<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.56


MASTER AGREEMENT
                                                 CNP, INC.
                                                 1465 Northside Drive, Suite 222
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30318
Agreement Number: _____________

Date: ___________________


This Master Agreement ("Agreement") is between CNP, INC. (a Delaware
Corporation) on behalf of itself and its affiliated companies (collectively
"CNP") and ARTISTDIRECT, INC. (a Delaware corporation) (hereinafter "Licensee"
or "Customer").

ALL REFERENCES TO "AGREEMENT" SHALL MEAN THIS SIGNATURE PAGE, THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS, THE ATTACHMENTS LISTED BELOW ("ATTACHMENTS") AND ALL OTHER
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES THAT MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE INCORPORATED
HEREIN.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              ATTACHMENTS                           CNP'S INITIALS/CUSTOMER'S INITIALS
<S>                                                 <C>

       o  Terms and Conditions                                      / /s/ KY
                                                             -------  ------

       o  Hosted Platform License Agreement                         / /s/ KY
                                                             -------  ------

       o  Professional Services Agreement                           / /s/ KY
                                                             -------  ------

       o  Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement                           / /s/ KY
                                                             -------  ------

       o  Platform License and Maintenance Agreement                / /s/ KY
                                                             -------  ------

       o  Preferred Escrow Agreement                                /
                                                             -------  ------

</TABLE>


By executing this Agreement, Customer acknowledges that it has reviewed the
terms and conditions incorporated into this Agreement and agrees to be legally
bound by the same. The parties hereby cause this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized representative.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

ARTISTDIRECT, INC.                        CNP, INC.


By:     /s/ KEITH YOKOMOTO                By:     /s/ CHRIS MELTON
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Name:   Keith Yokomoto                    Name:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Title:  President                         Title:  CEO
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Date:   8/14/01                           Date:   8/10/2001
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------


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                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 1
<PAGE>

                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS


1. General. The following terms and conditions ("Terms and Conditions") provide
for terms that are common to this Agreement, including all Attachments. In the
event of a conflict between these Terms and Conditions and any Attachment, the
Attachment will control, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, and in addition to any other terms
defined in this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings:
(i) "Services" means collectively, all services provided by CNP under this
Agreement, whether provided directly to Customer or to Customer's employees, and
Customer's contract employees, and whether designated as a part of the support
services, maintenance services, professional services, or otherwise; (ii) "CNP
Technology" means the content, materials, and technology developed and owned by
CNP as more particularly set forth on the Attachments; (iii) "Third Party
Technology" means technology provided by CNP to Customer which is licensed by a
third party to Customer or sublicensed by CNP to Customer; (iv) "Technology"
means collectively, the CNP Technology and the Third Party Technology; (v)
"Deliverables" means collectively, the Services, technology associated with the
Services, and all applicable documentation and ancillary materials for such
technology; and (vi) "Customer Content" means the content and other materials
provided or made available by Customer to CNP for use in connection with the
Technology or otherwise identified under the Professional Services Agreement.

3. Rights Reserved. Customer acknowledges and agrees that CNP or its third party
suppliers own all right, title and interest to all intellectual property and
proprietary rights in the Technology. Customer acknowledges that the Technology
is confidential information, trade secret and proprietary information of CNP or
its suppliers and that the source code for the Technology will not be provided
by CNP except as otherwise expressly set forth under this Agreement. Customer
further agrees not to lease, license, sell, sublicense or otherwise transfer the
Technology or decompile, reverse compile, or reverse engineer the Technology;
except as otherwise expressly set forth under this Agreement.

4. Confidential Information. The confidentiality terms agreed to by the parties
under this Agreement or in an Attachment shall apply. All Deliverables shall be
deemed confidential and proprietary information of the owner of such
Deliverables. All Customer Content shall be deemed confidential and proprietary
information of Customer or its licensors.


5. Competitors. *****


6. Payment. All invoices submitted to Customer by CNP are payable in full within
fifteen (15) days after Customer's receipt of an invoice. All amounts shall be
payable in U.S. dollars. Customer shall pay interest on all overdue amounts at
the rate of the lesser of (i) one and one-half percent (1-1/2%) per month; or
(ii) the maximum rate permitted by law. Any and all fees, retainers, expenses,
reimbursements or other amounts paid by Customer to CNP under this Agreement
shall be non-refundable. The amounts due under this Agreement do not include any
amount for taxes, duties or other similar assessments. If any sales taxes, use
taxes, excise taxes, value added taxes, duties or other similar amounts (except
for taxes based upon CNP's net income) are assessed against or required to be
collected in connection with this Agreement, Customer agrees to pay all such
amounts. Customer shall not deduct from payments to CNP any amounts paid or
payable to third parties for taxes, duties, etc., however designated.

7. WARRANTY DISCLAIMER. OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT,
NEITHER CNP, ITS AFFILIATES, LICENSORS OR SUPPLIERS, THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES, NOR CUSTOMER, ITS
AFFILIATES, LICENSORS, OR SUPPLIERS, THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REPRESENTATIONS TO EACH OTHER, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO THE DELIVERABLES PROVIDED HEREUNDER OR OTHERWISE
REGARDING THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR
STATUTORY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
MERCHANTABILITY, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, AND THE IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED
AND DISCLAIMED. STATEMENTS MADE BY CNP'S SALES REPRESENTATIVES OR IN PROMOTIONAL
MATERIALS DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES.

8. LIMITATION OF REMEDY. IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY, ITS AFFILIATES,
LICENSORS OR SUPPLIERS, OR ANY OF THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES,
SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER


[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 2

<PAGE>

PARTY, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF GOODWILL IN ANY WAY
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR RESULTING FROM THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE
DELIVERABLES OR THE PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF ANY SERVICES, INCLUDING
THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE, EVEN IF EACH PARTY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OR LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES OCCURRING, AND WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY
IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCTS LIABILITY OR
OTHERWISE.

9. MAXIMUM LIABILITY. EXCEPT FOR THE PARTIES' RESPECTIVE INDEMNIFICATION
OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTIONS 10 AND 11, MISUSE OF THE OTHER PARTY'S INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY, AND/OR BREACHES OF THE CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT,
IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES TO CUSTOMER OR TO ANY
OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCTS LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE,
EVER EXCEED THE FEES PAYABLE BY CUSTOMER TO CNP UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR IN THE
CASE OF DAMAGES ARISING UNDER AN ATTACHMENT TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE FEES PAYABLE
BY CUSTOMER TO CNP UNDER SUCH ATTACHMENT.

