Blue Moon Group Inc. Contracts
Sample Business Contracts
Exclusive Recording Contract - Open Door Records Inc. and No Soap Radio
Services Forms
No Soap
OPEN DOOR RECORDS, INC.
EXCLUSIVE RECORDING CONTRACT
Agreement made as of the ____ day of _______, 1999, by and between Open
Door Records, Inc. ("Open Door"), a Rhode Island Corporation, doing business at
10 Dorrance Street, Suite 540, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903 and Christopher
O'Hara residing at 24 Cedar Grove Parkway, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009, Daniel Roselle
residing at 773 Colonial Arms Road, Union, NJ 07083, Roselle Park, NJ 07204,
James Farrell residing at 23 Feldbaum Place, Spotswood, NJ 08884 and Walter
Lockhart residing at 207 Lindsey Ct., Franklin Park, NJ 08823, all of whom are
professionally known at No Soap Radio and (referred to herein, individually and
collectively as "you," "Artist" or "Parties"). (You are sometimes called "the
Artist" below: all references in this agreement to "you and the Artist" and the
like, are understood to refer to you, alone.)
1. TERM
1.1 The Initial Term of this agreement will begin on the above written date and
continue, unless extended as provided herein, for a minimum of Ninety (90)
days from the date first written above. The Initial Period of this
Agreement is designed for the sole purpose of developing and selecting the
compositions to be recorded in the First Option Period. Open Door does
hereby guarantee the release of the recording to be completed in the First
Option Period of this Agreement when said compositions have been developed,
selected and approved by Open Door.
1.2 At the end of the Initial Term, you grant Open Door the first of its Three
(3) Option Periods to extend the Term for additional Contract Periods
(sometimes referred to herein as "Option Periods"). Open Door does hereby
exercise its First Option option, This and all other Option Periods will
commence upon the end of the current Contract Period (or, if Open Door so
advises in writing, such period will begin on the date of such written
notice) and end nine (9) months after delivery of the last Master
Recordings comprising the Recording Obligation for such Contract Period,
provided, however, that if, in any Contract Period, such delivery is made
in September or October, the months of November and December shall not be
included when computing the ending date of that particular Contract Period
and said Contract Period shall be automatically extended accordingly.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing Paragraph, it is understood and
agreed upon by all Parties that Open Door is hereby granted the right of
first refusal for a Fourth Option Period. All Parties agree to negotiate in
good faith at that time.
2. RECORDING OBLIGATION
Open Door hereby engages you to render service hereunder and at your
discretion, to furnish the services of individual producers to produce and
deliver to Open Door, master Recordings as provided herein. During the
Initial Term and any options exercised by us, you shall perform for the
purpose of making Phonograph Records exclusively for Open Door.
Said recordings generated during the Initial Term are to be tracked and
rough mixed. Further any existing recordings, including but not limited to
the body of work entitled "Just Visiting" and any other recorded
compositions suitable for promotional or commercial release which were made
by you prior to entering into this exclusive recording agreement with Open
Door will become the exclusive property of Open Door upon execution of this
Agreement. Open Door's exclusive ownership will include all art, graphics
packaging, labels, stickers, related merchandising such as hats, tee-shirts
or other designs associated with all existing recordings.
(a) Notwithstanding anything described in Item 2.1 of this Agreement
relative to Open Door's ownership of previously recorded materials by
Artist, the following will be excluded:
(i). The demonstration tapes embodying the performances, musicianship
and/or compositions of Walter Lockhart as recorded by the group now
known as "Those Bleeding Tulip" or known in the future by any other
name. Further, in the event that said recording is released for
commercial sale, it is agreed that Artist will use best efforts to
comply with the terms and conditions pertaining to "sideman" work as
set forth in the terms of this Agreement; and
(ii). The demonstration tape embodying the performances, musicianship
and/or compositions of Christopher O'Hara as recorded by the group now
known as Our Savage Garden or known in the future by any other name.
Further, in the event that said recording is released for commercial
sale it is agreed that Artist will use best efforts to comply with the
terms and conditions pertaining to "sideman" work as set forth in the
terms of this Agreement.
2.2 During the Initial Term, Open Door does hereby agree to provide you with
access and use of their in-house recording facility. Said recording
sessions to be scheduled at the rate of at least one (1) session per month
throughout the Initial Term and at specific times convenient to all
parties. Each of the four (4) recording sessions will be at least two (2)
days in length, each day affording you unlimited access to the recording
facilities owned and operated by Open Door. Further Open Door will provide
Artist with food, accommodations and travel expenses, which shall be
estimated by Artist prior to each session and approved by Open Door before
expenses are incurred by Artist, for each of the recording sessions
described herein.
2.3 Artist will perform for and you will record and deliver to Open Door a
minimum number of Master Recordings specified in the following schedule:
CONTRACT PERIOD MINIMUM RECORDING OBLIGATION
Initial Period Pre-production
First Option Period One (1) Album
Second Option Period One (1) Album
Third Option Period One (1) Album
The Master Recordings required to be delivered under this paragraph 2.2 shall
hereafter be referred to in this agreement as the "Minimum Recording
Obligation."
3. PROCEDURE
3.1. Open Door shall be responsible for the coordination of all recording
sessions. In consideration of your need for artistic freedom and Open
Door's respect for same, all creative input by you will be accepted by and
strongly considered by Open Door for approval and inclusion in the Minimum
Recording Obligation set forth herein. You, as the Artist and any
individual producer of your choice, shall render their services subject to
the terms and conditions hereof to the best of their abilities and in
accordance with first-class standards of performance for production in the
Phonograph Record Industry. Further, Open Door will, at its sole
discretion, assign an Executive Producer from its staff or professionals to
oversee your project and to assist you in meeting the conditions and terms
of this Agreement.
3.2. Prior to the expiration of the Initial Term of this Agreement and for any
and all option periods executed by Open Door, you shall obtain Open Door's
approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) of each of the following in
order before proceeding further: (a) selection of the individual producer
of the Master Recordings hereunder, (b) selection of the Compositions to be
recorded and 9c) selection of the dates of recording and the studios where
recording is to take place. At least fourteen (14) days prior to the date
of the first recording session for the recording of any Master Recordings,
you will submit to Open Door for its written approval, a written proposed
budget setting forth, in itemized detail, all anticipated Recording Costs.
3.3. With respect to Master Recordings hereunder, you shall deliver to Open Door
tracked and mixed tape masters and reference copies in DAT form which are
representative of such tape masters, which tapes shall be satisfactory for
the manufacture and sale of Phonograph Records hereunder in then current
analog or digital formats. You shall edit, sequence, and leader multi-track
master tapes for Master Recordings hereunder, in parallel sequence to any
two-track master tapes delivered hereunder, and shall further deliver same
to Open Door. At Open Door's request, you shall re-record any Master
Recording that Open Door deems unsatisfactory. Concurrently with delivery
of the foregoing items under this paragraph 3.3, you shall deliver to Open
Door all work parts of whatever nature (including, without limitation,
out-takes or other tracks recorded during the Term), together with, if Open
Door requests, cover artwork necessary to reproduce the covers and
packages, all internal artwork, if any, and all negatives for such artwork,
for each Record to be produced embodying Master Recordings delivered
hereunder. If Open Door in its sole discretion elects to prepare any such
artwork or negatives, all costs incurred in connection therewith shall be
deemed Advances chargeable against the recoupable form any and all amounts
otherwise payable by Open Door to Artist.
