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COUNTRY SONGWRITERS NETWORK
A Division of Main Street Digital Academy, LLC
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT
SONG SUBMISSION, LICENSE AND PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT
Definition of Songwriter: “Songwriter" means the individual or business entity submitting one or more musical works under this Agreement, and includes any authorized representative signing on behalf of such individual or entity. The person signing this Agreement represents and warrants that he or she has the legal authority to bind the individual or entity identified in this Agreement.
This Song Submission, License and Promotional Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Country Songwriters Network, a division of Main Street Digital Academy, LLC ("Publisher" or "Channel"), and the individual or business entity identified and executed by the authorized signatory(ies) on the signature page of this Agreement ("Songwriter").
- PURPOSE
The purpose of this Agreement is to allow Publisher to showcase original musical works submitted by the Songwriter on an internet radio station, YouTube channel, website, social media platforms, podcasts, streaming services, promotional materials, and other media now known or later developed. This Agreement applies to all songs, recordings, videos, and other materials submitted by the Songwriter to Publisher unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- OWNERSHIP
The Songwriter represents and warrants that:
The submitted lyrics and/or musical composition are original or that the Songwriter possesses all necessary rights to submit the work.
The Songwriter is the sole copyright owner or has obtained written permission from all co-writers, composers, performers, and copyright holders.
The individual signing this Agreement represents and warrants that he or she has the legal authority to bind all owners of the submitted work.
Nothing in this Agreement transfers ownership of the copyright.
The Songwriter retains 100% ownership of all copyrights unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- LICENSE GRANTED
The Songwriter hereby grants Publisher a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, assignable license to use the submitted musical work, sound recording, lyrics, title, artwork, photographs, and related promotional materials for the purpose of broadcasting, promoting, marketing, distributing, archiving, and otherwise operating the services of The Country Songwriters Network.
This license includes, but is not limited to, the right to:
- Broadcast the submitted song on internet radio stations.
- Stream the song through websites, mobile applications, smart speakers, podcasts, and streaming platforms.
- Display lyric videos and music videos.
- Display videos containing all or portions of the submitted song.
- Include the song in playlists, countdown programs, special broadcasts, and compilation programs.
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- Use excerpts of the song for advertising, promotional trailers, social media posts, interviews, podcasts, and promotional campaigns.
- Archive the song for future broadcasts, historical purposes, and recordkeeping unless removed pursuant to Section 12.
- Synchronize the submitted recording with video, graphics, photographs, captions, and promotional material created by Publisher.
- Reproduce and distribute the submitted work solely for promotional purposes related to The Country Songwriters Network.
- Use the Songwriter's name, stage name, biography, photographs, album artwork, logos, and other promotional materials supplied by the Songwriter in connection with promotion of the submitted work.
This license also authorizes Publisher to distribute and display the submitted work through technologies, platforms, and media now known or later developed.
This license shall remain in effect until terminated in accordance with this Agreement.
- NO TRANSFER OF COPYRIGHT
Publisher receives only a license to use the submitted work.
Publisher does not become the copyright owner.
All ownership remains with the Songwriter.
- REPRESENTATIONS OF SONGWRITER
Songwriter certifies that:
The submission does not infringe any copyright.
The submission does not violate any trademark.
The submission does not violate another person's publicity or privacy rights.
All photographs, artwork, logos, thumbnails, album covers, graphics, videos, and other promotional materials submitted to Publisher are either owned by the Songwriter or submitted with all necessary permissions and licenses for Publisher's use under this Agreement.
The Songwriter further represents that no submitted promotional materials infringe the copyright, trademark, trade dress, right of publicity, or other proprietary rights of any third party.
Any AI-generated material used complies with the terms of the AI platform used.
The Songwriter has authority to enter into this Agreement.
- AI DISCLOSURE
If artificial intelligence was used in creating any portion of the song, the Songwriter agrees to disclose:
□ Lyrics created by AI -- □ Lyrics AI assisted.