10. CNP Indemnification for Infringement. CNP shall defend and indemnify
Customer and hold Customer harmless against any losses, expenses, damages,
penalties, actions, claims, suits, or proceedings (including court costs and
reasonable attorneys' fees) (each, an "CNP INDEMNIFIED CLAIM," to which Customer
may become subject, brought by or as a result of a third party action to the
extent that any such CNP Indemnified Claim is based upon Customer's use of the
Deliverables or the Technology in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
constitutes an infringement of any valid claim of any U.S. patent, any valid
copyright, or any other intellectual property right recognized in the U.S. In
the event that any CNP Indemnified Claim is initiated, Customer shall notify CNP
within ten (10) days after it learns of the commencement of same, shall
cooperate fully in the defense of any such CNP Indemnified Claim, at CNP's
expense, and permit CNP or its insurance carrier to defend any CNP Indemnified
Claim; provided, however, that CNP will not effect any settlement of any CNP
Indemnified Claim for which Customer seeks indemnification hereunder without the
prior written consent of Customer (which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed) unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of
Customer. Customer shall not compromise or settle any CNP Indemnified Claim,
that is the subject of CNP's defense obligations without the prior written
consent of CNP. Customer will have the right, at its cost, to participate in the
defense of any claim, suit, or proceeding for which it seeks indemnification
hereunder, with counsel of its choosing. Customer's failure to perform its
obligations hereunder shall relieve CNP of its obligations hereunder. In the
event of the commencement of such an action or if the commencement thereof
appears likely to CNP, CNP shall have the right to: (i) attempt to obtain for
Customer the right to continue using the Deliverables; (ii) modify or replace
the Deliverables, provided that any modification or replacement does not result
in a material degradation in performance or capabilities of the Deliverables;
and (iii) require the return of the Deliverables, and give Customer a refund or
credit only as otherwise provided in an Attachment to this Agreement. In the
event that none of the aforementioned options are reasonably attainable, CNP
shall have the right to terminate the applicable Attachment or schedule thereto.
Except as otherwise specifically and unambiguously stated in an Attachment, the
foregoing states CNP's sole responsibility and liability in respect to
infringement. The provisions of this Section 10 relating to indemnification
shall survive termination of this Agreement and the Attachments.

11. Customer Indemnification for Infringement. Customer shall defend and
indemnify CNP and hold CNP harmless against any losses, expenses, damages,
penalties, actions, claims, suits, or proceedings (including court costs and
reasonable attorneys' fees) (each, a "CUSTOMER INDEMNIFIED CLAIM," to which CNP
may become subject, brought by or as a result of a third party action to the
extent that any such Customer Indemnified Claim is based upon the Customer
Content constitutes an infringement of any valid claim of any U.S. patent, any
valid copyright, or any other intellectual property right recognized in the U.S.
In the event that any Customer Indemnified Claim is initiated, CNP shall notify
Customer within ten (10) days after it learns of the commencement of same, shall
cooperate fully in the defense of any such Customer Indemnified Claim, at
Customer's expense, and permit Customer or its insurance carrier to defend any
Customer Indemnified Claim; provided, however, that Customer will not effect any
settlement of any Customer Indemnified Claim for which CNP seeks indemnification
hereunder without the prior written consent of CNP (which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed) unless such settlement includes an
unconditional release of CNP. CNP shall not compromise or settle any Customer
Indemnified Claim, that is the subject of Customer's defense obligations without
the prior written consent of Customer. CNP will have the right, at its cost, to
participate in the defense of any claim, suit, or proceeding for which it seeks
indemnification hereunder, with counsel of its choosing. CNP's failure to
perform its obligations hereunder shall relieve Customer of its obligations
hereunder. Except as otherwise specifically and unambiguously stated in an
Attachment, the foregoing states Customer's sole responsibility and liability in
respect to infringement. The provisions of this Section 11 relating to
indemnification shall survive termination of this Agreement and the Attachments.

12. (a) Customer General Indemnification. Customer shall defend and indemnify
CNP and hold CNP harmless against any Customer Indemnified Claim arising from
(i) the activities of Customer's users' of the Deliverables ("End


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 3
<PAGE>

Users"), including without limitation, unauthorized disclosure of CNP's or third
party proprietary information, so long as CNP has notified Customer of any such
restrictions, (ii) any willful misconduct or fraud committed by Customer
(including Customer's employees, agents or representatives) or End Users; (iii)
any employment agreement, or other agreement, or state or federal law, with
respect to current and past employees or independent contractors of Customer; or
(iv) any prior or current agreement between Customer and third parties with
respect to the types of services provided by CNP to Customer hereunder. All
other procedural provisions set forth in Section 12 shall apply.

     (b) CNP General Indemnification. CNP shall defend and indemnify Customer
and hold Customer harmless against any Claim arising as a result of any willful
misconduct or fraud committed by CNP (including CNP's employees, agents or
representatives). All other procedural provisions set forth in Section 11 shall
apply.

13. Termination Generally. This Agreement will commence on the date this
Agreement is signed by both parties and will remain in effect until terminated
as provided herein. The parties acknowledge that certain Attachments will
terminate from time to time as expressly provided in this Agreement or the
Attachment without otherwise affecting the rights and obligation of the parties
under this Agreement.

14. Termination of Agreement. If there are no outstanding Attachments under
which Deliverables are being provided or made available to Customer, upon thirty
(30) days written notice to the other, either party may terminate this Agreement
as of the date specified in such notice of termination.

15. Termination of Attachment. If either party violates its obligations under
any Attachment, then the other party may terminate such Attachment by sending
written termination notice describing the noncompliance to the non-complying
party. For noncompliance caused by failure to pay any sums due hereunder, the
non-complying party shall have ten (10) calendar days, after the non-complying
party's receipt of such notification, to cure any such noncompliance. For
noncompliance caused by any other reason, the non-complying party shall have
thirty (30) calendar days, after the non-complying party's receipt of such
notification, to cure any such noncompliance. If noncompliance is not cured
within the required period, the party providing termination notice shall have
the right to terminate such Attachment, and any and all related schedules
thereto.

16. Effect of Termination. Within thirty (30) days after the termination of an
Attachment for any reason, (i) Customer will pay CNP for all Services performed
by CNP in accordance with this Agreement up to the effective date of such
termination and all other amounts owed by Customer to CNP under such Attachment
not disputed in good faith; and (ii) except as otherwise set forth in this
Agreement or the Attachments, Customer will return or destroy (as requested by
CNP) all copies of the Technology, including Deliverables not otherwise owned or
licensed under the Agreement, provided to Customer under such Attachment,
including all documentation related thereto; and (iii) except as otherwise set
forth in this Agreement or the Attachments, each party will return or destroy
(as requested by CNP) all confidential information provided to such party under
such Attachment by the other party. Upon the destruction or return of such
materials, the complying party will provide the other party with a signed
written statement certifying that it has destroyed or returned all the other
party's property. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or in the
Attachments, upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, all rights and
licenses granted by each party to the other party will immediately cease.