You shall furnish Open Door, in writing, with all information, consents and
clearances required for the manufacture and distribution of Phonograph
Records hereunder including, timings, any credits to arrangers or
accompanists, names of engineers, list of musicians with instruments
played, exact recording date(s), studio location(s), and album liner
credits.
Under a separate Agreement, you will enter into a co-publishing agreement
with the publishing division of Open Door known as Diamond Music Publishing
for the purpose of publishing all compositions that are covered under both
Agreements. Said co-publishing Agreement will provide an equal ownership,
50/50, of each composition's copyright. Further, Diamond Music Publishing
will be responsible for soliciting and administrating said copyrights for
an administration fee equal to the sum of Seven and one-half (7-1/2%)
percent of gross earnings derived from all publishing income.
3.4. You shall secure on behalf of Open Door, from the copyright proprietors of
Compositions not subject to compulsory license, and embodied on Recording
to be delivered to Open Door hereunder, executed mechanical licenses
granting Open Door the right to manufacture and distribute copies of such
Recordings.
3.5. Artist's performances hereunder shall be reasonably consistent in concept
and style and Master Recordings delivered hereunder (including the
Compositions embodied therein) will in general artistic concept and style
be similar to Master Recordings previously delivered hereunder. Neither
"live" performances, multiple LP Albums, joint recordings with other
royalty-receiving artists, instrumental recordings, nor recordings which
were not made in compliance with the provisions of this agreement, shall
satisfy the delivery requirements of the Minimum Recording Obligation
without Open Door's prior written consent. Without limitation of the
foregoing, any multiple LP Album delivered hereunder shall be deemed a
single LP for the purposes of product delivery and payment thereof.
4. DELIVERY PROCEDURE
4.1 The Minimum Recording Obligation with respect to each Contract Period shall
be delivered no later than ninety (90) days following commencement of such
Period.
4.2. In addition to the satisfactory completion by you of the procedures in
Article 3 the Recording Obligation and in this Article 4, Procedure as
necessary conditions to determine whether any Recording has been delivered
within the meaning of this agreement.
(a). "Deliver" or "Delivery" or "Delivered" (or any said terms in lower
case) when used with Masters means Open Door's receipt of newly-recorded
satisfactory Masters to constitute the recording concerned (two track,
stereo, digital or analog tapes, fully edited, mixed, leadered and
equalized, together with one (1) reference therefor, any and all proposed
artwork or art concepts and all necessary licenses, approvals, consents and
permissions in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
4.3 No Master Recordings delivered hereunder shall embody Compositions which
have been previously recorded by Artist (whether in a group or as an
individual) unless Open Door provides you with prior written approval.
5. RIGHTS
5.1 All Master Recordings delivered hereunder or recorded by Artist during the
Term and the performances contained thereon and recordings delivered
therefrom shall from inception to their creation be entirely the property
of Open Door in perpetuity throughout the universe, free of any claim
whatsoever by you or any other Persons, and Open Door shall have the right
to register the copyright in such master Recordings in Open door's name or
in the name of Open Door's designee as owners and author (as employer for
hire, such relationship being solely for the purpose of applicable
copyright law) and to secure any and all renewals and extensions of such
copyright. In the event and to the extent that, by operation of law or for
any other reason, Open Door or Open Door's designee is not or cannot be an
employer for hire as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, you
hereby assign to Open Door all of your right and title to the copyright in
and to such master Recordings, and all renewals and extensions of such
copyright. Without limitation of the foregoing, Open Door and its
subsidiaries, affiliates, and licensees shall have the sole, exclusive and
unlimited right throughout the universe to manufacture Records, by any
method(s) now or hereafter known, embodying any portion(s) or all of the
performances embodied on Master Recordings hereunder; to use the Master
Recordings hereunder for background music, synchronization in motion
pictures and television soundtracks and other similar purposes, including,
without limitation, use on transportation facilities without any additional
payments to you; or notwithstanding the provisions hereof, Open Door and
its subsidiaries, affiliates and licensees may, at their election, delay or
refrain from doing any one or more of the foregoing.
(a) Without limiting the generality of paragraph 5.1 Open Door shall have
the exclusive right to utilize Artist's performances in connection with
Audio-Visual Recordings for release on Audio-Visual Devises. Artist shall
perform for said recordings upon Open Door's request and in connection
therewith shall perform such Composition(s) as Open Door, in its sole
discretion shall determine, provided that Artist shall not be required to
perform in any Contract Period for the recording of Audi-visual Recordings
greater in playing time than the playing time of the sound Recordings
constituting the Recording Obligation in such Contract Period. The budget
and financial terms to be negotiated, in good faith, at the time the
decision is made by Open Door to produce said audio-visual device.
(b) In addition, Artist shall be available from time to time at Open Door's
request to perform for the purpose of recording by means of film,
videotape, or other audio-visual media performances of Compositions
embodied on Master Recordings hereunder. No compensation shall be payable
to you or Artist in connection with such Audio-Visual Recordings.
(c) You shall procure for Open Door from the copyright proprietor of each
Composition embodied in any Audio-Visual Recording such proprietor's
irrevocable written consent to the use of such Composition in such
Recording and to the exploitation thereof without payment by Open Door.
5.2 Within seven (7) days from Open Door's request, you will approve, said
approval not to be unreasonably withheld, execute and deliver to Open Door
any instruments of transfer and other documents necessary for Open Door to
secure copyright protection in the Master Recordings hereunder.
5.3 Open Door shall have the perpetual right, which right shall be exclusive
during the Term, without any liability to any Person, to use and to
authorize other Persons to use the names (including any professional names
or sobriquets) likenesses, whether or not current (including pictures,
portraits and caricatures) and biographical material of or relating to
Artist, each other artist, if any, whose performance is contained on Master
Recordings hereunder, and each producer of one or more Master Recording
hereunder, for the purposes of advertising, promotion and trade and in
connection with other merchandising of any kind, including the making and
solicitation of Records hereunder and in general goodwill advertising. You
warrant and represent that you have the exclusive right to so use and
authorize the use of such names, likenesses and biographical material and
that the use of same will not infringe upon the rights of any Person. If
any Person challenges Artist's right to use a professional name or
sobriquet, Open Door may, at its election and without limiting its rights,
require Artist to adopt another professional name or sobriquet approved by
Open Door without awaiting the determination of the validity of such
challenge. Furthermore, during the Term Artist will not change the name by
which Artist is professionally known without the approval of Open Door.
6. ADVANCES - RECOUPABLE AND NON RECOUPABLE
6.01 Open Door shall pay, as a non-recoupable advance, the sum of Five Hundred
($500.00) Dollars for each recording session scheduled and completed during
the Initial Term of this Agreement. Said funds to be used by you for
expenses, travel or any other expense connected with the execution of the
recording sessions for the Initial Term. Further, if you decide to secure
the services of an outside producer during the recording sessions scheduled
for the Initial Term, Open Door will provide you with an additional sum of
One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars, in the form of non-recoupable advance, for
the purpose of covering any additional expenses associated with the
services of said producer.
6.02 All recoupable advances which will apply to all option periods will be
charged against and recoupable from royalties accruing to your account
hereunder, the following:
(a) Following the completion of the Initial Period of this Agreement, Open
Door agrees to pay Artist Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars, which amount
shall be deemed a recoupable Advance. Said advance would be payable fifty
(50%) percent upon commencement of the First Option Period and Fifty (50%)
percent upon approval and delivery of the Album.
