Sony Music Absorbs French Label Behind Jain's Global Rise

Sony Music Group France has acquired Spookland, the independent label that has nurtured French pop sensation Jain's career since its 2012 inception. The deal, announced February 19, transfers both recorded and publishing rights to the major label while reshaping the boutique operation into a new imprint called Bleu Revolver.

Yodelice (Maxim Nucci), who founded Spookland as a creative haven for experimental pop and emerging talent, will continue steering the label's artistic direction under Sony's corporate umbrella. Marc Nouchy, who has managed the operation since its launch, remains involved in the transition.

The acquisition solidifies what executives describe as a decade-plus working relationship. Jain released her breakthrough album Zanaka in 2015 on the label—a record that went Diamond worldwide with over 1.2 million copies sold, powered largely by the hit single "Makeba." She's since delivered two additional albums and recently participated in the Olympic torch relay, expanding her footprint well beyond France.

Beyond Jain, Spookland's roster includes four albums from Yodelice himself, material from rising names like Barry Moore, and publishing rights to 28 tracks from French rock icon Johnny Hallyday. The catalog represented genuine leverage in negotiations.

Marie-Anne Robet, Managing Director of Sony Music France, framed the move as natural evolution rather than corporate takeover. "This acquisition is the natural outcome of a long-standing collaborative partnership spanning more than 10 years," she stated. "It reflects our commitment to support artists ever more closely and to enhance their catalog by offering it increased visibility and expanding its audience."

Sony positioned the deal as combining publishing and recording muscle. Antoine Dathanat, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing France, noted that merging the two divisions creates "a unique environment to develop their projects, maximize their reach, and enhance the value of their work."

Yodelice emphasized that independence and ambition aren't opposing forces. "Spookland was born to offer a creative playground that is free, demanding, and open to the world," he said. "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 rebranding as Bleu Revolver signals a fresh chapter while maintaining Spookland's DNA. For Sony, the acquisition delivers a proven hit-maker in Jain and a pipeline of carefully curated talent—exactly the kind of cultural credibility major labels increasingly seek.