Alan Walker, Aurora, and Kygo Move Music Rights Abroad

Musician Alan Walker and manager Gunnar Greve have withdrawn from Tono, the organization managing Norwegian music copyrights, following a dispute over income distribution and power. According to reports, this follows a trend of international stars like Kygo and Aurora moving their music rights to foreign companies due to concerns over how royalties are allocated.

Alan Walker and his manager, Gunnar Greve, are leaving Tono, according to Finansavisen. The move stems from a conflict regarding the distribution of copyright revenues and the power dynamics within the organization that manages economic rights for Norwegian composers, lyricists, and music publishers.

Greve claims that he and Walker have lost “many millions” because of Tono’s rules and distribution model. He told Finansavisen that the organization’s bylaws and governance do not serve the best interests of the community, arguing that income should be distributed proportionally to those who generate it.

Did You Know? Tono collects royalties on behalf of its members for music used across various platforms, including radio, television, concerts, streaming services, and retail stores.

Why are Norwegian artists moving their music rights abroad?

Several high-profile artists from the Bergen area, including Kygo (Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll) and Aurora Aksnes, have already moved all or part of their music rights to foreign companies. Critics argue that the current Tono system makes Norway unattractive for songwriters who achieve international success.

Aslak Klever of the music publisher Popular Demand described the distribution model as a “corrupt system” to Finansavisen. Klever claims that funds generated by songwriters whose music is frequently played are instead distributed to narrow genres that do not necessarily generate that income.

Tono’s communication director, Willy Martinsen, told VG that the organization reacts strongly to these allegations of corruption. Tono’s CEO, Karl Vestli, stated that the organization had a close cooperation with Greve for years and “takes it very heavily” that the manager is leaving.

How much did these artists earn in 2024?

Financial data from 2024 shows significant profits for the artists involved in these disputes. Alan Walker and Kygo currently rank as the highest-earning artists in Norway.

Alan Walker: His company reported a pre-tax profit of 48 million kroner, with an additional 40 million kroner in profit from a joint company with Gunnar Greve.
Kygo (Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll): Reported a profit of nearly 44 million kroner.
Aurora Aksnes: Reported a profit of approximately 10 million kroner.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this conflict highlights a growing tension between traditional collective management models and the needs of global superstars. When a small number of artists generate a disproportionate share of total revenue, the perceived fairness of “community” distribution can lead to a flight of intellectual property toward more flexible international markets.

What happens next for Tono?

Tono maintains that leaving the organization for foreign companies is not economically profitable. However, the departure of prominent figures like Greve and Walker could lead to further scrutiny of the organization’s bylaws.

Alan Walker & Ava Max – Alone, Pt. II

If more internationally successful songwriters follow this path, Tono may face increased pressure to adjust its distribution models to remain competitive. It is possible that the organization could seek to revise how it allocates funds between global hits and niche genres to prevent further exits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Alan Walker and Gunnar Greve leave Tono?
They left due to a conflict over money, power, and the distribution of copyright income, with Greve claiming they lost millions under the current system.

Which other Norwegian artists have moved their rights to foreign companies?
Kygo (Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll) and Aurora Aksnes are among the music profiles who have used similar organizations abroad.

How does Tono respond to the claims of corruption?
Communication director Willy Martinsen stated that Tono reacts strongly to the allegations, and CEO Karl Vestli noted that the organization had previously stretched its efforts to accommodate Greve and his songwriters.

Do you believe music royalties should be distributed proportionally to success or shared across a wider artistic community?