Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Sotatu recording studio. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our recording studio services and facilities. By booking or using our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing our studio facilities, booking recording sessions, or utilizing any of our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Booking and Reservations

2.1 Session Booking

All recording sessions must be booked in advance through our official booking channels. Bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit or full payment, depending on the session type and duration.

2.2 Deposit Requirements

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total session cost is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance must be paid before or on the day of the session. Failure to pay the balance may result in cancellation of your session without refund of the deposit.

2.3 Cancellation Policy

• More than 72 hours notice: Full refund minus the deposit
• 48-72 hours notice: 50% refund of paid amount
• Less than 48 hours notice: No refund
• No-show: Full payment forfeited

3. Studio Usage and Conduct

3.1 Punctuality

Sessions begin at the scheduled time. Late arrivals will not receive additional time, and the full session fee will still apply. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up and prepare.

3.2 Equipment Handling

All studio equipment is professional-grade and must be handled with care. Clients are responsible for any damage caused to equipment during their session. Our engineer will operate all technical equipment unless otherwise agreed upon.

3.3 Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited on studio premises:

• Smoking, vaping, or use of illegal substances
• Consumption of alcohol without prior written permission
• Disruptive or aggressive behavior
• Unauthorized recording or photography of the studio
• Exceeding the maximum occupancy limits

4. Intellectual Property Rights

4.1 Client Ownership

You retain all intellectual property rights to your original musical compositions and recordings created during your session. Sotatu claims no ownership over your creative work.

4.2 Studio Portfolio

We reserve the right to use brief excerpts (up to 30 seconds) of recordings for promotional purposes, including our website, social media, and marketing materials, unless you explicitly opt out in writing.

4.3 Engineer Credits

Our studio and engineers request credit on any commercial releases recorded at our facility. Credit format will be agreed upon during your session.

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Accepted Payment Methods

We accept payment via bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and cash. All prices are quoted in GBP and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.

5.2 Additional Charges

Sessions exceeding the booked time will be charged at our standard hourly rate, calculated in 30-minute increments. Additional services such as mixing, mastering, or musician hire will be charged separately as agreed.

5.3 Late Payment

Unpaid invoices become subject to a late payment fee of 5% per month after 30 days. We reserve the right to withhold final recordings until full payment is received.

6. Liability and Insurance

6.1 Studio Liability

While we maintain comprehensive insurance and take every precaution to protect your equipment and personal belongings, Sotatu is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal property brought onto the premises.

6.2 Client Responsibility

Clients are responsible for ensuring their own equipment is insured and in good working condition. We recommend maintaining your own insurance coverage for valuable instruments and equipment.

6.3 Data Backup

We maintain regular backups of all session files for 90 days. However, clients are strongly encouraged to maintain their own backups. Sotatu is not liable for data loss due to technical failure, though we will make every reasonable effort to recover lost data.

7. Force Majeure

Sotatu shall not be held liable for failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, power outages, equipment failure, pandemics, or government restrictions. In such cases, we will work with you to reschedule your session or provide a full refund.

8. Privacy and Confidentiality

We respect your privacy and maintain strict confidentiality regarding your projects. Session details, recordings, and personal information will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law.

9. Modifications to Terms

Sotatu reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services after modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

10. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

11. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.