Welcome to MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC. This Studio Policies & Service Agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which we offer our professional recording, mixing, and mastering services, and the unique Backstage Pass Program. It serves as a mutual understanding between MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC (“The Studio”), and you, the undersigned artist or entity (“The Artist”), ensuring a transparent, productive, and positive experience for all involved. By engaging with The Studio, The Artist agrees to adhere to these policies, which are designed to facilitate a smooth workflow, respect the studio’s operational needs, and foster creative excellence. This agreement highlights our commitment to providing exceptional service to you, The Artist, while outlining the expectations and responsibilities of both parties to guarantee a successful partnership.
The Studio offers professional recording, mixing, and mastering services. In addition, The Studio provides a Backstage Pass Program designed to assist The Artist in navigating the business side of the music industry post-recording.
1.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are defined as follows:
This section aims to clarify the terminology used throughout this Agreement to ensure both The Studio and The Artist have a mutual understanding of the terms and conditions laid out herein.
1.2 Services Provided
Recording: The Studio offers professional recording services in a controlled studio environment, utilizing high-quality equipment and sound engineering practices to capture your performance with clarity and precision.
Mixing: Our mixing services involve carefully balancing and blending individual tracks within a recording to create a cohesive and polished final product. The Studio employs advanced mixing techniques and software to achieve the desired sonic quality.
Mastering: Mastering is the final step in the music production process, preparing the mixed audio for distribution. The Studio provides mastering services that enhance the overall sound, ensure consistency across tracks, and meet industry-standard loudness levels for various formats.
For projects involving the Backstage Pass Program or requiring specific customizations, additional terms and conditions may apply as detailed in separate governing documents provided to The Artist.
1.3 Backstage Pass Program Governance
The Backstage Pass Program, as described in Section 1, is subject to its own set of terms and conditions, which are detailed in a separate governing document. Participation in the Backstage Pass Program requires acceptance of these additional terms, which are designed to ensure a clear understanding of the program’s benefits, requirements, and any specific obligations of The Artist and The Studio related to these services. Artists interested in the Backstage Pass Program will be provided with the relevant governing document for review and acceptance prior to the commencement of services under the program.
2.1 Booking Sessions
Sessions at MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC can be booked online via our scheduling portal at https://booknow.moonmutt.rocks. Booking is available from 3 months up to 5 days in advance, providing flexibility to accommodate your planning needs.
2.2 Rescheduling Policy
Rescheduling is facilitated online through the scheduling portal, in line with studio policies. Should you need to reschedule within 72 hours of your booked session, a $45 rescheduling fee will apply. This fee will be added to the invoice for your first project (mixing and/or mastering) following the reschedule, to the next session booking, or issued as a separate invoice if no mix/mastering job or additional booking is pursued thereafter. The rescheduling fee must be paid before any further sessions or services will be booked and/or secured. Clients are allowed to reschedule a session a maximum of two additional times, subject to the same conditions regarding the rescheduling fee and notice period.
2.3 Cancellation and Refunds
If a session is canceled more than 72 hours in advance, all monies paid, including the deposit, will be returned. For cancellations made within 72 hours of the session date, any monies in excess of the 50% deposit will be returned. In instances of a “no-show,” where the client fails to appear without prior notice, all payments made will be forfeited. Refunds will be processed as swiftly as possible.
2.4 Deposit Requirement
To secure a session, a deposit of 50% of the total booking cost is required. This deposit is necessary to reaffirm the commitment to the scheduled session from both parties.
2.5 Studio’s Right to Cancel or Reschedule
Should unforeseen circumstances necessitate a session’s cancellation or rescheduling on my part, clients will be promptly informed and given the option to either reschedule, without it affecting their ability to reschedule in the future, or receive a full refund, including the deposit.
This section has been streamlined into Section 2 to avoid duplication and ensure clarity regarding booking, cancellations, rescheduling, and financial obligations related to securing studio sessions.