□ Music created by AI -- □ Music AI assisted
□ Vocals created by AI -- □ Vocals AI assisted
□ Human-created only
Publisher may identify the work as "AI-Assisted" or "Human-Created" at its discretion.
Publisher is not responsible for determining whether AI-generated material is copyrightable.
- TECHNICAL PREPARATION AND EDITING RIGHTS
To facilitate broadcasting, streaming, promotion, and technical compatibility, the Songwriter authorizes Publisher to make non-substantive technical modifications to the submitted materials, including but not limited to:
--Normalize or adjust audio levels.
--Trim silence at the beginning or end of recordings.
--Convert audio or video files to different formats.
--Resize, compress, or optimize files for broadcasting or streaming.
--Create lyric videos.
--Create promotional videos and graphics.
--Add introductions, conclusions, station identifications, or promotional announcements.
--Add channel branding, logos, watermarks, captions, or visual effects.
--Create subtitles or closed captions.
--Correct minor technical defects that do not materially alter the artistic content.
Publisher shall not materially alter the lyrics, melody, musical composition, or artistic performance of the submitted work without the Songwriter's prior written consent.
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- PROMOTIONAL RIGHTS
Publisher may use: Song title, Songwriter's name, Biography, Photographs supplied by Songwriter, Story behind the song, Album artwork, Artist Logo, Stage Name, Quotes, Interviews, Live Photos, Press Releases, Promotional excerpts (up to 60 seconds), for marketing and promotion. Publisher may use promotional materials supplied by the Songwriter, including photographs, logos, thumbnails, graphics, album artwork, and videos, for the purpose of promoting the Songwriter and the submitted musical works.
- CREDIT
Publisher intends to provide credit whenever practical by including: Song Title,
Songwriter Name, Performer (if different), Website or social media link (if provided).
- MONETIZATION
Publisher may monetize broadcasts, streams, videos, podcasts, websites, social media content, and any other lawful use of the submitted work containing the submitted work through advertising, sponsorships, memberships, affiliate programs, or other lawful means.
Submission of a song does not create any obligation for Publisher to pay royalties or revenue sharing.
Songwriter acknowledges that Publisher may receive advertising revenue generated by third parties.
- ROYALTY RESPONSIBILITY
The Songwriter acknowledges that Publisher is relying upon the Songwriter's representations concerning ownership.
The Songwriter remains solely responsible for any royalties owed to co-writers, performers, publishers, record labels, collecting societies, or any third party claiming an ownership interest in the submitted work.
Publisher assumes no responsibility for distributing royalties among copyright owners.
- COPYRIGHT COMPLAINTS (DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT)
Publisher respects the intellectual property rights of others and complies with the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other applicable copyright laws.
If Publisher receives a good-faith claim alleging that a submitted work infringes the copyright or other intellectual property rights of another person or entity, Publisher may, at its sole discretion:
- Temporarily remove or disable access to the submitted work while the claim is reviewed.
- Request additional documentation from the Songwriter regarding ownership or authorization.
- Permanently remove the submitted work if Publisher determines that removal is appropriate or legally required.
- Restore the submitted work if the dispute is resolved in favor of the Songwriter or if Publisher determines that the claim lacks sufficient merit.
The Songwriter agrees to cooperate with Publisher in resolving any copyright dispute and to promptly provide documentation establishing ownership or authorization upon request.
Nothing in this section obligates Publisher to independently investigate ownership claims beyond what Publisher reasonably determines is appropriate under the circumstances.
- INDEMNIFICATION
Songwriter agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Publisher, its owners, employees, contractors, successors, assigns, and affiliates from any claims, damages, attorney's fees, judgments, or liabilities arising from: Copyright infringement, · Unauthorized use of photographs, Unauthorized use of artwork, Unauthorized use of trademarks, Unauthorized use of likenesses, Unauthorized use of publicity rights, Trademark infringement, Defamation, Unauthorized use of another person's work, Breach of this Agreement.
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- REMOVAL OF CONTENT
The Songwriter may request removal of a song by written notice.
Publisher agrees to make reasonable efforts to remove future public availability within thirty (30) days.
