French Indie Label Spookland Gets Snapped Up by Sony Music

Photo Credit: Marc Nouchy, Marie-Anne Robert, Yodelice, Antoine Dathanat / Jules Despretz

Sony Music Group acquires independent recording and publishing label Spookland, a French label founded in 2012 by songwriter-producer Yodelice.

On Thursday, February 19, Sony Music Group France announced the acquisition of Spookland, an independent recording and publishing label founded by Maxim Nucci (better known as Yodelice), whose catalog includes all albums by renowned French artist Jain. An independent French label founded in 2012 by songwriter-producer Yodelice and managed by Marc Nouchy, the label established itself as a major player thanks to Jain’s international success.

The acquisition of recorded and publishing rights and repertoire fortifies a long-standing artistic relationship, allowing Sony Music Group France to strengthen its collaboration with Jain, an artist in whom the label places strong confidence. Jain is among the company’s international priorities, reflecting the creative ambition and global scale of her work. Spookland will continue its activities under a new banner, Bleu Revolver, in partnership with Sony Music Group France.

Spookland’s catalog notably includes three Jain albums, four Yodelice albums, publishing rights on 28 tracks from Johnny Hallyday, and emerging artists such as Barry Moore. As a major figure in this catalog, Jain—whom Spookland has represented from the beginning—made a name for herself with her first album, Zanaka (2015), certified Diamond with over 1.2 million copies sold worldwide. This album was driven in particular by the single “Makeba.” Now with two other albums under her belt, she continues to shine beyond France’s borders with her recent participation in the Olympic torch relay.

“This acquisition is the natural outcome of a long-standing collaborative partnership spanning more than 10 years,” said Marie-Anne Robet, Managing Director of Sony Music France. “It reflects our commitment to support artists ever more closely and to enhance their catalog 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.”

“This operation demonstrates the strength of the Sony Music Group companies and the synergies we are able to deploy,” said Antoine Dathanat, Managing Director Sony Music Publishing France. “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.”

“Spookland was born to offer a creative playground that is free, demanding, and open to the world,” added Maxim Nucci (Yodelice), founder of Spookland. “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.”