuneration. When we know more about what music is actually played by our corporate customers, we can also ensure that the money ends up with the right rights holders, says Kim S. Andersen, CEO of Gramo

‍