3.1 Final Payment
The balance of the session fee, after accounting for the deposit and any additional monies paid, is due no later than 9 PM the day before the scheduled session. This ensures all financial obligations are settled in advance, allowing the session to proceed smoothly without administrative interruptions. Failure to complete payment by this deadline may result in the cancellation of the session, subject to the cancellation and refund policies outlined in Section 2.3.
4.1 Studio Access and Guest Policy
Each solo artist is welcome to bring up to 2 guests, while bands or groups of musicians may bring up to 3 guests in total, to their session at MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC. Should you wish to have additional guests present, arrangements must be agreed upon in advance of your session. This policy ensures a comfortable and controlled environment conducive to creativity and productivity.
4.2 Smoking and Vaping Policy
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the studio, especially near the equipment, to ensure the safety and longevity of the studio gear and a healthy environment for all present. A designated cigarette receptacle is available outside the studio for those who wish to smoke.
4.3 Alcohol Policy
Alcohol consumption is permitted for individuals of legal drinking age. However, all guests are expected to maintain professional behavior at all times. The studio atmosphere should remain conducive to creativity and productivity. I reserve the right to ask any individual to leave the premises if their behavior becomes unprofessional or disruptive. Please be advised, no refunds will be provided in such instances.
4.4 Right to Terminate Session
I reserve the right to terminate a session and ask people to leave at any point if the rules outlined above are not adhered to, or if behavior negatively impacts the session, other clients, or the studio’s working environment. It is within my discretion to determine what constitutes disruptive or unprofessional behavior, with the safety and well-being of all studio users as a priority.
4.5 Arrival and Access to the Studio
MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC is situated on my personal property, which includes gated access for security and the presence of livestock and other animals. To ensure the safety of all parties and minimize disruptions to both studio and personal activities, artists and their guests are asked to arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled session time.
4.6 Notification of Arrival
Artists are required to call or text upon their estimated arrival of 5-10 minutes away, allowing me to ensure the gate is open for their entry. This communication is crucial for a smooth start to your session, respecting both the studio schedule and the operational needs of the property.
4.7 Equipment Setup and Session Preparedness
Understanding the need for certain setups, such as drums, amplifiers, or other large instruments, which may require additional time, I am open to making arrangements for artists to come by on available days prior to their booking for setup. This ensures that instruments are ready and sessions can commence tracking as soon as possible after the scheduled start time. Any concerns over setup time cutting into the booked session should be communicated as early as possible, allowing us to make the necessary arrangements.
By adhering to these guidelines, we can guarantee a seamless and productive session for all parties involved, maintaining the integrity of the studio environment and respecting the unique nature of the studio’s location.
Upon payment in full, The Artist retains all rights to the recorded music, including masters, unless otherwise negotiated. The Studio may request permission to use a portion of the work for promotional purposes.
The Studio will provide The Artist with the final mixed and mastered tracks in [specify format(s)] within [number] days after the final session or upon receipt of final payment. Additional services, including those offered through the Backstage Pass Program, will be governed by separate agreements.
The Studio shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or related to this agreement.
Any modifications to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Mexico.
10.1 Permission for Use
By signing below or checking the appropriate box, The Artist or their representative (hereinafter referred to as “The Artist”) grants or denies MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC (“The Studio”) the permission to use The Artist’s likeness and any music produced, recorded, mixed, or mastered at The Studio (hereafter referred to as “the Material”) for promotional purposes in any media format deemed necessary by The Studio.
10.2 Scope of Use
If permission is granted, it includes, but is not limited to, using the Material on The Studio’s website, social media platforms, advertisements, and promotional materials.
10.3 Non-Monetary Use
The Studio agrees that its use of the Material for promotional purposes will not directly generate any monetary royalties or profits from the Material itself. However, such promotional activities are intended to showcase The Studio’s capabilities and contribute to its marketing efforts.
10.4 Editing Rights
If permission is granted, The Studio is allowed to edit the finished music, whether in length, arrangement or otherwise, for its promotional needs as it sees fit, provided that such edits respect the original artistic integrity of the work.
