Sony Music Group France has acquired Spookland, a Paris-based independent record label and publishing company that represents French singer-songwriter Jain.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, although Sony Music noted in its Thursday (February 19) announcement that the deal covers recorded music rights, publishing rights, and Spookland‘s full repertoire.
Founded in 2012 by songwriter-producer Maxim Nucci, known by his stage name Yodelice, and managed by Marc Nouchy, Spookland established itself as a major player on the back of Jain’s international rise, according to the press release.
Following Sony Music’s acquisition, Spookland will transition into a new entity called Bleu Revolver, which will continue operating as an independent label in partnership with Sony Music Group France.
For Sony Music, the company says the deal strengthens its ongoing relationship with Jain, whom its Columbia imprint counts among its “international priorities.”
Spookland’s catalog includes three Jain albums, four Yodelice albums, publishing rights on 28 tracks from the late French rock and roll and pop singer Johnny Hallyday, and music from emerging artist Barry Moore.
“With Spookland, we share the same creative standards and the conviction that artistic independence can go hand in hand with international ambition.”
Marie-Anne Robert, Sony Music France
Jain’s 2015 debut album, Zanaka, sold over 1.2 million copies worldwide and secured a Diamond certification. The album’s breakout single, Makeba, earned a 6x Diamond certification internationally. Her second album, Souldier (2018), was also certified with a Double Platinum, while her third record, The Fool (2024), is certified Gold. Jain performed in Paris during the 2024 Olympic Torch Relay.
Commenting on the acquisition, Marie-Anne Robert, Managing Director of Sony Music France, said: “This acquisition is the natural outcome of a long-standing collaborative partnership spanning more than ten years. It reflects our commitment to support artists ever more closely and to enhance their catalogue by offering it increased visibility and expanding its audience.”
“With Spookland, we share the same creative standards and the conviction that artistic independence can go hand in hand with international ambition.”
“By bringing together our publishing and recording expertise, we offer Spookland songwriters a unique environment to develop their projects, maximize their reach, and enhance the value of their work.”
Antoine Dathanat, Sony Music Publishing France
Antoine Dathanat, Managing Director Sony Music Publishing France, said: “This operation demonstrates the strength of the Sony Music Group companies and the synergies we are able to deploy. By bringing together our publishing and recording expertise, we offer Spookland songwriters a unique environment to develop their projects, maximize their reach, and enhance the value of their work.”
“This partnership will allow us to elevate our artists and pursue our international ambitions without compromising our identity.”
Maxim Nucci (Yodelice), Spookland
Maxim Nucci (Yodelice), founder of Spookland, added: “Spookland was born to offer a creative playground that is free, demanding, and open to the world. With both Sony Music France and Sony Music Publishing France, it has made sense for years: today it becomes obvious. This partnership will allow us to elevate our artists and pursue our international ambitions without compromising our identity.”
The development marks Sony Music’s latest strategic deal in France after Sony Music France and Sony Music Publishing France in July acquired Lusafrica and Africa Nostra, a long-established label and publishing house dedicated to promoting Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) and African artists worldwide.
Across the wider Sony Music group, the acquisition follows the group’s purchase of Munich-based label F.A.M.E. Recordings and Nashville-based independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD) in January.
Other major purchases over the past year include “a significant stake” in Elements Music, a Finland-based independent music publisher with a catalog of about 10,000 compositions; a portion of the catalog of Alofoke Music, the label founded by prominent Dominican Republic-based media personality Santiago “Alofoke” Matías; and the “full rights” to the popular Spookiz animated series.
Music Business Worldwide