(b) Open Door will pay all recording costs in the approved budget directly
to creditors, as they are incurred. You shall be responsible for the
payment of all Recording Costs or other costs in connection with making
Master Recordings, which have not been specifically approved by Open Door.
If Open Door elects to pay any such costs for which you are responsible,
then Open Door shall have the right to charge the additional costs against
any and all royalties accruing to your account hereunder. The supplemental
Recording Budget shall be that amount, calculated as of the end of the
accounting period immediately preceding the period in which the Master
Recordings constituting the applicable Album are delivered, equal to
Sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) of the average of the royalties
earned on Net Sales through normal channels in the United States of the
immediately preceding two (2) Albums of the Minimum Recording Obligation
(except that with respect to the Album for the First Option Period, it will
be based on sales of the preceding album only) provided that such Recording
Budget shall not be less than the minimum set forth below nor more than the
maximum amounts set forth below with respect to each Album.
Minimum Maximum
------- -------
First Option Period $20,000 $50,000
Second Option Period $25,000 $65,000
Third Option Period $60,000 $80,000
If any Album of the Minimum Recording Obligation is not timely delivered, the
Recording Budget for such Album will be the minimum Recording Budget set forth
for such Album. Costs in excess of the Recording Budget shall be Artist's
responsibility and, to the extent Open Door elects to pay same, Open Door shall
have the right to demand reimbursement therefor from Artist (and you shall
immediately make such reimbursement) and/or give Open Door the right to deduct
such costs from any payments to you.
(c) With respect to the Album to be delivered within the First Option
Period, Open Door agrees to invest an amount equal to or greater than
Twenty-Thousand ($20,000.00) Dollars for the purposes of but not limited to
the following: (i) distribution, (ii) radio promotion, (iii) tour support,
(iv) merchandising, and (v) Internet promotion and support.
(d) With respect to the Album to be delivered within the First Option
Period and all other future options if exercised by Open Door, Open Door is
willing to provide Artist with unlimited access and use of its own
recording facility, known as the Rock & roll Ranch with an hourly rate
levied at Forty ($40.00) Dollars per hour. If Artist decides to record any
or all of the project at said facilities the expenses and costs incurred by
Open Door would be deemed a non-recoupable advance to Artist.
(e) From the Recording Budget as set forth in Item 6.2(b) of this
Agreement, Artist will be responsible for paying for any recording,
tracking, overdubbing or mixing performed at any other studio besides The
Rock & Roll Ranch. Further, from this same Recording Budget, Artist will be
responsible for paying for the services of any outside producer used on the
project. Any additional compensation paid to any outside producer, in the
form of points, will be the sole responsibility of Artist and will be
payable from the points allotted to Artist herein.
6.03 Any monies paid to you or Artist during the Term and any monies paid by
Open Door on your or Artist's behalf or at your direction, other than
royalties paid pursuant to Articles 5.1, 6 and 8, shall be deemed an
Advances.
7. ROYALTIES
In consideration for your services hereunder and your warranties and
representations, Open Door shall accrue to your account in accordance with
the provisions of Article 7, the following royalties for the sale of
Phonograph Records derived from Master Recordings hereunder:
7.01.(a) A royalty of thirteen percent (13%) of the Royalty Base for Net Sales
of all Albums sold by Open Door for distribution through Normal Retail
Channels in the United States (collectively "U.S.N.R.C.") derived from the
Recording Obligations for all executed Option Periods.
(b) In the event any Album of the Recording Obligation shall have Net Sales
in the U.S. through Normal Retail Channels in excess of 500,000 units, but
less than 1,000,000 units, Open Door shall pay an additional royalty of
one-half (1/2%) percent but only with respect to those Net Sales in excess
of 500,000 units, but less than 1,000,000 units, Open Door shall pay an
additional royalty of one (1%) percent, but only with respect to those Net
Sales in excess of 1,000,000 units of that particular Album. The foregoing
escalated royalties shall not be applicable to sales that are subject to
"the otherwise applicable rate" referred to in the provisions below, the
royalties for which sales shall all be calculated solely on the basis of
the basic rate.
7.02 The royalty for Net Sales of Singles shall be accrued at One Hundred (100%)
percent of the otherwise applicable royalty rate.
7.03 The royalty for Net Sales of Records sold by Open Door for distribution
through Normal Retail Channels outside the United States shall be accrued
at one-half (1/2) of the otherwise applicable royalty rate. Notwithstanding
anything in the foregoing sentence the royalty for Net Sales of Records
sold outside the United States by Open Door for distribution through its
Internet Retail Channels shall be accrued at One Hundred (100%) percent of
the otherwise applicable royalty rate.
7.04 The royalty for Net Sales of Records sold in the form of compact discs,
digital audio tapes, via satellite or in any form, configuration, format or
technology not herein described, which is now known but not widely
distributed or which hereafter becomes known but not widely distributed or
which hereafter becomes known (collectively "New Technology
Configurations") shall be accrued at Seventy-five percent (75%) of the
otherwise applicable royalty rate.
7.05 The royalty for Net Sales of EP Records, premium Records, Long-Play
singles, Budget Records, sampler Records, soundtrack Records, compilation
Records, Records sold in Armed Forces Post Exchanges or to the United
States or a state or local government, Multiple-Record Albums or Records
other than Albums shall be accrued at one-half (1/2) of the otherwise
applicable royalty rate.
7.06 If Open Door sells Audio-Visual Devises or licenses the use of Audio-Visual
Recordings, the royalty shall be computed as follows: (a) If Open Door
manufactures and distributes such Audio-Visual Devices, the royalty shall
be computed as provided herein, but the following rates shall apply instead
of the rates specified in paragraph 7.1 above: (i) on units sold for
distribution through Normal Retail Channels in the United States: ten
percent (10%) of the lowest wholesale price, exclusive of excise, sales and
similar taxes, payable by Open Door's customers in respect of such
Audio-Visual Devices; and (ii) on units sold for distribution outside the
United States: six percent (6%) of the lowest wholesale price, exclusive of
excise, sales and similar taxes, payable by Open Door's customers in
respect of such Audio-Visual Devices; and (b) With respect to distribution
of Audio-Visual Devices by third parties or licensing of Audio-Visual
Recordings to third parties, one-half (1/2) of Open Door's Net Royalty
Receipts derived therefrom after deducting: (i) any and all direct costs
and/or third party payments in connection with the creation, manufacture,
solicitation or use of said Audio-Visual Recordings.
7.07 With respect to the following Records, merchandising rights for all usual
and customary items such as, but not limited to, tee-shirts, hats,
stickers, and other objects manufactured by Open Door for sale and or
distribution, a sum equal to Fifty (50%) percent of Open Door's Net Royalty
Receipts with respect to such activity.
7.08 For Master Recordings, the royalty to be accrued hereunder shall be a sum
equal to fifty percent (50%) of Open Door's Net Royalty Receipts with
respect to: (a) Records derived from Master Recordings hereunder sold
through record clubs or similar sales plans or devices, (b) licenses of
Master Recordings for methods of distribution such as "key outlet
marketing" (distribution through retail fulfillment centers in conjunction
with special advertisements on radio or television), director mail, or mail
order, or by any combination of the methods set forth above or other
methods, (c) licenses of Master Recordings on a flat-fee basis, and (d) any
other licensing of Master Recordings or merchandising rights not
specifically provided for above.
7.09 If any Recordings made hereunder embody Artist's performances together with
the performances of any other parties to whom Open Door is obligated to pay
royalties, then the royalty due hereunder for such joint performances shall
be the royalty provided for herein divided by the number of royalty-earning
artists participating therein including Artist.