10.5 Revocation of Permission
The Artist retains the right to revoke this permission upon written notice to The Studio, provided that such revocation will not affect any promotional materials already created or distributed prior to the notice of revocation.
Consent Option:
Artist or Representative Initials: __________
11.1 Artist’s Responsibility
The Artist hereby acknowledges and agrees that they are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining any necessary permissions, licenses, or rights for any third-party materials, including but not limited to instrumental backing tracks, samples, and other copyrighted materials, used in the recording sessions at MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC (“The Studio”). The Artist affirms that such materials are either owned by the Artist or that the Artist has secured all necessary legal rights for their use.
11.2 Indemnification
The Artist agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Studio, its owners, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, expenses, and fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or in connection with the use of any third-party materials brought into the studio by the Artist or used in the Artist’s projects. This indemnification includes, but is not limited to, any claims related to copyright infringement or other intellectual property rights violations.
11.3 Studio’s Liability
The Studio shall not be held liable for any wrongdoing, legal issues, or any other troubles arising from the Artist’s use of third-party materials. The responsibility for ensuring that all such materials are used in compliance with applicable laws and licensing agreements lies entirely with the Artist.
11.4 Acknowledgment of Agreement
By signing below, The Artist acknowledges they have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined in this section, assuming full responsibility for the use of third-party materials in their recording project(s).
Artist or Representative Initials: __________
12.1 Requirement for Documentation
The Artist, when requesting MOON MUTT Recording Studio LLC (“The Studio”) to upload their music to DistroKid or any other third-party distributor as offered through the Backstage Pass Program or any other service provided by The Studio, agrees to supply The Studio with copies of all legally secured licenses for any part of the composition for which they do not hold 100% ownership.
12.2 Verification of Permissions
The Artist is required to provide documentation proving their permission to use the licensed material, including any limitations or restrictions stated in such licenses. The Studio is not obligated to proceed with uploading the material in question to any distribution platform until such documents are sufficiently supplied and verified.
12.3 Distribution Deadlines and Timeliness
The Artist acknowledges that any planned distribution date is contingent upon the timely receipt of the necessary licensing documentation. If the licenses are not supplied in time to meet the planned distribution date, resulting in a delay that causes the date to pass, the responsibility for such a delay lies solely with The Artist and not The Studio.
12.4 Third-Party Limitations
The Artist understands that The Studio’s capability to distribute music is subject to the procedures, policies, and standard operating guidelines of the third-party distribution services in place at the time of uploading. The Studio has no control over changes to these third-party procedures or policies, nor can it influence the operational guidelines and decisions made by these distribution services.
12.5 Responsibility for License Limitations
The Artist is solely responsible for adhering to any limitations or restrictions outlined in the licenses of third-party materials used in their compositions. It is the responsibility of The Artist, not The Studio, to monitor these limitations and ensure compliance with them.
12.6 Indemnification
The Artist agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Studio, its owners, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, expenses, and fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of the failure to obtain or adhere to the necessary licenses for third-party materials included in their compositions intended for distribution.
12.7 Acknowledgment of Agreement
By signing below, The Artist acknowledges they have read, understand, and agree to the terms outlined in this section, assuming full responsibility for the timely submission of necessary licenses, the consequences of any delays, and the limitations imposed by third-party distribution services.
Does your track need a touch of pitch correction? Maybe you’re looking for the “auto-tune” effect. Or, maybe the timing needs a little tightening up, and recording again just isn’t an option. No matter the circumstances, the studio can help! Contact MOON MUTT Recording Studio to discuss your needs and what you can expect.
No mom would serve up Thanksgiving pumpkin pie without whip cream, and no recording is quite ready to be served to the fans without mastering. Now that we’ve got your tracks laid down and every instrument has the attention it deserves, it’s time to make that music taste sweet by giving it the punch, width, clarity, and volume to compete with other commercially available tracks.
