The Null Device

Just when you think that the Recording Racket may not be totally evil, something like this comes along: Dixie Chicks sue Sony for screwing them out of royalties (which, traditionally, are a pitifully small share of the pie, even before advances are deducted). But get this: Sony wrote the contract in such a way that they cannot be considered in breach of it even if they screw the artist out of every penny.

"Even if Sony had a contractual obligation to compensate the Dixie Chicks in this instance," the letter states, "Paragraph 19.07 of the agreement states explicitly 'Sony shall not be deemed in breach of this agreement unless such claim is reduced to a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction and Sony fails to pay you the amount thereof within 30 days after Sony receives notice of the entry of such judgment.' "

Wonder whether if this lawsuit is successful, it will invalidate such clauses and force recording companies to stop acting like pimps. Or at the very least, inspire more artists to stand up to the companies. Wonder how Courtney Love vs. Universal is going...

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