These terms set out the working agreement between Deep Audio Level Studio and a client who commissions music. They apply from the moment a project is confirmed and continue for as long as the delivered work is in use. Read them alongside the rights summary issued with your commission; the summary states the specifics and these terms provide the wider framework.
Forming a commission
A commission begins when a client accepts a written quote and the studio confirms a start date. The quote describes the scope of the work — the option chosen, the intended length, whether a vocal is included, and the deadline. Anything not named in the quote falls outside it, and work that grows beyond the quote is agreed in writing before it continues.
What the studio provides
The studio agrees to write, arrange and record the commissioned piece to the agreed brief, to share work in stages as described on the process page, and to deliver the finished files by the agreed date. Where a session vocalist or player is part of the commission, the studio is responsible for engaging them and for the arrangement between the studio and that contributor.
What the client provides
The client agrees to give a clear brief, to respond to the stage shares within a reasonable period, and to supply any reference material, lyrics or personal details the project needs. The client also confirms that any material they send is theirs to send and does not infringe anyone else's rights. Delays caused by late responses move the delivery date accordingly.
Revision and acceptance
The studio includes revision rounds as set out in the quote. A commission is treated as accepted when the client confirms the final delivery or does not raise an objection within a reasonable period after receiving it. After acceptance, further changes are treated as a new piece of work and quoted separately.
Payment
Commissions are reserved with a deposit and settled on delivery, as described in the quote and in the refund policy. Work is scheduled on receipt of the deposit. The studio does not begin writing before the deposit is in place, and the client does not owe the balance before the final files are delivered.
Rights
The rights granted with a commission are set out in the written summary issued with it, and the licensing and ownership page explains the options in plain terms. The studio retains authorship unless the summary states that a full transfer has been made. Nothing in these terms widens the licence beyond what the summary records.
Confidentiality
Personal details shared in a brief are treated as confidential and are not published or passed to third parties. Where a song uses personal names or private details, they are used only within the commissioned work and only with the client's agreement.
Limits of liability
The studio is responsible for producing the commissioned work to the agreed brief. The studio is not responsible for how a client chooses to use the delivered song, for the outcome of that use, or for any claim arising from material the client supplied. Where a fault is ours, our remedy is to correct or remake the affected work.
Ending a commission
Either side may end a commission before it is finished. What happens to payments in that case is described in the refund policy. Where a commission ends, the rights summary issued with it determines what the client may continue to use.
Governing terms and contact
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Questions about them can be sent to [email protected] or posted to Deep Audio Level Studio, 2201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 12, Santa Monica, CA 90405.