The Songwriter understands that complete removal from third-party caches, archives, or previously downloaded copies may not be possible.
- NO GUARANTEE OF PUBLICATION
Publisher is under no obligation to: Publish every submission, Publish within any specific time, Maintain any minimum viewing audience, Continue operating the channel, Publisher retains sole editorial discretion.
- CONTENT STANDARDS
Publisher may reject any submission containing: Hate speech, Defamatory material, Pornographic content,
Unlawful content, Copyright infringement, Excessive profanity, Material inconsistent with Publisher's standards.
- TERMINATION
Either party may terminate this Agreement with 30 days written notice.
Termination does not affect uses already made while the Agreement was in force.
Publisher may retain archived copies for legal, historical, or recordkeeping purposes.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Publisher shall not be liable for: Lost profits, Loss of reputation, Loss of opportunities, Indirect or consequential damages.
Publisher's maximum liability shall not exceed the amount, if any, actually paid by the Songwriter to Publisher for services directly related to the submitted work. In addition, Publisher is not responsible for: Website outages, Streaming interruptions, Loss of audience, Algorithm changes, Third-party platform decisions, Account suspensions by YouTube, Live365, Facebook, etc.
- FORCE MAJEURE
Neither Publisher nor the Songwriter shall be liable for any delay, interruption, or failure to perform any obligation under this Agreement if such delay or failure results from causes beyond the reasonable control of the affected party.
Such events may include, but are not limited to:
--Acts of God
--Fire
--Flood
--Hurricane, tornado, or other natural disasters
--Earthquake
--War or acts of terrorism
--Civil unrest or governmental action
--Labor disputes or strikes
--Internet or telecommunications failures
--Electrical power outages
--Computer system failures or cyber attacks
--Epidemics or pandemics
--Failure of third-party service providers or hosting platforms
--Any other event beyond the reasonable control of the affected party.
The affected party shall make reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as practical after the event has ended.
Nothing in this section shall excuse either party from obligations that accrued prior to the occurrence of the force majeure event.
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- ASSIGNMENT
Publisher may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a successor entity, affiliated company, purchaser, or other legal successor in connection with the sale, merger, reorganization, or transfer of all or substantially all of Publisher's business or assets.
The Songwriter may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights granted under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Publisher.
Any permitted assignment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
- GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
Any legal action arising under this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in South Carolina.
- ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions, representations, and understandings.
No amendment shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both parties.
- SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
The parties agree that any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be interpreted, modified, or limited only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving the original intent of the provision whenever possible.
- WAIVER
No failure or delay by either party in exercising any right under this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of that right.
Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only if made in writing and signed by the party granting the waiver.
A waiver of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.
- ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
This Agreement may be executed electronically.
Electronic signatures, digital signatures, and electronic acceptance through Publisher's website shall have the same legal force and effect as original handwritten signatures.
The parties agree that electronic records of acceptance maintained by Publisher shall constitute valid evidence of execution of this Agreement.
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- SIGNATURES
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
By signing below, I certify that I have carefully read and understand this Song Submission, License and Promotional Agreement.
I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this Agreement and that I voluntarily agree to all of its terms and conditions.
I further represent and warrant that I have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement on behalf of myself and/or the individual or business entity identified herein and to grant the rights described in this Agreement.
I understand that this Agreement is legally binding upon me and, where applicable, upon the business entity I represent.
By signing this Agreement, the Songwriter acknowledges receipt of a complete copy of this Agreement and agrees to be bound by its terms.
SONGWRITER / RIGHTS HOLDER
Legal Name of Individual or Business Entity:___________________________________________________
Artist / Stage Name (if applicable):____________________________________________________________________________
Authorized Representative (if applicable):____________________________________________________________________________
Title (if applicable)::___________________________________________________________________________
Signature:_____________________________________________________________________________
Date:________________________
Printed Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________
MAIN STREET DIGITAL ACADEMY LLC, d/b/a The Country Songwriters Network
Authorized Representative: (Print Name)______________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________________
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