About FONO

Who and what is FONO ?

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FONO is the Association of Norwegian Independent Record Companies. The association was formed in 1980 as the Independent Record Producers Association, but changed to its current name in the mid '80s. From a modest beginning with only a handful of participants, the organization has grown to more than 100 members.

FONO was created for the benefit of Norwegian phonogram production and for the promotion of phonogram as a cultural medium. FONO also promotes the interests of it's members regarding other organizations, associations, and public authority.

Internationally the organization is recognised as quite unique. There are few, if any, western countries having a trade association that embraces producers of absolutely all music genres.

The Norwegian market is also unique, as an unusually large share of the norwegian records produced are released by non-multinational companies. Companies within FONO account for more than 70% of all Norwegian records released annually.

What does FONO have to offer?

A forum for Norwegian phonogram publishers.
Through meetings and various bulletins, we exchange information and experiences benefiting the publisher in their daily management tasks.
A channel where members can further their views on topics important for a publisher.
The primary focus deals with economical issues like contract relationships to NCB, radio funding, Gramo etc., and topics of interest for marketing and international arrangements such as Midem etc.
A mouthpiece.
FONO is represented in all forums important for phonogram producers; Gramo, Norwaco, the Spellemann Committee, Fund for Sound and Picture, Music Export Norway etc.
An online shop.
FONO has established, and has a large owning interest in the company Phonofile, which deals with electronic distribution of members' music.

Who can join?

Perspective members of FONO must provide that the majority of their repertoire and focus of production is Norwegian.

The qualifications for membership are simple: Prospective members must be Norwegian phonogram publishers with a minimum of continuity in production, and must have published at least two phonograms.

You are welcome as a member!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our administration.

The membership fee is currently 6,000 NOK annually, but new members pay only 3,000 NOK the first year.

FONO also charges a 15% administration fee off Gramo income and other income which is channelled through FONO.