After we’ve finished capturing your vibe though, rest assured that MOON MUTT is also operated by a fellow lifelong musician who actually is invested in helping you! I can offer tasteful input when asked, assist with a riff or vocal harmony when needed, or simply sit back and feel blessed to share a love for the sonic picture you, the artist, are painting.
I have enjoyed the opportunity and privilege of helping (and learning from) talent to get their music from the “idea stage” to the masses, and have over 40 years of combined schooling and practical experience, not only as an engineer but as a working musician (and music lover and enthusiast).
So, I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, which is why I want so badly to help you!
Equipment is only a part of the picture. The utmost care is given to the artist & their vision before recording even begins, and incredible attention is given to capturing the best recordings possible before any mixing or editing is done (since getting a great recording, in the beginning, can lead to a stellar track in the end, after all).
After we’ve finished capturing your vibe though, rest assured that MOON MUTT is also operated by a fellow lifelong musician who actually is invested in helping you! I can offer tasteful input when asked, assist with a riff or vocal harmony when needed, or simply sit back and feel blessed to share a love for the sonic picture you, the artist, are painting.
I have enjoyed the opportunity and privilege of helping (and learning from) talent to get their music from the “idea stage” to the masses, and have over 40 years of combined schooling and practical experience, not only as an engineer but as a working musician (and music lover and enthusiast).
So, I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, which is why I want so badly to help you!
MOON MUTT is a custom-built, beautiful & budget-minded recording studio located in the country just south of Roswell, New Mexico. It is available for live recording & multi-tracking, mixing & mastering services both in-house & through online collaboration.
An all-wood dedicated tracking room promotes an intimate session between you and your music, while acoustic treatments help to capture the life and spirit of your recording. Proven techniques used in conjunction with the same tried and tested professional microphones used by artists from Snoop Dogg to Miscke Butler, tube pre-amps, and other analog equipment and interfaces begin the signal chain whether you prefer a “live” or multi-tracked recording format.
From there, all tracks are recorded using the widely accepted industry standard bit depths and sampling rates through quality A/D/A converters allowing for clean, well represented sonic reproductions within the dynamic audio spectrum.
MOON MUTT – #yourmusicepic
By the time all of this is said and done, we will have gotten to know each other pretty well. We'd say that entitles you to a "family rate"! (And if you like this, just wait 'til the family reunion three-legged race!)
Get 15% off of any studio service for life!
That's off of every single invoice. Even if we're running a special!
Rack up those savings! For life!
These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 500-word pro bio.
Your vital statistics, what town you're reppin’, and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 500-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.
Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.
– Your first release is included**
– $50 credit/year for life
– $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream
You've poured your heart and soul into your music. Don't drop the ball now by just throwing it 'out there' with the hope that someone will listen! (Just dropped a new track! Take a listen! Hello? Anyone out there?)
Hopefully, you started getting all your ducks in a row when you entered the studio, but if you didn't there's still hope! We know you're stoked to drop your track, but just pump the brakes a little and exercise some discipline. You want to generate some hype and get your fans salivating for your release before you make it public.
This Upgraded Plan will equip you with a set of enhanced tools you need to execute a solid release and post-release strategy. Customizable social-buzz templates, content ideas, and even a calendar outline and release checklist to make sure you're all set to unleash your music beast with maximum impact.
You're able to post your events online, and now you've got the ability to sell tickets, too! Know exactly how many fans to expect, get attendees to fill out forms and learn more about your fans, and even set up tiered tickets!
The average ticket commerce system takes a 15% cut of the face value of your ticket price. So, imagine selling 100 tickets a month at $10 a pop. If you're part of a 5 piece band, that's each of you bringing 10 paying fans to two shows a month. Easy! (Thanks for coming Mom and Dad, and for bringing the dogs!)
Selling the tickets yourself puts an extra $1800 a year in your pockets! That ain't chump change.
Your music is killer, but your eye for fashion is even killer-ee-er. (It's a word. Look it up. Please, don't.)