17. Trademarks And Trade Names. Nothing in this Agreement confers upon either
party any right to use the other party's trade names and trademarks except as
set forth under this Agreement. All use of such marks by either party will inure
to the benefit of the owner of such marks, use of which will be subject to
specifications controlled by the owner.

18. Press Release and Publicity. Customer agrees to (i) provide a quote and to
authorize an announcement made by CNP of Customer's selection of the Technology;
(ii) assist and participate in a success story upon the successful
implementation of the Technology; (iii) accept occasional reference calls from
prospective customers; and (iv) allow site visits by prospective CNP customers
with prior notification and approval by Customer during the term hereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CNP will not issue a press release or public
statement regarding this Agreement without the prior written consent of
Customer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

19. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and determinations under this
Agreement (other than routine operational communications), shall be in writing
and shall be deemed duly given (i) when delivered by hand; (ii) two days after
being given to an express courier with a reliable system for tracking delivery;
(iii) when sent by confirmed facsimile with a copy sent by another means
specified in this Section, or (iv) six days after the day of mailing, when
mailed by United States mail, registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:

If to CNP:        CNP, Inc.
                  5750 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 501
                  Los Angeles, CA 90036
                  Attn: Bishop Leatherbury, CFO
                  Facsimile: (323) 556-8710


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                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 4
<PAGE>

                  with a copy to
                  CNP, Inc.
                  5750 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 501
                  Los Angeles, CA 90036
                  Attn: Legal Department
                  Facsimile: (323) 556-8710


If to Customer:   ARTISTdirect, Inc.
                  5670 Wilshire Boulevard
                  Suite 200
                  Los Angeles, California 90036
                  Attn: Legal & Business Affairs Department
                  Facsimile: (323) 634-4299

A party may from time to time change its address or designee for notification
purposes by giving the other prior written notice of the new address or designee
and the date upon which it will become effective.

20. Assignments. Neither party may assign or delegate this Agreement or any of
its licenses, rights or duties under this Agreement, directly or indirectly, by
operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other
party, except in the event of a sale or other transfer of all or substantially
all of the assigning party's assets or equity; provided, however, that the
assignee has agreed to be bound by all the terms and condition of this
Agreement, and such assignee is not a direct competitor of the non-assigning
party.

21. Contractors. Any rights and obligations of CNP may, in CNP's reasonable
discretion, be exercised through their employees and contractors, provided that
such employees and contractors shall be under an obligation to maintain the
confidentiality of, and to protect Customer's proprietary rights respecting, the
confidential information of Customer, including without limitation, Customer
Content, and provided that CNP shall be responsible for breach by any such
contractor.

22. Nonsolicitation. During the term hereof and for a period of one (1) year
after its termination or expiration, each party agrees that, without the prior
written consent of the other party, it will not, directly or indirectly itself
or by or through others, for any reason solicit for employment, or affirmatively
assist any other person or entity in employing or soliciting for employment, any
person who is an employee of or is otherwise utilized as a consultant or
contractor by the other party during the two (2) years preceding such
termination or expiration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties
acknowledge and agree that certain employees and/or contractors of Customer
shall be retained as employees or engaged as contractors of CNP pursuant to a
separate written agreement between CNP and such employee or contractor. The
hiring and engaging of such personnel shall be subject to the written consent of
CNP and Customer.

23. Compliance with Laws. Each party shall be responsible for compliance with
all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Customer agrees to keep such books
and records and to take such other actions as may be required by applicable
laws, rules, and regulations, and to comply with any applicable United States
export laws, rules, and regulations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,
Customer shall be solely responsible for obtaining any approvals, public
performance rights or other licenses for display, distribution, performance and
other uses of the Customer Content, including without limitation, payment of all
royalties and other amounts owed third parties in connection therewith.

24. Force Majeure. Neither CNP nor Customer will be liable for failure to
perform any of its respective obligations under this Agreement (other than the
payment of fees) if such failure is caused by an event outside its reasonable
control, including but not limited to, an act of God, war, or natural disaster.

25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be exclusively construed, governed and
enforced under the laws of the State of Georgia (without regard to rules
governing conflict of laws). The parties agree that the United Nations
Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply in
any respect to this Agreement or the parties.

26. Venue. The parties agree that the exclusive venue for all actions, relating
in any manner to this Agreement, shall only be in a federal or state court of
competent jurisdiction located in Los Angeles County, California. Each party
consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and irrevocably
waives any and all defenses inconsistent with this Section.

27. Survival. Any and all provisions, promises and warranties under this
Agreement which by their nature or effect are required or intended to be
observed, kept or performed after termination of this Agreement will survive the
termination of this Agreement and remain binding upon and for the benefit of the
parties hereto.

28. Miscellaneous. This Agreement, including the Attachments and any addendum
hereto signed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or
contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, representations and proposals, written
or oral, including without limitation that Letter of Intent between the parties
dated on or about May 7, 2001. This Agreement does not operate as an acceptance
of any conflicting or additional terms and conditions and will prevail over any
conflicting or additional provision of any purchase order or any other
instrument of Customer, it being understood that any purchase order issued by
Customer will be for Customer's convenience only. This Agreement will not be
construed to create any employment relationship, partnership, joint venture or
agency relationship or to authorize any party to enter into any commitment or
agreement binding on the other party. No delay or failure in exercising any
right hereunder and no partial or single exercise thereof will be deemed to
constitute a waiver of such right or any other


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                                     Page 5
<PAGE>

rights hereunder. If any provision hereof is declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of
such invalidity, so that the remainder of that provision and all remaining
provisions of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law. No modifications, additions, or amendments to this
Agreement will be effective unless made in writing and signed by duly authorized
representatives of the parties. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together
will be deemed for all purposes to constitute one and the same instrument.
Signatures transmitted and received via facsimile or other electronic means will
be treated as original signatures for all purposes of this Agreement.


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                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 6

<PAGE>

HOSTED PLATFORM LICENSE AGREEMENT

                                                 CNP, INC.
                                                 1465 Northside Drive, Suite 222
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Agreement Number: _______

Date: __________



Customer Name:       ARTISTdirect, Inc.
Address:             5670 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200
City, State, Zip:    Los Angeles, California 90036

THIS HOSTED PLATFORM LICENSE AGREEMENT (this "HOSTED LICENSE AGREEMENT") is
between CNP, INC. ("CNP") and the undersigned CUSTOMER. This Agreement and the
Master Agreement establishes the general terms applicable to Customer's
utilization of CNP's technology platform providing publishing, content and
e-commerce solutions as more fully described in EXHIBIT A (the "CNP PLATFORM").

                          STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. CNP Obligation to Furnish Hosting Services; Customer Responsibilities. CNP
will furnish to Customer the hosting services described more particularly in
EXHIBIT A ("HOSTING SERVICES") in accordance with this Hosted License Agreement
and the Service Level Agreement set forth in EXHIBIT E.