7.10 As to Records not consisting entirely of Master Recordings delivered
hereunder, your royalty otherwise payable shall be prorated on the basis of
the number of Master Recordings hereunder, which are on such Records
compared to the total number of Master Recordings on such Records.
8. ACCOUNTING
8.1 Accountings as to royalties payable hereunder shall be made by Open Door to
you on or before September 30 of the period ending the preceding June 30,
and on or before March 30 for the period ending the preceding December 31,
or such other accounting periods as Open Door may in general adopt, but in
no case less frequently than semiannually, together with payment of accrued
royalties, if any, earned by you during such preceding half-year, less
advances or other recoupable amounts hereunder. Open door shall have the
right to hold reserves in respect of sales of Records hereunder providing
that said reserves do not exceed Ten (10%) percent.
8.2 Royalties for Records sold for distribution outside the United States shall
be computed in the same national currency as Open Door is accounted to by
its licensees and shall be paid at the same rate of exchange as Open Door
is paid, and shall be subject to any taxes applicable to royalties remitted
by or received from foreign sources provided, however, that royalties on
Records sold outside the United States shall not due and payable by Open
Door until payment therefor has been received by Open Door in the United
States in United States Dollars. If Open Door shall not receive payment in
the United States, or in United States Dollars, and shall be required to
accept payment in foreign currency or in a foreign country, Open Door shall
deposit to your credit (at your request and expense) in such currency in a
depository in the country in which Open Door is required to accept payment,
your share of royalties due and payable to you with respect to such sales.
Deposit as aforesaid shall fulfill the obligations of Open Door as to
Record sales to which such royalty payments are applicable. Open Door shall
notify you of, or include on the appropriate royalty statement, the amount
of funds so held in a foreign territory under this paragraph 7.2. If any
law, government ruling or any other restriction affects the amount of the
payments which Open Door's licensee can remit to Open Door, Open Door may
deduct, from your royalties an amount proportionate to the reduction in
such licensee's remittances to Open Door.
8.3 All royalty statements rendered by Open Door to you shall be binding upon
you and not subject to any objection by you for any reason unless specific
objection in writing, stating the basis thereof, is given to Open Door
within two (2) years from the date rendered. Failure to make specific
objections within said time period shall be deemed approval of such
statement. You will not have the right to bring an action against Open Door
in connection with any royalty statement or payment hereunder unless you
commence the suit within one (1) year from the date such written objection,
if any, is so given. If you commence suit on any controversy or claim
concerning royalty accountings rendered to you under this agreement, the
scope of the proceedings will be limited to determination of the amount of
the royalties due for accounting periods concerned, and the court will have
no authority to consider any other issues or award any relief except
recovery of any royalties found owing.
Your recovery of any such royalties will be the sole remedy available to you or
the Artist by reason of any claim related to Open Door royalty accountings.
Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, neither you nor the
Artist will have any right to seek termination of this agreement or avoid the
performance of your obligations under it by reason of any such claim.
8.4 You shall have the right, at your own expense, to audit Open Door's books
and records as the same pertain to sales under this agreement for the four
(4) accounting periods prior to such audit. You may make such an
examination for a particular statement only once, and only within one year
after the date when Open Door sends you said statement under paragraph 8.1.
Such audit shall be conducted during Open door's usual business hours, and
at Open Door's regular place of business in the United States or where Open
Door keeps the books and records to be examined.
8.5 You hereby authorize and direct Open Door to withhold from any monies due
you from Open Door any part thereof required by the United States Internal
Revenue Service and/or any other governmental authority to be withheld, and
to pay same to the United States Internal Revenue Service and/or such other
authority.
9. MECHANICAL COPYRIGHT LICENSES
9.1 Subject to the provisions of this Article 9, each Controlled Composition is
hereby licensed to Open Door at a copyright royalty rate equal to One
Hundred (100%) percent of the Statutory Rate prevailing at the time or
recording of the Master Recording embodying such Controlled Composition.
With respect to Records sold and/or distributed in the manner described in
paragraphs 7.5 or 7.6 or 7.7, the royalty rate shall be three-fourths (3/4)
of the rate set forth in the preceding sentence.
9.2 Copyright royalties with respect to Controlled Compositions shall be
payable only on Net Sales hereunder. Copyright royalties shall not be
payable with respect to Records otherwise not royalty-bearing hereunder, or
with respect to Compositions which are in public domain or are arranged
versions of Compositions in the public domain, or for nonmusical material.
9.3 The provisions of this Article 9 shall constitute and are accepted by you,
on your own behalf and on behalf of any other owner of any Controlled
Composition(s) or any rights therein, as full compliance by Open Door with
all of its obligations under the compulsory license provisions of the
applicable copyright law, arising from any use by Open Door of controlled
compositions as provided for herein. Mechanical royalty reserves not to
exceed Ten (10%) percent at any time and maintained by Open Door against
anticipated returns and credits will not be held for an unreasonable period
of time; retention of a reserve for two (2) years after it is established
will not be considered unreasonable in any case. Open door shall account
for mechanical royalties on a quarterly basis. Your right to audit Open
Door's books and records as the same relate to the royalties for Controlled
Compositions shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
Article 8 in connection with your audit rights.
9.4 Any assignment made of the ownership or copyright in any Controlled
Composition shall be made subject to the provisions of this Article 9.
9.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, you warrant,
represent, and agree that Open door shall have no obligation whatsoever to
pay an aggregate copyright royalty rate in respect of any Record hereunder,
regardless of the number of Controlled Compositions and/or other
Compositions contained thereon, in excess of the following sums:
(a) In respect of an Album (in any configuration): ten (10) times the
applicable amount set forth in paragraph 9.1.
(b) In respect of a Single, EP Record, Long Play Single or any Record other
than an Album: two (2) times the applicable amount set forth in paragraph
9.1.
9.6 Without limitation of the generality of paragraph 9.2, if the aggregate
copyright royalty rate in respect of any Record hereunder is more than the
applicable amounts set forth in this Article 9, then, without limitation of
Open Door's rights, Open Door shall have the right, at its election, if its
elects to release such Recording, to demand reimbursement from you of such
excess (and you shall immediately make such reimbursement) and/or to deduct
the amount of such excess from payments due hereunder, including copyright
royalties.
9.7 If any Recordings made under this Agreement contain copyrighted
Compositions, which are not Controlled Compositions, you will obtain
mechanical licenses covering those Compositions for Open Door's benefit on
terms equal to Seventy-five (75%) percent of the Statutory Rate prevailing
at the time of recording of the Master Recording embodying such Controlled
Compositions hereunder unless Open Door agrees otherwise.
10. ADDITIONAL WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS
10.1You warrant and represent the following:
(a) You are authorized, empowered and able to enter into and fully perform
your obligations under this agreement. Neither this agreement nor the
fulfillment thereof by any party infringes or will infringe the rights of
any Person. You have no knowledge of any claim or purported claim, which
would interfere with Open Door's rights hereunder or create any liability
on the party of Open Door.
(b) There now exist no prior released or unreleased-recorded performances
by Artist (other than the masters comprising the Initial Period Album,
which have previously been commercially released).
(c) The Master Recordings hereunder and performances embodied thereon shall
not be produced in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
American Federation of Musicians or the American Federation of Television
and Radio Artists or other unions. In the event any Master Recordings
hereunder or performances thereon are produced within the jurisdiction of
any union, in addition to all other remedies Open Door may have against
you, Open Door shall have the right to charge against any sums due to you
hereunder any Music Performance Trust Fund or Special Payment Fund or other
union-required payments becoming payable by reason thereof.
