Around late afternoon, James and Chris Cornell, along with Joseph Kennedy Sr. and Chris's mother, Karen, sat together in the living room and discussed Chris Cornell's willingness to accept their offer.
Karen looked at her son and asked if he was sure about all of these, to which Chris Cornell nodded and showed determination to pursue this new path that he was being offered.
"Yes, Mom. I am sure." Chris Cornell said.
"Then, we will accept your offer, Mr. Howard and Mr. Kennedy." Karen smiled while holding her son's hand gently.
James looked at Joseph Kennedy Sr. and nodded.
"That is a great decision, Mrs. Cornell! We will prepare everything tomorrow morning. We will have you transported properly back home today and we will visit your home tomorrow morning with the lawyer and the contract for you and your son to sign, will this be okay?" Joseph Kennedy Sr. said.
"We agree." Karen confirmed.
All of them stood and shook each other's hands and said goodbyes. It was getting late and the mother and son needed to be at home before the evening went deep into the night.
Seeing the Cornell family getting farther into the distance from his front door, James looked at Joseph Kennedy Sr. and told him to prepare properly and do it smoothly. Joseph Kennedy Sr. nodded and also went back to the Sub Pop Inc. office.
James also went back to his room and sat on his "thinking" table and smiled with sigh.
'Damn, that was the young Chris Cornell in the flesh! I am glad I was able to impress him with my drumming skill!'
'Now, the only thing left is to have him sign the contract, train him and then debut him next year with the "Ultramega OK" album.
—--------------------------------------NEXT SCENE--------------------------------------------------------
The next morning, a car was seen parked outside Cornell's residence. Inside the home of the Cornell's were Chris Cornell, his mother, a lawyer and Joseph Kennedy Sr.
On the table, there were two thick stacks of papers paralleled to each other. These were the copies of the contract that will be signed by Chris Cornell and his mother that day.
Upon reading everything and having the lawyer explain the details, there were no other questions made by Karen, Chris Cornell's mother, about the contract. It was full of straightforward contracts and she was even surprised of how much thought was put into the contract since it included his son to do healthy regiments and the company will even shoulder the expenses for that!
And additionally for the bonus that her son will be getting once they signed the contract? She was surprised how generous the company was to her son!
As per the contract:
EXCLUSIVE RECORDING AGREEMENT
Between Sub Pop Inc. and Christopher John Boyle, to be professionally known as Christopher John Cornell / Chris Cornell
Effective Date: July 15, 1980
I. TERM & OBLIGATIONS
Album Commitment:
The Artist agrees to record and perform on a minimum of fifteen (15) studio albums composed and written by the Producer. This commitment shall be subject to a performance review and mutual renegotiation every five (5) albums. Additional albums may be produced upon mutual agreement.
Performance Exclusivity:
The Artist shall perform exclusively for Sub Pop Inc. during the term of this agreement, except for non-commercial, charity, school, or personal events, which are exempt from this clause. Commercial third-party performances require prior written approval.
Touring Responsibilities:
The Artist shall be available for promotional tours and live performances in support of each album, with schedules coordinated by Sub Pop Inc. Touring commitments shall remain within reasonable bounds and health limitations.
Studio Availability:
The Artist agrees to attend studio sessions scheduled by the Producer and Sub Pop Inc. with reasonable notice and to actively participate in the production process to the best of his ability.
II. ROYALTIES & COMPENSATION
Performance Royalty:
The Artist shall receive eight percent (8%) of net receipts from the sale, licensing, and distribution of all recordings in which he performs but does not write or compose.
Future Technologies Clause:
This agreement applies to all current and future media, technologies, and platforms, including but not limited to digital streaming, holography, AI-generated media, immersive environments, and formats as yet undiscovered ("now and hereafter"). This clause is subject to mutual review and renegotiation every ten (10) years.
Artist-Composed Material:
Any songs written and composed solely by the Artist and released by Sub Pop Inc. shall entitle the Artist to a fifty percent (50%) royalty share across all revenue streams in perpetuity. Co-written or arranged materials shall be negotiated separately in good faith.
External Releases Clause:
Should the Artist release songs or albums through other entities during or after the term of this agreement, a five percent (5%) share of all gross earnings from such works shall be payable to Sub Pop Inc. in perpetuity as legacy compensation. This clause shall not be waivable within the first ten (10) years. Thereafter, the clause may be renegotiated or bought out under the following terms:
The external label or Artist submits a formal proposal for renegotiation or buyout.Sub Pop Inc. has the right to evaluate and accept a one-time buyout fee (minimum $2 million) or recurring royalty alternative.Terms of buyout must be documented and approved in writing by all parties involved.III. HEALTH, LIFESTYLE & WELFARE
Health & Fitness Requirements:
The Artist shall engage in physical exercise a minimum of three (3) times per week. Sub Pop Inc. will provide healthy meals, fitness resources, and wellness planning.
Mental Health Support:
The Artist agrees to attend one (1) counseling session per month for mental health maintenance, fully covered by the label.
Lifestyle Freedom Clause:
While the label supports personal freedom, it does not fund nor endorse the use of illicit substances. Wellness resources are provided to support a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
IV. SCHEDULED REST & CONTINUING ROYALTIES
Rest Periods:
After four (4) consecutive years of active participation, the Artist shall be granted one (1) year of rest. During this time, royalties and sales revenues shall continue to be distributed quarterly as earned.
V. COLLABORATION & BAND FORMATION
Band Participation Clause:
Should the Artist form or join a band, he may distribute his personal royalty share among other members at his sole discretion. Sub Pop Inc. shall not interfere or renegotiate any internal band arrangements.
VI. ADVANCE STRUCTURE
Artist Advance & Payment Milestones:
The Artist shall receive a total signing advance of Seventy-Five Thousand U.S. Dollars ($75,000) to support personal, artistic, touring, and wellness development. The advance shall be non-recoupable against royalties and disbursed in the following stages:
$15,000 upon execution of this agreement (Signing Bonus).$10,000 upon completion of studio recording for the first album.$10,000 upon official release of the first album.$20,000 issued as a touring stipend, paid monthly over a one-year period commencing at the start of promotional touring.$10,000 allocated for wellness, nutrition, fitness, and monthly counseling sessions, to be managed under Sub Pop Inc.'s wellness program.$10,000 held in a dedicated education fund trust, to be released upon the Artist's completion of a high school diploma, equivalent certification, or educational milestone, as verified by the Artist's guardian and the label.
All advance payments shall be documented and distributed under the supervision of the Artist's legal guardian and Sub Pop Inc.'s accounting department.
VII. LEGAL GUARDIAN CONSENT, REPRESENTATION & WITNESSING
Guardian Authorization:
As the Artist is a minor at the time of signing this contract, this agreement shall be co-signed by his legal guardian, who grants full consent and authorization on his behalf.
Legal Representation:
The Artist and Guardian acknowledge that they were advised to seek independent legal counsel prior to signing. Confirmation of informed consent shall be documented by a neutral third-party legal representative.
Witnessing & Dispute Resolution:
This agreement shall be witnessed by a licensed attorney representing Sub Pop Inc. All disputes arising from this agreement shall be subject to confidential binding arbitration in the State of New York.
Non-Disparagement Clause:
All parties agree to refrain from public statements that would defame, discredit, or negatively affect the reputation of the other parties.
SIGNED:
Chris Cornell, Artist
Karen Cornell, Legal Guardian
Joseph Kennedy Sr, Producer / Sub Pop Inc.
Angus Presley, Legal Witness
Date: July 15, 1980