2. CNP Platform. Customer and its users END USERS (as defined in EXHIBIT C) may
only access and use the CNP Platform in accordance with the CNP Platform License
Terms and Conditions attached hereto as EXHIBIT C.

3. Payment. Customer shall pay CNP the fees described in EXHIBIT B ("FEES").
Transaction fees (if any) shall be set forth in EXHIBIT B and shall be
calculated according to the transactions recorded by CNP's computer system,
which shall be presumed correct. Such fees shall be payable to CNP by wire
transfer or other reasonable method specified by CNP on or before the fifteenth
(15th) day of each calendar month for all Hosting Services performed by CNP
during the immediately preceding calendar month.

4. Customer's Responsibilities. Customer is solely responsible for: (a)
Customer's own data processing and transmission equipment including without
limitation the requirements set forth in EXHIBIT D; (b) establishing and
maintaining Customer's own data communication lines and equipment necessary to
transmit data between Customer's equipment and the CNP Platform; (c) utilizing
such data encryption procedures as are mutually agreed upon for the transmission
of data to the CNP Platform; (d) providing at a reasonable time and in such
format as may be reasonably requested by CNP, all Customer Content and other
data or information required by CNP for the CNP Platform and related Hosting
Services; (e) preserving the confidentiality of any identification numbers and
passwords assigned and validated by CNP; (g) notifying CNP if Customer discovers
a breach of CNP's security, but in no event will the preceding sentence obligate
Customer to monitor CNP's security; (h) performing its obligations in connection
with implementing the specific applications of Customer for the CNP Platform as
mutually agreed to by the parties from time to time in project meetings and
other communications; and (i) obtaining any and all necessary third party
consents in connection with materials provided by Customer.

5. Confidentiality. All information, whether oral, visual or in physical form,
received by Customer under this Hosted License Agreement shall be subject to the
confidentiality terms agreed to by the parties under the Master Agreement. The
CNP Platform shall be deemed confidential and proprietary information of CNP.
The Customer Content shall be deemed confidential and proprietary information of
Customer.

6. Title. CNP or its suppliers retain title and all proprietary and other rights
in and to the systems, programs, operating instructions, documentation and
proprietary information utilized in or by the CNP Platform. Customer and its
suppliers retain title and all proprietary and other rights in and to the
Customer Content.

7. SERVICES WARRANTY. CNP WARRANTS TO CUSTOMER THAT: (A) CNP SHALL MAINTAIN A
BACK-UP SERVER TO CNP'S PRIMARY SERVER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DELAYS AS A RESULT
OF EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION; (B) CNP WILL EMPLOY DUE CARE AND


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                                     Page 1
<PAGE>

ATTENTION IN THE PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CNP'S PROGRAMS; (C) CNP WILL
PERFORM ANY SERVICES IN A TIMELY AND WORKMANLIKE MANNER AND OF A QUALITY
CONFORMING TO GENERALLY ACCEPTED INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND PRACTICES; AND (D) THE
HOSTED PLATFORM SHALL PERFORM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS SET FORTH IN
EXHIBIT A AND THE SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT E. THE WARRANTIES
SET FORTH HEREIN ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, AND CNP SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES OR THE CNP PLATFORM
PROVIDED OR MADE AVAILABLE HEREUNDER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
STATEMENTS MADE BY CNP'S SALES REPRESENTATIVES OR IN PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS DO
NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES.

8. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. NEITHER PARTY IS LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH HEREIN, AND IN
THE MASTER AGREEMENT, IN NO EVENT, SHALL THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF EITHER
PARTY FOR ANY CLAIMS, LOSSES OR DAMAGES ARISING UNDER THIS HOSTED LICENSE
AGREEMENT OR SERVICES PERFORMED HEREUNDER EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAYABLE BY
CUSTOMER TO CNP PURSUANT TO THIS HOSTED LICENSE AGREEMENT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH POTENTIAL CLAIM, LOSS OR DAMAGE.
NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELAYS IN RECEIPT OF INFORMATION FROM THE
OTHER PARTY, PROCESSING OF SUCH PARTY'S INFORMATION BECAUSE OF CAUSES BEYOND
SUCH PARTY'S REASONABLE CONTROL, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, EQUIPMENT
MALFUNCTION, LIMITATIONS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF TELEPHONE OR OTHER TRANSMISSION
FACILITIES, FAILURES OF COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, OR CUSTOMER'S FAILURE TO
PROPERLY FORMAT AND TRANSMIT INFORMATION. CNP SHALL ALSO NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ERRORS IN DATA ENTRY OR OTHER SERVICES, PROGRAMS, HARDWARE, DATA FILES, OR
OUTPUT PROVIDED TO, OR MAINTAINED FOR, CUSTOMER RESULTING FROM ERRORS IN
CUSTOMER'S INPUT DATA OR FROM CUSTOMER'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

9. DISCLAIMER. ALL OTHER WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS, LIMITATIONS OF REMEDY AND
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY IN THE MASTER AGREEMENT SHALL APPLY TO THIS AGREEMENT.

10. Indemnification. The indemnification obligations of the Master Agreement
will apply to this Hosted License Agreement.

11. Infringing Materials. In the event CNP reasonably determines that any
materials used by or in connection with the CNP Platform, including without
limitation, Customer Content are infringing or otherwise violate applicable law
or third party rights, CNP shall have the right to disable access to and/or
remove such materials from the CNP Platform, while (when possible) still
allowing end-users to access Customer's web sites; provided, however, that CNP
will notify Customer immediately of any such disablement or removal, and, in the
event that the infringing materials are Customer Content, Customer will have the
right to substitute the infringing materials. The foregoing provision shall not
otherwise affect any other rights and obligations of the parties under this
Agreement or applicable law.

12. Term. This Agreement shall have an initial term of one (1) years ("INITIAL
TERM"), which term shall be automatically extended for successive one (1) year
terms (each a "RENEWAL TERM"), provided, however, that either party may
terminate this Hosted License Agreement at any time after the Initial Term
without cause and without breach of this Hosted License Agreement upon sixty
(60) days prior written notice. The effective date for any such termination
shall be the end of the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable). The
Initial Term and each Renewal Term are collectively, referred to herein as the
"TERM". Any termination of this Hosted License Agreement under this Section 12
shall be subject to the Transition Option more particularly described in Section
14.

13. Termination For Cause. Either party may terminate this Hosted License
Agreement if the other party shall have materially breached this Hosted License
Agreement and not cured such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice
with respect thereto specifying such breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all
termination rights and remedies related to a breach by CNP of the Services Level
Agreement shall be set forth exclusively in Exhibit E.