(d) During the Term, Artist's recording services will be rendered
exclusively to Open Door. During the "Restriction Period," Artist will not
perform for (nor will you or Artist's license, consent to, or permit the
use by any Person other than Open Door of Artist's name or likeness for or
in connection with) the recording or solicitation of any Phonograph Record
(including, without limitation, any Audio-Visual Device) embodying any
Composition recorded by Artist under this agreement. As used herein,
"Restriction Period" means the period commencing on the expiration or
earlier termination of the Term and continuing until the later of the date
years subsequent to the date of delivery to Open Door of the Master
Recording embodying the applicable Composition hereunder, or the date three
(3) years subsequent to the expiration or termination of the Term.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in paragraph 10.2,
any member of Artist may perform as a background musician ("sideman")
accompanying a featured artist for the purpose of making Recordings for
phonograph record purposes for third parties during the term provided that:
(i) Such engagement does not interfere with the continuing prompt
performance of your obligation to Open Door;
(ii) The member of Artist shall not perform solo or step-out
performances on Recordings for such parties in excess of ten (10)
seconds on any Single record or more than one solo or step-out
performance on more than one composition on any multiple record
release or be separately identified in connection with any solo or
step-out performances on such Recordings;
(iii) The name of the member of Artist performing may not be used
except in a courtesy credit to Open Door or its designee on the liners
used for such phonograph records, which courtesy credits shall appear
in the same position as the credits accorded to other sidemen and in
type identical in size, prominence and all other respects; without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, in no event may the likeness
of the member of Artist, or the group or professional name of Artist
be used in connection with such phonograph records. Neither the
members' nor Artist's name or likeness shall appear in any advertising
or promotion in connection with such Recordings, on the front covers
of Album containers, on sleeves or labels used for Singles, or in any
other form, including (without limitation) in Audio-Visual Recordings,
without Open Door's prior written consent, which may be withheld for
any reason, in Open Door's sole discretion;
(iv) The member of Artist shall not perform compositions on such
Recordings that Artist records hereunder, nor shall artist be
restricted from recording hereunder compositions performed by the
member of Artist on Such Recordings, nor shall any member of Artist be
a writer or co-writer or owner of a composition so performed;
(v) No more than two (2) members of Artist shall perform on such other
Recording; and
(vi) The third party record company that distributes the Records on
which Artist's performances are contained executes an agreement with
Open Door in a form satisfactory to Open Door.
10.2 Neither Master Recordings hereunder nor the performances embodied thereon,
nor any other Materials, as hereinafter defined, nor any use thereof by
Open Door or its grantees, licensees or assigns will violate or infringe
upon the rights of any third party. "Materials," as used in this paragraph,
means all Controlled Compositions; each name or sobriquet used by Artist,
and all other musical, dramatic, artistic and literary materials, ideas,
and other intellectual properties furnished or selected by you, Artist or
any producer and contained in or used in connection with any Recordings
made hereunder or the packaging, sale, distribution, advertising,
publicizing or other solicitation thereof.
10.3 Artists shall be available from time to time to appear for photography,
poster, and cover art, and the like, under the direction of Open Door or
its nominees and to appear for interviews with representatives of the
communications media and Open Door's publicity personnel.
10.4 Neither you nor Artist shall authorize or knowingly permit the Artist's
performances to be recorded for any purpose without an express written
agreement prohibiting the use of such recording on Phonograph Records or
Audio-Visual Devices in violation of the restrictions herein, and you and
Artist shall take reasonable measures to prevent the manufacture,
distribution and sale at any time by any Person other than Open Door if
such Phonograph Records and Audio-Visual Devices. Neither you, Artist, nor
any person deriving any rights from you or Artists, shall use or authorize
or permit any Person other than Open Door to use Artist's name (including
any professional name or sobriquet), likeness (including picture, portrait
or caricature) or biography in connection with the manufacture and/or
solicitation of Master Recordings or Records (including Audio-Visual
Devices).
10.5 Neither you nor Artist nor any Person deriving any rights from you or
Artist, shall at any time do, or authorize any Person to do, anything
inconsistent with, or which might diminish or impair, any of Open Door's
rights hereunder. Neither you nor Artist shall endorse any products whose
use would be detrimental to the Phonograph Record industry, including but
not limited to, blank tapes and tape recording equipment.
10.6 You agree to and do hereby indemnify, save and hold Open Door harmless from
and against any and all loss and damage (including reasonable attorneys'
fees) arising out of or connected with any breach or alleged breach of this
agreement or any claim which is inconsistent with any of the warranties or
representations made by you in this agreement, and agree to reimburse Open
Door on demand for any payment made or incurred by Open Door with respect
to any liability or claim to which the foregoing indemnity applies. Pending
the determination of any claim involving such alleged breach of failure,
Open Door may withhold sums due to you under this or any other agreement.
11. FAILURE OF PERFORMANCE
11.1 Open Door reserves the right by written notice to you to suspend the
operation of this agreement and its obligations hereunder for the duration
of any contingencies by reason of which Open Door is materially hampered in
its recording, manufacture, distribution or sale of Records, or its normal
business operations become commercially impracticable: for example, labor
disagreements; fire; catastrophe; shortage of materials; or any cause
beyond Open Door's control. A number of days equal to the total of all such
days of suspension may be added to the Contract Period in which such
contingency occurs and the dates for the exercise by Open Door of its
options as set forth in Article 1, the dates of commencement of subsequent
Contract Periods and the Term shall be deemed extended accordingly.
11.2 If in respect of any Contract Period Open Door, except for reasons set
forth in paragraph above, refuses without cause to allow you to fulfill the
Minimum Recording Obligation for such Period, and if no later than thirty
(30) days after that refusal takes place, you notify Open Door in writing
of your desire to fulfill such Minimum Recording Obligation, then if Open
Door does not allow you either to record sufficient Master Recordings to
fulfill the Minimum Recording Obligation within sixty (60) days of such
notice, or commence recording of such Minimum Recording Obligation if it
cannot be recorded within said sixty (60) days, the Term of this agreement
shall terminate upon the expiration of such sixty (60) day period. Upon
such termination, the parties hereto shall be deemed to have fulfilled all
of their obligations hereunder and shall be given a written release except
those obligations which survive the end of the Term, such as warranties,
indemnities, re-recording restrictions, and the obligation to accrue and
pay royalties hereunder, if payable, and Open Door shall pay you for the
Minimum Recording Obligation not fulfilled for the applicable period of the
Term in full settlement of its obligations in connection with such
unrecorded Album, which amounts shall constitute Advances against royalties
payable hereunder. This shall be your sole remedy in connection with Open
Door's failure to allow you to fulfill the Minimum Recording Obligation. If
you shall fail to give notice to Open Door within the period specified
therefor, Open Door shall be under no obligation for its failure to allow
you to fulfill such Minimum Recording Obligation
12. ADDITIONAL REMEDIES
12.1 Without limitation of any other rights and remedies of Open Door, if you
fail to deliver Recordings in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4, then Open
Door may, at its election, suspend its obligations hereunder for a number
of days equal to the number of days between the last date on which you
actually deliver such Master Recordings and the date on which you actually
deliver such Master Recordings, and the then-current Contract Period, the
dates for exercise of Open Door's options to extend the Term, the dates of
commencement of subsequent Contract Periods, and the Term may be extended
accordingly. If any such failure exceeds ninety (90) days, Open Door may,
in addition to its other rights and remedies, terminate this agreement by
written notice to you, and upon such termination Open Door shall have no
obligations to you hereunder except the obligation to pay royalties if due.
