The sun was starting to set, casting a soft golden glow through the tall windows of the Sub Pop executive lounge. A record player hummed gently in the background. Joseph Kennedy Sr. sat across from Chris Cornell and his mother, Karen — a cup of tea in hand and his suit jacket relaxed. The vibe was warm and easygoing.
Joseph leaned back in his chair and smiled.
"I've gotta say, Chris, you've really blown us away. The growth, the shows, the buzz — it's all happening faster than any of us expected."
Chris smiled back.
"Thanks. It's been a crazy ride already. I wasn't expecting it to feel this real, you know?"
Karen added.
"It's been amazing watching him. I'm just glad he's doing what he loves… and staying grounded."
Joseph nodded.
"And we want to honor that. Listen, I brought you both in today because James and I have been talking. After seeing how things are shaping up, we think it's time to make a few changes to your deal."
Chris, both surprised and excited, chuckled.
"Oh yeah?"
Joseph nodded.
"Yeah. The 8% net profit royalty — we're bumping that up. After the December tour wraps, we want to raise it to 30% net."
Karen raised her eyebrows.
"Thirty?"
Joseph smiled.
"That's right. You've earned it, Chris. The tour's been getting real attention — promoters are calling, radio's picking up, and that Ozzy show? Legendary. You're not just pulling your weight; you're helping push the whole label forward."
Chris could only say, "Wow... thank you. That's… yeah, that's huge."
Joseph smirked a bit and added, "And we're not stopping there. There's a $200,000 bonus waiting for you too. Not an advance — a bonus. Straight up."
Karen leaned back, visibly stunned.
"That's… incredibly generous."
Joseph nodded.
"We're not doing this out of charity. We believe in him. He's the real deal. The official signing of the new terms will happen on December 21."
Chris still couldn't believe it.
"That sounds good. I appreciate you guys keeping it fair."
Joseph smiled.
"Fair is the least we can do. You're not just an artist on the label — you're part of building something special here."
Karen smiled too.
"I'm just happy he's got people around him who respect his talent and his effort."
Joseph nodded again.
"Always. You both can expect a draft of the revised agreement on December 21."
Chris replied, "You got it."
They all smiled, and a sense of ease settled into the room.
///////////////////////////////////NEXT SCENE///////////////////////////////////
December 21, 1981 – Sub Pop Inc. Office, Westport City.
The conference room was cozy, dressed up for the holidays with a small pine wreath on the wall and a bowl of candy canes on the table. Outside the window, Westport's winter sky hung gray but calm.
At the long, polished table sat Chris Cornell, now 17 and looking confident in a black button-down, and his mother, Karen, bundled in a burgundy wool coat. Across from them sat Joseph Kennedy Sr., as sharp as ever in a charcoal suit, with a friendly gleam in his eye. Beside him was Mr. Samuel Becker, a calm, bookish attorney in his late 40s, flipping through neatly stacked contract pages.
A soft instrumental jazz track played from a portable radio in the corner.
Joseph smiled and looked at Chris.
"Well, kid, the tour's wrapped, the reviews are glowing, and the numbers don't lie. This contract's just catching up with what you've already proven."
Chris smiled back and nodded.
"I've been ready for this. Thanks for believing in me — seriously."
Karen added warmly, "And thank you for taking care of things the right way. I've seen how hard Chris has worked. It means a lot to see it recognized like this."
Mr. Becker, calm and direct, gently tapped the papers.
"So, here's what's in front of us. This revised agreement confirms Chris's net profit royalty is now set at 30%. No recoupment clauses or hidden deductions beyond standard costs. No change to ownership or performance terms."
He gestured to a highlighted section and continued, "It also locks in royalty participation on all current and future platforms, with annual review options built in every five years. Bonuses from here on will be performance-based and negotiated per tour or release."
Joseph turned to Chris and added, "And remember — this doesn't tie your hands creatively. You're still free to shape your sound, work with who you want under the label. The only thing we're locking down is the respect your work's earned."
Chris nodded with a grin.
"Then I'm ready to sign."
Karen nodded as well.
"Make sure you read every page — even if it's good news."
Chris chuckled and flipped through the contract again.
"Already did. Three times."
They all laughed softly. Chris picked up the pen.
Mr. Becker said, "Date and signature at the bottom of page six, please."
Chris nodded.
"Let's make it official."
He signed. Karen reviewed the signature line, then nodded her approval before signing her copy. Mr. Becker slid his contract copy forward and signed next. Finally, Joseph signed with a flourish.
Joseph closed the folder.
"And that's it. You're now one of the highest-paid independent artists on the West Coast — and you've earned every cent of it."
Chris smiled, sincerity written all over his face.
"I won't let you down."
Joseph grinned.
"You already haven't."
They shook hands. Karen pulled Chris in for a quick hug. The radio transitioned into Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," setting a nostalgic tone as the light outside faded into early evening.
"Merry Christmas, everybody," Joseph said warmly.