14. ***** In the event Customer elects to exercise its *****, Customer shall
submit written notice to CNP of such election, no later than ten (10) days
following the effective date of *****. Such written notice shall specify the
effective date of Customer's election ***** which date shall be no later than
ninety (90) days following the effective date of *****.



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 2
<PAGE>


15. *****

16. Effect of Termination. Upon any termination of this Hosted License
Agreement, Customer and End Users shall immediately cease all use of the CNP
Platform and return to CNP (or destroy if requested by CNP) any and all copies
of any related documentation in any form whatsoever and any and all copies of
other proprietary information of CNP in Customer's or End Users possession or
control; provided, however, that *****

17. *****

18. Source Code Rights. *****

[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 3


<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Hosted License
Agreement as of the ____ day of July, 2001.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

ARTISTDIRECT, INC.                        CNP, INC.


By:    /s/ KEITH YOKOMOTO                 By:    /s/ CHRIS MELTON
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Name:  Keith Yokomoto                     Name:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Title: President                          Title: CEO
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Date:  8/14/01                            Date:  8/10/2001
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------



EXHIBITS:

EXHIBIT A         Description of CNP Platform and Hosting Services
EXHIBIT B         Fee Schedule
EXHIBIT C         CNP Platform License Terms and Conditions
EXHIBIT D         Customer Hardware and Software Requirements
EXHIBIT E         Level Agreement
EXHIBIT F         Source Code Escrow Fees
EXHIBIT G         Existing Equipment
EXHIBIT H         Warrant


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 1
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A
                   DESCRIPTION OF PLATFORM AND HOSTED SERVICES

                               GENERAL DESCRIPTION




                                     *****


THIS EXHIBIT INCLUDES A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CNP PLATFORM. ALL FEATURES
AND FUNCTIONS SPECIFIC TO CUSTOMER'S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CNP PLATFORM SHALL BE
SET FORTH IN A SEPARATE


[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 2
<PAGE>

STATEMENT OF WORK AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES (IF ANY)
SET FORTH THEREIN.

                             PLATFORM SPECIFICATIONS



                                     *****



ADDITIONAL HOSTING FEES AND CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR USAGE THAT EXCEEDS THE ABOVE
SPECIFICATIONS.


[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 3
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B
                          HOSTED PLATFORM FEE SCHEDULE


I.   HOSTING FEES


     A.   HOSTING FEE AMOUNT. Customer shall pay to CNP the amount of $*****
          (the "Hosting Fee") per month starting on the Commencement Date and
          continuing for the term of this Hosted License Agreement. For usage or
          requirements of customer in excess of the specifications identified in
          Exhibit A, additional fees and expenses may apply.


                                     *****


     B.   COMMENCEMENT DATE. For purposes of this Hosted License Agreement, the
          "COMMENCEMENT DATE" shall mean August 1, 2001.

II.  TRANSITION AND TERMINATION

     A.   COSTS OF TRANSITION TO CNP PLATFORM


          (i)    *****

          (ii)   *****

          (iii)  *****

          (iv)   *****

          (v)    *****

          (vi)   *****

          (vii)  *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


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                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 4
<PAGE>

B.   COSTS OF TERMINATING CUSTOMER'S EXISTING HOSTING SERVICES AGREEMENTS


     (i)    *****



     (ii)   *****


C.   COSTS OF EQUIPMENT CONTRIBUTED BY CUSTOMER


     (i)    *****



     (ii)   *****


D.   ADDITIONAL TERMS


     (i)    *****



     (ii)   *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 5
<PAGE>





     (iii)  *****


III. SUPPORT SERVICES COSTS.


     *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 6
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT C
                  HOSTED PLATFORM LICENSE TERMS AND CONDITIONS


THESE HOSTED PLATFORM LICENSE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ("TERMS AND CONDITIONS") are
attached and made a part of that certain Hosted License Agreement between CNP,
INC. ("CNP") and CUSTOMER. The Terms and Conditions, the Hosted License
Agreement and the Master Agreement between CNP and Customer establish the
general terms applicable to Customer's use of the CNP Platform. All capitalized
terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Hosted
License Agreement and shall be incorporated herein by reference.


                          STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Grant of License. CNP hereby grants to Customer a limited non-exclusive,
non-transferable right and license to access and use, during the term hereof,
the CNP Platform (in object code format only) and the related documentation more
particularly described in EXHIBIT A as follows:

(a) Customer shall have the right to access the CNP Platform on and through the
Internet for the internal use of Customer in operating the web sites of Customer
and Artists. For purposes of this Agreement the term, "ARTIST" shall mean an
artist who has entered into an agreement with Customer ("ARTIST AGREEMENT") for
purposes of allowing Customer to operate a web site offering information, goods
and services relating to such Artist on and through the Internet. All Artist
Agreements shall contain terms and conditions that are least as protective of
third party technology as the terms and conditions are protective of Customer's
technology.


(b) *****

(c) *****


(d) Customer shall have the right to grant access to the CNP Platform to users
on and through the Internet (collectively, "END USERS") for the limited purposes
of allowing such End Users to access the websites of Customer and Artists in the
ordinary course of viewing such websites on the Internet.

2. Ownership; Reservation of Rights. The CNP Platform is licensed and not sold
to Customer. CNP reserves all rights not expressly granted herein. Without
limiting the foregoing, all ownership rights in and to the CNP Platform and/or
related documentation (and all copies thereof) shall solely vest in and be the
property of CNP. No implied license or right of any kind is granted to Customer
regarding the CNP Platform and/or related documentation. Except as expressly
provided in this Hosted License Agreement, Customer shall not and shall not
allow third parties to use, reproduce, copy, market, sell, distribute, transfer,
translate, modify, adapt, disassemble, decompile or reverse engineer the CNP
Platform and/or related documentation. Except as expressly provided in this
Hosted License Agreement, Customer shall not use the CNP Platform and/or related
documentation in an application services provider, service bureau, time-sharing
or outsourcing capacity for the benefit of third parties.

3. Installation, Training and Support. Except as expressly provided under the
Hosted License Agreement, CNP shall have no obligation to provide installation,
training or support services for the CNP Platform.

4. CNP Platform Warranties. CNP warrants to Customer that the CNP Platform will
conform to the user documentation provided to Customer in all material respects
during the Term of the Hosted License Agreement.

5. DISCLAIMER. THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH UNDER THIS HOSTED LICENSE AGREEMENT ARE
IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, AND CNP SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE PLATFORM AND SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS HOSTED
LICENSE AGREEMENT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. STATEMENTS MADE
BY CNP'S SALES REPRESENTATIVES OR IN PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS DO NOT CONSTITUTE
WARRANTIES.