12.2 It is recognized that Artist's services are of special, unique, unusual,
extraordinary and intellectual character involving skill of the highest
order, which gives them a peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be
reasonably or adequately compensated for by damages in an action of law.
Inasmuch as any breach of this agreement with respect to such services
would cause Open Door irreparable damage, Open Door shall be entitled to
injunctive and other equitable relief, in addition to whatever legal
remedies are available to Open Door, to prevent or cure any such breach or
threatened breach.
(a) As condition precedent to any assertion by either Party that the other
is in default in performing any obligations contained herein, the Party
alleging the default must advise the other, in writing via Registered or
Certified Mail return receipt requested, of the specific facts upon which
it is claimed that the other is in default and of the specific obligation
which is claimed to have been breached, and the other Party shall be
allowed a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such written
notice within which to cure such alleged default. During such period, no
breach of any obligation shall be deemed to be incurable.
12.5 In the event of any breach of this agreement by Open Door which has not
been cured as provided in paragraph 12.2(a), your sole remedy shall be an
action at law for damages, and in no event shall you be entitled to seek
equitable or other injunctive relief.
12.6 The rights and remedies of Open Door as specified in this agreement are not
to the exclusion of each other or of any other rights or remedies of Open
Door; Open Door may decline to exercise any one or more of its rights and
remedies as Open Door may deem fit, without jeopardizing any other rights
and remedies of Open Door; and all of Open Door's rights and remedies in
connection with this agreement shall survive the expiration of the Term,
and upon such expiration or termination the parties shall be deemed to have
fulfilled all their obligations hereunder except those obligations which
survive such expiration or termination, such as warranties, re-recording
restrictions, and the obligations to pay royalties, if due and payable.
13. DEFINITIONS
13.1 "Master", "Recording", "Master Recording": Any recording of sound, whether
or not coupled with a visual image, by any method and on any substance or
material, whether now or hereafter known, which is used or useful in the
recording, production, reproduction or manufacture of Phonograph Records,
or otherwise, including Audio-Visual Recordings.
13.2 "Records", "Phonograph Records": Any device now or hereafter known, on or
by which sound may be recorded and reproduced, which is manufactured or
distributed primarily for home use and/or consumer use and/or juke box use
and/or use on or in means of transportation, including, without limitation,
"sight and sound" devices and Audio-Visual Devices.
13.3 "Audio-Visual Devices": All forms of reproductions of Audio-Visual
Recordings, now or hereafter known, manufactured or distributed primarily
for home and/or juke box use and/or on or in means of transportation.
13.4 "Audio-Visual Recordings": Every form of recording embodying performances
of Artist wherein are fixed visual images, whether of Artist or otherwise,
together with sound.
13.5 "Side": A Recording of sufficient playing time to constitute one (1) side
of a 7 inch, 45 RPM disc Phonograph Records, but not less than two and
one-half (2 1/2) minutes of continuous sound, embodying performances of
Artist. Recordings of more than one arrangement or version of the same
Composition, reproduced on the same Record, will be considered,
collectively, one Side for all purposes under this agreement.
13.6 "Single": A 7 inch, 45 RPM, double sided Phonograph Record or equivalent
embodying thereon on ------ at least one (1) Side.
13.7 "Album": One (1) or more LPs, sold in a single package (an Album of more
than one (1) LP sometimes being referred to as "Multiple-Records Album").
13.8 "LP": A 12 inch, long-play Phonograph Record or the equivalent thereof
embodying thereon the equivalent of not fewer than ten (1) Sides and hving
not less than thirty-five (35) minutes playing time.
13.9 "EP Record": A 12 inch, 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM double sided long-play disc
Phonograph Record or equivalent embodying thereon not less than four (4)
Sides nor more than six (6) Sides.
13.10"Long Play Single" or "LP Single": A 12 inch 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPMN double
sided long play disc Phonograph Record or equivalent embodying thereon not
more than three (3) Sides.
13.11"Retail List Price": With respect to Recors sold in the United States,
Open Door's suggested retail list price in the United States, and with
respect to Recors sold outside the United States, Open Door's or its
licensee's suggested or applicable retail price in the country of
manufacture or sale, as Open Door is paid, or, in the absence in a
particular country of such suggested retail price, the price as may be
established by Open Door or its licensee(s) in conformity with the general
practice of the Record Industry in such country, proviced that Open Door
may, but shall not be obligated to, utilize the price adopted by the local
merchanical copyright collection agency for the collection of mechanical
copyright royalties.
3.12 "Container Charge": The following applicable percentage of the Retail List
Price of each Record: ten percent (10%) for a Record in a single sleeve
other than a black vinyl Single in a stock paper sleeve; twenty percent
(20%) for a Record (including a Single) in the form of a pre-recorded
analog tape (other than a chrome treated tape) or a Record in a gatefold
sleeve; twenty-five percent (25%) for Records (including a Single) sold in
boxed sets or in the form of a pre-recorded chrome treated tape, digital
audio tape, compact disc, New Technology Configurations, via satellite or
in any other form or configuration of Records, package, container or box
other than as described herein; plus an additional two and one-half percent
(2 1/2%) for each of the following: printed bag, insert, wrapping other
than shrink wrap, and other special element (including, without limitation,
a sticker) that is included with any of the coinfigurations of a Record
described in this paragraph 13.12.
3.13 "Royalty Base": The Retail List Price less all excise, sales and similar
taxes (to the extent such taxes are included in the Retail List Price) and
less the applicable Container Charge.
(a) Open Door may at some time change the method by which it computes
royalties in the United States from a retail basis to some other basis (the
"New Basis") such as, without limitation, a wholesale basis. The New Basis
will replace the then current Royalty Base and the royalty rates shall be
adjusted to the appropriate royalty which would be applied to the New Basis
so that the dollars-and-cents royalty amounts payable with respect to the
top-line product through normal retail channels would be the same as that
which was payable immediately prior to such New Basis; for sales other than
top-line product, for which there is a New Basis, the adjusted royalty rate
shall be reduced in the ratio of the royalty rate for such sales to the
royalty rates for sales that would otherwise make the New Basis more
favorable (a particular example of which might be the distribution of
smaller quantities of free goods than theretofore distributed) then the
benefits of such other adjustments will be taken into consideration in
adjusting the royalty rate.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Royalty
Base for premium Records shall, at Open Door's election, be Open Door's
actual sales price of such Records.
13.14"Recording Costs": All costs including pre-production, production and
post-production costs incurred for and with respect to the production and
solicitation of Master Recordings, including Audio-Visual Recordings,
Recording Costs include, without limitation, payments for musicians,
vocalists, conductors, arrangers, orchestrators, copyists, etc.; producer's
fees' studio charges; costs of tape, editing, mixing, mastering, reference
discs, and engineering; expenses of travel, per diems and rehearsal halls;
costs of non-studio facilities and equipment; dubbing; costs and
transportation of instruments including cartage and rental fees; payments
required by law or contract (including agreements with any labor
organization); payments of third parties which Open Door is required by law
or contract to pay in connection with the Recordings; costs of clearing
so-called "samples" and other rights; and other costs which are customarily
recognized as recording costs in the Record Industry or production costs in
the audiovisual recording industry.