And one of the cool things about good-looking merch? Even non-fans will sport it if it looks hot! Now you've got fans and not-yet fans as walking supporters of your brand. That gets attention. And that's worth way more than the cost of a shirt.
This isn't your grandad's slideshow presentation. (Not you, pops! I really enjoyed your 76-slide presentation of how your liver spots have progressed.)
Set up a live stream for your fans! Plus, you can sell seats or even put your live feed behind a password-protected wall, available only for your special fan club. Take advantage of reaching your fans even when you're not in their city.
By the time all of this is said and done, we will have gotten to know each other pretty well. We'd say that entitles you to a little "hook up"! (Just please don't ask us to help you move. Ok, maybe just once. We'll see.)
Get 10% off of any studio service for 3 whole years!
That's off of every single invoice. Even if we're running a special!
Rack up those savings!
These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 300-word pro bio.
Your vital statistics, the town you're reppin’, and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 300-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.
Your music isn't just up against other music. It's up against everything else out there! News, DM's...you name it. Everyone and everything is vying for the attention of your fans and potentially stealing their time away from you and your craft. Cut down the noise at least a little by embedding your social feed on your site!
Your fans can now listen, download, or even shop, all while still checking out your live IG feed.
Hey...every minute spent with your music is another opportunity for someone to get it stuck in their head. (Which is a welcomed thing, as opposed to this infernal CD that is skipping in my mind!)
You've poured your heart and soul into your music. Don't drop the ball now by just throwing it 'out there' with hope that someone will listen! (Just dropped a new track! Take a listen! Hello? Anyone out there?)
Hopefully, you started getting all your ducks in a row when you entered the studio, but if you didn't there's still hope! We know you're stoked to drop your track, but just pump the brakes a little and exercise some discipline. You want to generate some hype and get your fans salivating for your release before you make it public.
This Basic Plan will equip you with at least the minimum tools you need to execute a solid release strategy. Customizable social-buzz templates, content ideas, and even a calendar outline and release checklist to make sure you're all set to unleash your music beast with maximum impact.
Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.
– Your first release is included**
– $25 credit/year/3 years
– $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream
You've got your fans craving your TikTok content. (All that dance MTV really paid off!) What about your long-form content? Add your super-rich video content to your YouTube channel so it can also be streamed from your website.
Again, all so you can keep your fans focused on the greatest thing you have to offer them; you!
Plus, by adding a custom subscribe button near your award-winning video, you can focus on driving fans to your site, and your CTA's (call-to-action) like your email opt-in form, without having to sacrifice potential subscribers to your YT channel!
Standard Version: Add your entire channel to your website so your videos aren't just front and center, they're the whole enchilada! This way your fans can watch your video content, add streaming views to your channel, and see what else you, and only you, have to offer.
Facebook event is a great place to mention what you've got going on. That is, so long as your fans, both current and potential, see it in time! (I missed The Ramones' farewell show, again?!)
Make sure everyone knows what you're up to by adding your events to your very own calendar on your site! You get a front-end login to add all the important details, like date, time, and location, and can add other fun stuff, too! Like who else is going to be there, vendors on site, etc. You also get to showcase your killer flyer artwork AND visitors can add it to their own calendar straight from the site!
We know, we know...we bring up the lopsided truth of streaming royalties a lot! But seriously, do you know how many streams it takes to make a buck?! (It's just under 144 streams. Somebody, please, make that make sense to me!)
You put in the hard work. You put in the hours honing your craft. You put in the blood, sweat, and tears. Why should "they" reap all the rewards??
Sell downloads to your fans and see why streaming only is the worst way to go. (Hack: you could even make that B-side recording available only by downloading on your site <wink>)
Your fans already have their phones at your shows. They carry them while they walk downtown. Making sure you’ve got your phone is the same now as making sure you’ve got your ID on you. Leverage that fact!