6. Customization. If Customer requests that CNP perform any modification or
customization work for Customer and wishes to have the work product conform to


[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 1
<PAGE>

particular specifications, the same must be agreed to by CNP in writing;
provided, however, that CNP will not unreasonably withhold or delay such
agreement. All such work shall be performed by CNP pursuant to the Professional
Services Agreement as signed by CNP and Customer.


7. Other Products. *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 2
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT D
                   CUSTOMER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS




The recommended minimum workstation configuration for administration of the CNP
Platform is as follows:


Pentium III

650 Mhz

128 MB RAM

10 GB hard rive

24X D-ROM

3.5" Floppy drive

56k Modem

10/100 Network Card

Mouse

Keyboard

17" monitor.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 3
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT E
                                 SERVICE LEVELS


                            AMPLIFIED SERVICE LEVELS


1.   Service Level Goal; Service Level Agreement. *****

2.   Definitions. *****

     a.   *****

     b.   *****

     c.   *****

     d.   *****

     e.   *****

     f.   *****

     g.   *****

     h.   *****

     i.   *****

     j.   *****

3.   System Performance. *****

4.   Service Representative. *****

5.   Performance Problems. *****

6.   Downtime Event. *****

     a.   *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 4
<PAGE>


          i.     *****

          ii.    *****

          iii.   *****

          iv.    *****

     b.   *****

     c.   *****

     d.   *****

7.   Customer Cooperation. *****

8.   *****

9.   *****

10.  *****

11.  *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 5
<PAGE>


12.  SERVICE LEVEL EXCLUSIONS. *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 6
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT F


                                     *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, INC. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 7

<PAGE>

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

                                                 CNP, INC.
                                                 1465 Northside Drive, Suite 222
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Agreement Number: _______

Date: __________


Customer Name:       ARTISTdirect, Inc.
Address:             5670 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200
City, State, Zip:    Los Angeles, California 90036

THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT") is
between CNP, INC. ("CNP") and the undersigned CUSTOMER whereby CNP will provide
professional services to be performed in accordance with the Master Agreement
and the terms and provisions below.

                          STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.  Master Agreement. The terms of the Master Agreement are made a part of this
Professional Services Agreement by their reference herein. In the event of a
conflict between this Professional Services Agreement and the terms of the
Master Agreement, the terms of Master Agreement shall control and govern, unless
expressly stated to the contrary.

2.  Requests for Professional Services. CNP agrees to provide professional
services ("PROFESSIONAL SERVICES") to Customer as set forth in a Request for
Professional Services or other written statement of work (each a "REQUEST")
signed by CNP and Customer, an example of which is attached as EXHIBIT A. The
Requests will specify the nature of work to be performed, the specific
responsibilities and activities required, the date on which the Professional
Services will begin, and the type, length and location of the Professional
Services. The Requests will also specify the nature of and specifications for
any software, customizations, documentation, information or other materials
(collectively "DELIVERABLES") developed by CNP or otherwise provided to Customer
under this Professional Services Agreement. After execution by Customer, the
Request will be attached to this Professional Services Agreement and made a part
hereof.

3.  Change Order. Any modifications to the specifications in a Request will
require execution of a written and mutually agreed upon change order by CNP and
Customer ("CHANGE ORDER"). Each Change Order complying with this section shall
be deemed an amendment to the Request.

     a) Modifications. In the event that CNP in good faith, uncovers unforeseen
factors in the development of such Change Order and determines that the same
materially increases CNP's cost of performance hereunder, CNP shall notify
Customer immediately in writing of such factors and seek Customer's approval in
mitigating the factors by revising the specifications or price associated with
the current Request.

     b) Rejection of Change Order. In the event that the parties cannot mutually
agree, after using their best efforts, respectively, upon the Change Order, CNP
reserves the right to terminate the Request. Upon such termination, Customer
shall pay to CNP all fees for any Professional Services or Deliverables provided
by CNP to Customer pursuant to a Request up to the point of such termination.

4.  Customer Responsibilities. Customer shall cooperate with CNP during the term
of this Professional Services Agreement and shall perform all duties and
obligations of Customer identified in a Request. Customer shall designate an
employee or agent as project manager who shall be assigned the primary
responsibility for communicating with and providing necessary assistance to
Customer during the term of this Professional Services Agreement.

5.  Facilities. Upon reasonable advance notice by CNP and as set forth in a
Request, Customer agrees to provide reasonable working space, computer machine
time, materials and any other services and materials which may be necessary in
connection with the performance of the Professional Services.


6.  Fees. *****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 1
<PAGE>




7.  Travel and Other Expenses. Customer will reimburse CNP for all reasonable,
actual, out-of-pocket travel, commuting, parking, lodging meals, costs of
courier services, photocopying, communications charges, long distance telephone
calls, materials and other expenses reasonably incurred by CNP in connection
with the Professional Services. All travel and other expenses must be authorized
in writing in advance by Customer and comply with Customer guidelines for such
expenses.

8.  Invoices. For Professional Services provided on an hourly basis, CNP will
submit monthly invoices. For Professional Services provided on a fixed fee
basis, CNP will submit invoices as provided under this Professional Services
Agreement or as otherwise set forth in a Request. Invoices are payable in full
within fifteen (15) days after Customer's receipt of an invoice.

9.  Warranties. Limited Warranty for Professional Services. For the Warranty
Period, CNP warrants that all Professional Services shall be performed in a
timely and workmanlike manner and of a quality conforming to generally accepted
industry standards and practices. Upon receipt of written notice from Customer
describing a breach of the foregoing warranty in such reasonable detail as is
requested by CNP, CNP shall, in CNP's sole discretion and expense, use
commercially reasonable efforts to re-perform the services described in such
written notice so as to conform to mutually agreed to specifications, or if no
specifications exists, generally accepted industry standards and practices. The
term "Warranty Period" shall mean a period of ninety (90) days commencing with
the delivery of the Professional Services or Deliverables. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
UNDER THIS SECTION 9, CNP MAKES NO WARRANTY REGARDING THE SERVICES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

10.  MAXIMUM LIABILITY. EXCEPT FOR CNP'S INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH
IN THE MASTER AGREEMENT, CNP'S LIABILITY ON ANY CLAIM OR LOSS OR LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT SHALL IN
ALL CASES BE LIMITED SOLELY TO CUSTOMER AND SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED THE AMOUNTS
PAID TO CNP BY CUSTOMER WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SERVICES.

11.  DISCLAIMER. ALL OTHER WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS, LIMITATIONS OF REMEDY AND
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY IN THE MASTER AGREEMENT SHALL APPLY TO THIS AGREEMENT.

12.  Ownership.

     (a) Platform Ownership: CNP, or its third party supplier, is the sole owner
of all right, title and interest in all interfaces, supplements, modifications
or enhancements to the CNP Platform developed by or on behalf of CNP ("Platform
Deliverables") ), including but not limited to all copyrights, patents,
trademarks, trade names, service marks, trade secrets, confidential information
or other proprietary rights, and all goodwill associated with the Platform
Deliverables will inure exclusively to the benefit of CNP.


     (b) Customer Ownership: *****


     (c) Residuals. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, CNP shall retain
shall the perpetual right to use, on a royalty-free basis, with the right of
sublicense, to all ideas, concepts, tools, templates, methods, processes,
know-how, and organization techniques used by CNP personnel in the development
of the Customer-Owned Deliverables.

     (d) Other Development. The parties may from time to time enter into
additional Requests. Except as otherwise agreed by the parties in such Request,
the ownership provisions of this Section 12 shall apply.

13.  Confidential Information. All information, whether oral, visual or in
physical form, received by Customer under this Professional Services Agreement
shall be subject to the confidentiality terms agreed to by the parties under the
Master Agreement or otherwise in writing. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, the Deliverables shall be deemed confidential and proprietary
information of the owner of such Deliverables.

14.  Termination. This Professional Services Agreement will commence on the
Effective Date and will remain in effect until terminated as provided herein.

     a) Either party may terminate this Professional Services Agreement for
convenience upon ninety (90) days notice to the other party.

     b) CNP may terminate this Professional Services Agreement upon ten (10)
days prior written notice to Customer for nonpayment of any invoice or other
amount owed to CNP hereunder.

     c) Either party may terminate this Professional Services Agreement upon the
occurrence of a material breach hereof by the other party, which material breach
has not been cured within thirty (30) days after the date of written notice to
the breaching party.

     d) If either party terminates this Professional Services Agreement then
Customer shall pay CNP for Professional Services performed and Deliverables
provided in accordance with this Agreement prior to the effective date of such
termination ("TERMINATION DATE"). If payment under a Request was on a fixed-fee
basis, then Customer shall pay CNP on a time-and-materials basis according to
CNP's then-current time-and-materials rates for Professional Services


[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 2
<PAGE>


performed by CNP that were not paid for prior to the Termination Date; provided,
however, that all fees paid and owed under the Requests shall not exceed the
applicable fixed fee set forth in the Request. Customer shall make such payments
to CNP no later than thirty (30) days after the Termination Date.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

ARTISTDIRECT, INC.]                       CNP, INC.


By:    /s/ KEITH YOKOMOTO                 By:    /s/ CHRIS MELTON
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Name:  Keith Yokomoto                     Name:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Title: President                          Title: CEO
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Date:      8/14/01                        Date:      8/10/2001
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 3
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
REQUEST FOR SERVICES

                                     SAMPLE

                                                 CNP, INC.
                                                 1465 Northside Drive, Suite 222
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Agreement Number: _______
Request Number: _______
Date: __________


Customer Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:



In accordance with the Professional Services Agreement ("PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT") between CNP and CUSTOMER", Customer requests that CNP provide the
following professional services:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INSTALLATION/ON-SITE ASSISTANCE TO BE PERFORMED BY CNP
FOR CUSTOMER:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIFIC CNP RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIFIC CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED BY CNP:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOURLY RATE: ________________


PROJECT INITIATION DATE (INSTALLATION/ON-SITE ASSISTANCE):

Beginning _____ days from contract signing

ESTIMATED PROJECT DURATION PERIOD:

From:_______________________

To:_________________________


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 4
<PAGE>

LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT:  ____________________________

OTHER COMMENTS:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

================================================================================

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

ARTISTdirect, Inc.                        CNP, INC.

By:                                       By:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Name:                                     Name:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Title:                                    Title:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Date:                                     Date:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 5
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B

            CNP PROFESSIONAL SERVICES STANDARD HOURLY RATES SCHEDULE



          DESCRIPTION                            RATE PER HOUR

          ENGINEERING

          Engineering Executive/Architect            *****
          Director, Engineering                      *****
          Sr Software Engineer                       *****
          Software Engineer                          *****
          Technical Director                         *****
          Sr Web Developer                           *****
          Web Developer                              *****
          Sr Database Administrator                  *****
          Sr Database Engineer                       *****
          QA Director                                *****
          Sr QA Engineer                             *****
          QA Engineer                                *****

          OPERATIONS

          Director, Operations                       *****
          Network/Operations Engineer                *****
          Webmaster                                  *****

          DELIVERY SERVICES

          Project Executive                          *****
          Project Director                           *****
          Project Manager                            *****


The rates listed above are subject to change in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Professional Services Agreement.


[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 6
<PAGE>

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
REQUEST FOR SERVICES

                                                 CNP, INC.
                                                 1465 Northside Drive, Suite 222
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Agreement Number: _______
Request Number: 1
Date: __________


Customer Name:       ARTISTdirect
Address:             5670 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 200
City, State, Zip:    Los Angeles, CA 90036



In accordance with the Professional Services Agreement ("PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT") between CNP and CUSTOMER", Customer requests that CNP provide the
following professional services:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INSTALLATION/ON-SITE ASSISTANCE TO BE PERFORMED BY CNP
FOR CUSTOMER:

SEE ATTACHED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIFIC CNP RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED:

SEE ATTACHED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIFIC CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED:

SEE ATTACHED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ITEMS TO BE DELIVERED BY CNP:

SEE ATTACHED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOURLY RATE: Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement or in another
Request, all services are included in the Hosting Fee described in the Hosted
Platform License Agreement.


PROJECT INITIATION DATE (INSTALLATION/ON-SITE ASSISTANCE): Within ten (10) days
of the effective date of the Hosted Platform License Agreement

ESTIMATED PROJECT DURATION PERIOD:

SEE ATTACHED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 7
<PAGE>

LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT: CNP facilities

OTHER COMMENTS:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

================================================================================

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

ARTISTDIRECT, INC.                        CNP, INC.

By:                                       By:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Name:                                     Name:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Title:                                    Title:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Date:                                     Date:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 8
<PAGE>

                STATEMENT OF WORK FOR REQUEST FOR SERVICES NO. 1

PHASE I


*****



PHASE II


*****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                     Page 9
<PAGE>



*****




[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                    Page 10
<PAGE>


*****




SCHEDULE AND CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES


*****


FUTURE PHASES


*****



[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    CNP, Inc. o Proprietary and Confidential
                                    Page 11
<PAGE>

PLATFORM LICENSE AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

                                                 CNP, INC.
                                                 1465 Northside Drive, Suite 222
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30318

Agreement Number: _______

Date: __________



This PLATFORM LICENSE AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT ("PLATFORM LICENSE AGREEMENT")
is between CNP, INC. ("CNP") and the undersigned CUSTOMER. This Platform License
Agreement and the Master Agreement establishes the general terms applicable to
Customer's utilization of certain CNP technology components providing
publishing, content and e-commerce solutions (the "LICENSED PLATFORM
COMPONENTS").