13.15"Composition": A musical composition or medley consisting of words and/or
music, or any dramatic material, whether in the form of instrumental and/or
vocal music, prose or otherwise, irrespective of length. Recordings or more
than one arrangement or version of the same Composition, reproduced on the
same Record, will be considered, collectively, a recording of one
Composition for all purposes under this agreement.
13.16"Controlled Composition": Any Composition written or composed, or owned or
controlled, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by you or Artist
or any individual producer of Master Recordings and/or any Person
affiliated with one or more of the foregoing or in which one or more of the
foregoing has a direct or an indirect interest.
13.17"Advances": An "advance" shall be deemed a prepayment of royalties and
shall be charged against and recoupable from all amounts otherwise payable
to you hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between Open Door and
you.
13.18"Non-Recoupable Advances": An advance shall be deemed as a bonus to artist
and shall not be charged against or recoupable from any amounts otherwise
payable to you hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between Open
Door and you.
13.19"Budget Records": Albums sold in a particular country at a Royalty Base
which is eighty percent (80%) or less of the Royalty Base in such country
of any of the foregoing.
13.20"Person": Any individual, corporation, partnership, association, or other
business entity, or the legal successors or representative of any of the
foregoing.
13.21"Net Sales": Sales of Records hereunder, paid for and not returned, less
returns and credits. Net Sales shall specifically exclude the following:
(a) Records given away gratis or sold for fifty percent (50%) or less of
the "Gross Price" (as hereinafter defined); Records distributed to disc
jockeys, radio or television stations, publishers, distributors, dealers,
consumers, or others for publicity, advertising, or promotional purposes;
and Records sold as cutouts, surplus or for scrap.
(b) Free or bonus Records given away together with Records sold for
monetary consideration (known in the Phonograph Record Industry as the
giving of "Free Goods") (The number of records automatically deemed not
sold for royalty purposes under this paragraph 13.21(b) shall be,
regardless of whether such Records were shipped under a "free goods"
program, for Singles, twenty-three percent (23%) of the gross total
distributed and, for all other Records, fifteen percent (15%) of the gross
total distributed of the gross total distributed.)
(c) To the extent that Records hereunder are sold subject to a sales plan
entailing a selling price for such Records reduced by a percentage discount
from Open Door's Gross Price (i.e., the selling price to distributors
before any discounts or Free Goods or bonus plans), the number of such
Records deemed to be Net Sales shall be determined by reducing the number
of Records actually sold by the percentage of discount granted applicable
to such sale.
(d) Without limitation of the foregoing, (i) royalties shall not be payable
with respect to distributions which are "Net Sales"; and (ii) the terms
"Net Sales" and/or "net royalty-bearing sales" shall not include the sales
described in this paragraph 13.21 and shall not include any sales for which
royalty reserves are being held.
(e) Without limitation of the generality of paragraph 13.21(a), Open Door
shall have the right to deduct from the number of Records sold returns and
credits of any nature, including without limitation: (i) those on account
of any return or exchange privilege; (ii) defective merchandise; and (iii)
errors in billing or shipment.
13.22"Net Royalty Receipts": Royalty amounts actually received by open Door in
the United States in United States dollars (excluding advances until
earned), less any third party payments and expenses that Open Door may be
required to pay (such as, without limitation, production costs and
mechanical royalties).
13.23"Contract Period": The Initial Period or an Option Period as defined
above.
13.24"Statutory Rate": The minimum statutory compulsory license rate applicable
to a Composition of less than five (5) minutes under the copyright laws of
the applicable country. With respect to any Master Recordings not delivered
within the time prescribed in Article ___ and ____ above, the Statutory
Rate shall be deemed to be the rate in effect upon release of the record.
13.25"Normal Retail Channels": or "N.R.C.": Sales through all channels of
distribution other than the sales described in paragraphs ______, ______,
and ______ and any other distribution not to the normal retail trade.
13.26"Audiophile Records": Records (other than Audio-Visual Devices) marketed
in specially priced catalog series by reason of their superior sound
quality or other distinctive technical or artistic characteristics.
Audiophile Records shall include, without limitation, all Records made for
digital playback, including, without limitation, compact discs, mini-discs,
and digital audiotapes.
13.27"Interactive Technology": Any and all devices now or hereafter known,
whether fixed or not fixed, on or by which a user may enter a command in
order to experience music, including, without limitation of the foregoing,
CD ROM, video games, CD Interactive, computer software, the World Wide Web,
the Internet and any other interactive multimedia.
13.28"Deliver" or "Delivery" or "Delivered" (or any said terms in lower case)
when used with Master means Open Door's receipt of newly-recorded
satisfactory Masters to constitute the recording concerned (two track,
stereo, digital or analog tapes, fully edited, mixed, leadered and
equalized, together with one (1) reference therefor, any and all proposed
artwork or art concepts and all necessary licenses, approvals, consents and
permissions in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
13.29"Distribution": The process by which audio product, in all configurations
reaches the public via wholesale and retail channels. For the purposes of
this Agreement it relates to National Distribution with an organization
possessing a proven track record. Distribution can be achieved via an
independent distribution company as well as a distribution system
affiliated with a major recording company or an independent label
affiliated with a major distribution chain or organization.
13.30"Notice": Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by courier or
other personal delivery, by overnight delivery by an established overnight
delivery service (e.g., Federal Express or United Parcel Service), or by
registered or certified mail at the appropriate addresses as set forth
herein, or at a substitute address designated in a written notice sent by
the party concerned to the other party hereto. Each notice shall be
addressed to the attention of Open Door's CEO. Each notice to you shall
simultaneously be sent to your attorney or legal representative as defined
by you. Notices shall be deemed given when mailed or deposited into the
custody of an overnight delivery service for overnight delivery, or if
personally delivered, when so delivered, except that a notice of change of
address shall be effective only from the date of its receipt.
14. MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 Whenever your approval or consent is required, you shall give Open Door
written notice of approval or disapproval (the reasons for such disapproval
being specifically stated) within five (5) business days after notice from
Open Door requesting same. If you shall fail to give such notice to Open
Door as aforesaid, you shall be deemed to have given such consent or
approval.
14.2 You recognize that the sale of Records is speculative and agree that the
judgment of Open Door with regard to any matter affecting the promotion,
sale, distribution and solicitation of such Records shall be binding and
conclusive upon you. Nothing contained in this agreement shall obligate
Open Door to make, sell, license, or distribute Records manufactured from
the Master Recordings recorded hereunder other than as specifically
provided herein. The method, manner and extent of release, packaging,
promotion, advertising, distribution and solicitation of Master Recordings
and Records shall be within the sole discretion of Open Door unless
otherwise herein specifically provided. Open Door will however consult with
Artist regarding a marketing program. Open Door may, at its election,
assign this agreement in whole or in part.
14.3 All notices required to be given to Open Door shall be sent to Open Door at
its address first mentioned herein, and all royalties, royalty statements
and payments and any and all notices to you shall be sent to you at your
address first mentioned herein, or such other address as each party
respectively may hereafter designate by notice in writing to the other. All
notices sent under this agreement shall be in writing and, except for
royalty statements, shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, and the day of mailing of any such notice shall be
deemed the date of the giving thereof (except notices of change of address,
the date of which shall be the date of receipt by the receiving party). All
notices to Open Door shall be served upon Open Door to the attention of its
President. A copy of all notices to Open Door shall be sent to the office
address as first written above.
14.4 You shall not be entitled to recover damages by reason of any breach of
Open Door of its material obligations hereunder, unless Open Door has
failed to remedy such breach subject to the terms and conditions as set
forth in Item13.02(a), following receipt of your notice thereof.
