BMG licenses Jean-Michel Jarre's recorded

BMG has expanded its exclusive licensing deal with electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre to cover his entire recorded catalog and future works. The agreement, announced on September 17, deepens a long-standing partnership between the composer and the music rights company.

This new pact builds on an existing relationship. BMG already controlled the sound recordings of Jarre's first three albums, acquired through its 2012 purchase of Francis Dreyfus Music. In 2022, the company made its largest single deal in France by acquiring Jarre's music publishing catalog, including iconic works like Oxygène and Équinoxe, along with his writer's income.

A strengthened partnership

BMG stated the expanded partnership reflects a commitment to the long-term development, protection, and celebration of Jarre's catalog, alongside collaboration on new work. Jean-Michel Jarre expressed his satisfaction with the move. "My relationship with BMG goes back many years, and I am very happy that today we are bringing our work even closer together," Jarre said. He highlighted BMG's European roots as culturally important to him.

Alistair Norbury, BMG's Senior Creative Advisor to the CEO, praised Jarre's enduring influence. "Jean-Michel Jarre has influenced generations of electronic artists and continues to shape the culture today," Norbury stated. He added that expanding the relationship gives BMG a greater opportunity to support and celebrate Jarre's extraordinary body of work.

BMG's current structure and deals

The announcement comes following BMG's combination with Concord, which completed on September 1. The company is now led by CEO Bob Valentine. The combined entity holds a catalog of more than four million works. BMG, founded in 2008, is approximately 67% owned by Bertelsmann, with the remaining 33% held by affiliates of Great Mountain Partners. Its global headquarters is in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European base.

BMG has been active in rights acquisition and new licensing models. In August, it struck a global licensing deal with AI music platform Suno, covering recorded music and publishing rights on an opt-in basis for its artists. That same month, it acquired the publishing and recorded rights of Wolfmother frontman Andrew Stockdale.

Celebrating a landmark anniversary

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Jarre's seminal album Oxygène, which was released in 1976. BMG said further details on how it plans to celebrate the anniversary will be shared soon. Over a career spanning five decades, Jarre has released 22 studio albums.

His live performances are legendary for their scale. A 1997 concert in Moscow attracted an audience of 3.5 million people. Jarre performed across Europe this summer, including his first-ever show on Ibiza at Amnesia Ibiza on July 5, as part of the venue's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Upcoming appearances and projects

Jarre's schedule remains busy. He will appear as guest of honor at the 30th anniversary of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), which runs from October 21 to 25. On the first night, he will present the sold-out opening concert, "Oxygène & Beyond: A Sonic Journey Celebrating 30 Years of ADE," at AFAS Live.

A related book project is also imminent. Machines: A History of Electronic Music, written by Jarre and curated by Sonny Marr and Alistair Norbury, will be published by Thames & Hudson on October 8. The book uses Jarre's private collection of synthesizers and studio gear to chart the development of electronic sound, featuring input from other figures in the field.