                          STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS


1.   Transition Option Date. This Platform License Agreement shall be effective
on the Transition Option Date. For purposes of this Platform License Agreement,
the term "TRANSITION OPTION DATE" shall have the meaning ascribed in the Hosted
Platform License Agreement for the term "Transition Option Date".

2.  Delivery and Acceptance. Within ten (10) days of the Transition Option Date,
CNP shall deliver to Customer the most current version of those CNP Licensed
Platform Components identified in Exhibit A to this Platform License Agreement
(the "Licensed Platform Components"). Customer acknowledges and agrees that
Customer has had an opportunity to review the Licensed Platform Components and
has independently determined that Licensed Platform Components will meet its
requirements. The Licensed Platform Components shall be deemed accepted upon
delivery.

3.  License Grant. Effective as of the Transition Option Date, CNP grants
Customer a limited, nonexclusive, and non-transferable license to use the
Licensed Platform Components only as follows:

     (a)  in executable code form (except as provided in Section 4);

     (b)  the number of copies specified in Exhibit B to this Platform License
          Agreement;

     (c)  on servers owned or controlled by Customer; and

     (d)  for the internal business purposes of Customer as further described in
          the Hosted Platform Agreement.

4.  Source Code Rights. Upon the occurrence of a release condition under an
escrow agreement (if any) between CNP and Customer ("ESCROW AGREEMENT"),
Customer shall have the right to use the source code for the Licensed Platform
Components; provided, however, that such use shall be limited to internal
purposes for correcting defects and creating enhancements for use by Customer in
accordance with this Platform License Agreement, and not for purposes of
licensing, sublicensing, distributing or making available the Licensed Platform
Components, or any enhancements or other derivative works to third parties.

5.  Use Restrictions. Customer may not decompile, reverse compile, or reverse
engineer the Licensed Platform Components. In addition, Customer may not copy
Licensed Platform Components, except for a single back-up copy of the Licensed
Platform Components, without the express written consent of CNP. Customer shall
not permit any third party access to Licensed Platform Components except as
otherwise permitted under the Hosted Platform License Agreement, and may use
Licensed Platform Components only at the facilities of Customer or at facilities
otherwise agreed to in writing by CNP. Customer may not assign, transfer, sell,
license, sublicense or grant any rights to or interest in Licensed Platform
Components to any third party. Customer will comply with all terms and
conditions packaged with or accompanying any third party software (if any)
furnished to Customer under this Platform License Agreement.

6.  Term of Agreement. This Platform License Agreement shall commence on the
Transition Option Date and shall continue for so long as Customer complies with
the terms and conditions herein, including payment of all one-time fees or
recurring license fees, maintenance fees and other fees under this Platform
License Agreement.


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7.   Maintenance.

     a) New Versions. CNP may offer maintenance services for Licensed Platform
Components in its exclusive discretion ("Maintenance"). As part of Maintenance,
CNP may issue modifications to Licensed Platform Components in the form of
updates, enhancements or bug-fixes (the "New Versions"). So long as Customer has
paid the maintenance fees described herein and has not otherwise breached this
Platform License Agreement, CNP shall furnish to Customer any New Versions made
generally available to its customers without payment of additional license fees.
Customer shall be solely responsible for the implementation of and the
compatibility of all New Versions. All of the terms and conditions of this
Platform License Agreement shall apply to such New Versions.

     b) Consulting. CNP may agree to provide software consulting services to
Customer in connection with Licensed Platform Components. All such services
shall be provided under the Professional Services Agreement at CNP's prevailing
rates in accordance with a written statement of work agreed to in advance by the
parties.

8.   Payments to CNP.

     a) License Fees. During the term of this Agreement, Customer shall pay to
CNP, as a monthly license fee for Licensed Platform Components, the amounts set
forth in Exhibit B to this Platform License Agreement. Additional sites or usage
may be added to this Platform License Agreement upon the mutual agreement of the
parties and at the then-current license and maintenance fees of CNP.

     b) Maintenance Fees. Maintenance fees for Licensed Platform Components are
paid monthly in advance. The monthly fee for Maintenance for the first year
following the Transition Option Date is set forth in Exhibit B to this Platform
License Agreement. CNP shall invoice Customer for Maintenance on a monthly basis
for the first year following the Transition Option Date. Thereafter, maintenance
shall renew for an additional one-year term on each anniversary of the
Transition Option Date unless Customer provides at least thirty (30) days notice
of termination prior to such date. Reinstatement of Maintenance following
termination by Customer shall be subject to the exclusive discretion of CNP and
to payment of additional fees as determined by CNP.

9.  Termination Rights. Either party shall have the right to terminate this
Platform License Agreement due to a material breach by the other that is not
cured within thirty (30) days after written notice of such breach.

10. Effect of Termination. Following termination of this Platform License
Agreement for any reason, Customer's right to use Licensed Platform Components
shall terminate, and Customer shall remove any and all copies of Licensed
Platform Components from its computer systems and, together with all associated
documentation, and return them to CNP.

11. Warranties. LICENSED PLATFORM COMPONENTS AND ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS
IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. CNP MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND
WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, TITLE, SECURITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AVAILABILITY,
ACCURACY, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

12. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. CNP SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER
PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, OR
PUNITIVE DAMAGES UNDER THIS PLATFORM LICENSE AGREEMENT (INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO LOST BUSINESS PROFITS AND LOSS, DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION OF DATA)
REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT, INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES IN ADVANCE OR WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES ARE REASONABLY
FORESEEABLE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE LIABILITY OF CNP FOR ANY REASON
AND FOR ANY CAUSE OF ACTION WHATSOEVER SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY
CUSTOMER TO CNP UNDER THIS PLATFORM LICENSE AGREEMENT DURING THE TWELVE (12)
MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY.


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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Platform License
and Maintenance Agreement as of the ____ day of July, 2001.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

ARTISTDIRECT, INC.                        CNP, INC.


By:    /s/ KEITH YOKOMOTO                 By:    /s/ CHRIS MELTON
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Name:  Keith Yokomoto                     Name:
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Title: President                          Title: CEO
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------

Date:  8/14/01                            Date:  8/10/2001
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------



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                                    EXHIBIT A

                          LICENSED PLATFORM COMPONENTS

The "LICENSED PLATFORM COMPONENTS" shall mean those certain components of the
CNP Platform licensed by CNP to Customer under the Hosted License Agreement,
including any Platform Deliverables developed by CNP under the Professional
Services Agreement, but excluding any Third Party Technology.


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                                    EXHIBIT B

                          LICENSE AND MAINTENANCE FEES


1.  Licensed Platform Components License Fee:           $***** per month

2.  License Platform Components Maintenance Fee:        $***** per month

[*]  Confidential information has been omitted and separately filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been
     requested with respect to the omitted portions.


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