14.5 You shall agree to, at the discretion of Open Door, to participate in and
attend any sessions, lessons, seminars, appointments or other meetings with
vocal and instrumental coaches or teachers, image consultants, staging
experts, lighting professionals and any other third party artist
developers. Said expenditure to be deemed recoupable advances and subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
14.6 This agreement is entered into in the State of Rhode Island and shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of Rhode Island applicable to
contracts to be wholly performed therein. The parties agree that any
controversy arising hereunder shall be adjudicate solely under the
jurisdiction of a competent court within the county of Providence. Any
process in any action or proceeding commenced in any such court arising out
of this agreement may, among other methods, be served upon you or any other
Person who approves, ratifies, or assents to this agreement to induce Open
Door to enter into it, by delivering the processor mailing it to you or the
other Person concerned in the manner prescribed in paragraph 14.03. Any
such delivery or mail service shall be deemed to have the same force and
effect as personal service within the State of Rhode Island.
14.7 The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. This writing
sets forth the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and no modification, amendment, waiver, termination
or discharge of this agreement shall be binding upon you unless confirmed
by written instrument signed by you, nor shall same be binding upon Open
Door unless confirmed by written instrument signed by the President of Open
Door.
15. GROUP artist
15.1 You warrant, represent and agree that, for so long as this agreement shall
be in effect, Artist will perform together as a group for Open Door. If any
individual comprising Artist refuses, neglects or fails to perform together
with the other individuals comprising Artist in fulfillment of the
obligations agreed to be performed under this agreement or leaves the
group, you shall give Open Door prompt written notice thereof. (The term
"leaving member" shall hereinafter be used to define each individual who
leaves the group or no longer performs with the group, or each member of
the group if the group disbands.) Open Door shall have the right, to be
exercised within six (6) months following its receipt of your notice:
(a) To terminate this agreement with respect to any member (failure to send
such notice being deemed Open Door's exercise of its right to terminate);
(b) To continue with the services of any such leaving member pursuant to
paragraph 15.4 below;
(c) To terminate this agreement with respect to the remaining members of
the group Artist whether or not Open Door has exercised its right to
continue with the services of a leaving member (failure to send such notice
shall be deemed Open Door's decision not to so terminate with respect to
the remaining member(s) of the group); and/or
(d) To treat all members of Artist as leaving members, and have the right
to exercise its rights with respect to each in accordance with this
paragraph 15 (failure to send such notice being deemed Open Door's decision
not to so treat the remaining members of the Artist as leaving members).
(e) To approve, not to be unreasonably withheld, the appointment of the
replacement member of the Group and to, at Open Door's discretion, enter
into and negotiate in good faith a recording agreement, comparable to this
Agreement, with the new member.
15.2 A leaving member, whether or not his or her engagement is terminated
hereunder, may not perform for others for the purpose of recording any
selection as to which the applicable restrictive period specified in
paragraph 10.4of this agreement has not expired.
15.3 A leaving member shall not, without Open Door's consent, use the
professional name of the group in any commercial or artistic endeavor; the
said professional name shall remain the property of those members of Artist
who continue to perform their obligations hereunder and whose engagements
are not terminated; and, the person, if any, engaged to replace the
individual whose engagement is terminated shall be mutually agreed upon by
Open Door and you and each such person added to Artist, as a replacement or
otherwise, shall become bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement
and shall execute a letter in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "A" as a
condition precedent to being so added.
15.4 In addition to the rights provided in the preceding paragraphs, Open Door
shall have, and you hereby grant to Open Door, an irrevocable option for
the individual and exclusive services of each leaving member as follows:
Said option, with respect to such individual, may be exercised by Open Door
giving you notice in writing within three (3) months after Open Door
receives the notice provided for in paragraph 15.1 above. In the event of
Open Door's exercise of such option, then such leaving member and you (if
the term "you" as used in this agreement refers to Artist's furnishing
company instead of Artist itself) shall be deemed to have entered into an
agreement with Open Door with respect to such individual's exclusive
recording services upon all the terms and conditions of this agreement
except that: (a) the Minimum Recording Obligation in the Initial Period
shall be for sufficient Sides and a reference disc to constitute four (4)
Sides and the right to overcall such number of master Recordings as shall
constitute up to two (2) Albums with six (6) additional options granted to
Open Door to extend the term of such agreement for consecutive option
periods for one (1) Album each, which options shall be exercised within
nine (9) months after delivery to Open Door of the Minimum Recording
Obligation for the Initial Period of such leaving member's agreement; (b)
the provisions contained in paragraph 6.01(b) shall not be applicable but
Open Door shall pay all Recording Costs for Master Recordings to be
recorded by such individual up to the amount of the budget approved by Open
Door therefor; (c) Open Door's royalty obligation in respect of Recordings
by such individual shall be the payment of the royalties computed as set
forth in this agreement but at only three quarters (3/4) the rates set
forth herein; (d) Open Door shall be entitled to combine such leaving
member's account with the Artist account hereunder; and (e) Recordings by
such individual shall not be applied in diminution of your Minimum
Recording Obligation as set forth in this agreement.
15.5 Changes in the individuals comprising Artist shall be made by mutual
agreement between you and Open Door. Neither you nor Artist shall have the
right, so long as this agreement is in effect, to assign Artist's
professional name(s) or to permit its use by any other individual or said
professional name. Open Door shall have the right to use said professional
name in accordance with the provisions hereof.
15.5 In the event that any member of group becomes incapacitated due to the use
of drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol, is unable to perform for any
reason, commits any illegal act of, but not limited to, fraud, larceny or
theft or compromises the position of Open Door as a corporation in good
standing, both Open Door and Artist must agree, mutually to dismiss said
member. In addition, the Term of this Agreement will be extended for an
amount of time equal to time it takes to replace said leaving member and to
restore the performance and professional function of the Group.
15.6 This agreement shall be considered as the joint obligation of each member
of Artist and as the individual agreement of each with the same force and
effect as if each had entered into separate agreements with Open Door
embodying all the terms and conditions hereof, and the rights and
obligations of Artist shall be joint and several as among such members.
15.7 Artist agrees to be solely responsible for the actual clearance,
registration and trademark of its name, "No Soap Radio" in addition to any
costs incurred in the completion of the registration and trademark process.
Upon completion of the legal proceeding procuring all rights to this name
and/or any logo, Artist will present fully executed document to Open Door
for its files.
16. EXERCISE OF OPTION
16.1 Whenever Open Door exercises an option as set forth in paragraph 2.02
hereof, the Option Period will commence at the end of the then current
period and end nine (9) months after delivery of the last Master Recordings
constituting the Recording Obligation for the applicable Option Period.
Open Door's election to exercise said option whenever required (including
without limitation, written agreement, approval or consent), shall be
deemed to have been given unless Open Door notifies Artist otherwise within
ten (10) business days before the expiration of the then current Period. If
Open Door exercises said option, the Option Period will commence upon the
end of the then current Period (or if Open Door so advises, such period
will begin on the date of such exercise notice.
Very truly yours,
Open Door Records, Inc.
By: /s/
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Mr. David DeBaene
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:
/s/
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Christopher O'Hara DATE OF BIRTH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
/s/
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Daniel Roselle DATE OF BIRTH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
/s/
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James Farrell DATE OF BIRTH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
/s/
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Walter Lockhart DATE OF BIRTH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
NOTARIZED BY: