As the independent music publishing sector continues to reshape the global music landscape, Paris-based 22D Music has made a significant strategic acquisition by purchasing a stake in Velvetica Music, marking a decisive expansion of its footprint in the competitive rights management arena.
The move comes sixteen years after Emmanuel Delétang founded 22D Music in 2006 alongside initial partners Sören Bauermeister and Yolanda De Felipé, who previously led Palan Music’s German and Spanish divisions respectively.
The acquisition signals a bold pivot for the boutique rights management company, which has steadily built its reputation in the audiovisual music sector. Operating from its Paris headquarters with satellite offices in Madrid, London, Berlin, and New York, 22D Music has established itself as a key player in music supervision, composing, licensing, and soundtrack production.
Their 360° business model, which oversees projects from concept through delivery, has attracted partnerships with major studios including Apple Originals, for whom they produced the “WolfWalkers” soundtrack. The company’s comprehensive approach ensures they manage projects creatively, financially, and logistically throughout the entire production process.
“This strategic investment allows us to leverage Velvetica’s assets while strengthening our position in indie music publishing,” noted a company representative. The timing aligns with 22D’s recent collaborations with Faber Music, Gaumont TV US, Une Musique TF1, and Banijay Studios France, indicating an aggressive expansion strategy focused on international reach.
Since its founding, 22D has evolved from a small enterprise to a collective of dedicated experts managing music rights internationally. The company represents prominent artists including Mylène Farmer, Maxime Le Forestier, and has initiated projects for emerging talents like L’Impératrice. The company’s expertise in music distribution has enabled artists to maximize their reach through various streaming platforms and optimization of royalty structures. The company’s registration with performance rights organizations ensures their clients receive proper royalty payments for public performances of their music. The company’s membership in organizations like CSDEM and IMPF has cemented its industry standing, while its production credits on notable soundtracks including “Calamity” and “Little Vampire” showcase its creative capabilities.
From boutique rights manager to international powerhouse, 22D’s evolution showcases the strategic growth potential in independent music publishing.
Industry analysts view this acquisition as part of a larger trend of consolidation within independent music publishing, as companies seek to build competitive scale against major publishers.
For 22D Music, the Velvetica stake represents not merely portfolio diversification but a strategic enhancement of their service offerings in an increasingly complex global rights management landscape.