Use your QR code to give fans a quick and easy way to get where you need them to go. Your socials. Your email. Your downloads. Wherever! With this bundle, you even have the chance to direct social traffic with your own link-in-bio tool. It’s so much more than just a link. It’s a feature-packed custom landing page, too!
Use your very own QR account and log in to create unlimited static or dynamic QR codes that can point anywhere you desire. We will also help you set up your own branded link-in-bio page and send you regular analytics to see which clicks and views are coming from where so you can tailor your efforts to where they’re making the biggest impact!
It’s under the hood stuff, but without an engine, your ride will go nowhere. Let’s make sure when fans search for you on the web, you don’t get buried under the rest.
Google analytics is constantly changing and so is what “it” deems qualifies as a website worthy of popping up when someone does a search. Your website will be built with all the boxes checked to give you the best chance of ranking high on the search results.
Even if you don’t know what “SSL” stands for, you’ve seen it. It’s the little padlock up next to the web address that lets everyone know your site is safe to transmit info. One little icon makes all the difference.
We will handle setting up and installing your SSL certificate so that the web, and more importantly your visitors, know that your site is safe and secure. (Isn’t that cozy?!)
There are a ton of places to host your site. Saying they’re all the same is like saying any economy car is like a Benz. We host on reliable and fast servers. And, we do the heavy lifting of setting it all up.
The painstaking and tedious task of finding reliable servers has already been done. You’ll have plenty of storage and plenty of power to run your website, and it’ll be with servers that utilize the latest technology and are here to stay.
The web was born for the full-screen experience. But, let’s face it. Too many people miss out because they use their cells. No worries! Now you can include them, too.
How infuriating is it to try and navigate a website that was obviously not meant to be seen on a smaller screen, right?! Get a website design that dynamically adjusts to the size of the screen the user is…using.
Your music isn’t a “one and done” sorta thing. You’ve got more hits coming. When you’re ready to release, your website is ready to host.
– Your first release is included**
– $2.50/track thereafter to upload, store, and stream
These days, authenticity is where it’s at. Let’em know you’re a real person with your stats and put your professional foot forward for the industry with a 100-word pro bio.
Your vital statistics, like what town you're reppin', and other basic demographic info will be easily seen. A 100-word biography will also be written by a professional, published author. You’ll have exactly what is needed when you start to push your press kit to DJs, bloggers, or anyone else who needs the info for their audience.
Collect your fans’ emails. Send out blasts with “need to know” info. The point? Your fans are your fans. The platforms can’t take’em away.
Create a powerful custom form that integrates with your very own email management service account. Collect emails and have the ability to send out campaigns, notices, and automatic replies, or get creative and send out things like contest notices. You name it! And, keep your brand on your fans’ minds. Keep the keys to your fans in your pocket…not the pockets of big socials’.
Share important music news, or chronicle your road trip, backstage antics, or even what “they” wore on stage, if that’s your bag! (Dear Diary…)
Get your own login and access to your site’s blog and say or promote anything you think is valuable. That sort of thing keeps’em coming back!
You've got your fans craving your TikTok content. (All that dance MTV really paid off!) What about your long-form content? Add your super-rich video content to your YouTube channel so it can also be streamed from your website.
Again, all so you can keep your fans focused on the greatest thing you have to offer them; you!
Plus, by adding a custom subscribe button near your award-winning video, you can focus on driving fans to your site, and your CTA's (call-to-action) like your email opt-in form, without having to sacrifice potential subscribers to your YT channel!
Basic Version: Features the video of your choice. Suggests other videos when yours is finished playing.
This is why you’re here! Instead of letting your fans get distracted by other music, ads, and who knows what else, send’em here to keep their eyes (and ears) focused on you. Plus, a website shows you’re a pro to be taken seriously.
Your music will be hosted and playable on a widget that is designed with your brand in mind. Your colors. Your style. Your sound. And it’s all yours. You’re the opener and the headliner. No distractions. Plus, when you give industry people the link, they’ll see your custom professional website. Not you and a ton of other artists on Soundcloud.
