TLDR Onboarding Guide

A detailed brief is the foundation of a great project. Please prepare the following to help us get inside your head.

• Your Demo: Provide a link (Google Drive, Dropbox) to your demo as an MP3 or MIDI file, or a private URL (SoundCloud, YouTube).
• Project Scope: Note the number of tracks and their estimated duration.
• Reference Tracks (2-3): Links to music that captures the desired mood.
• Project Goal: The primary use case (Spotify, film, ad campaign).
• Core Vibe: Select 3-5 keywords (Epic, Intimate, Energetic, Lo-fi, etc.).
• Instrumentation: Note your preferred instruments (Drums, Bass, Guitars, Piano, Strings, Synths, etc.).

💡 Need more detail? Check out the full guide for demo format recommendations, pro tips, and visual examples.

These questions will help us define our roles and set clear expectations for a smooth, creative partnership.

• Source Materials: "Do you have a library of sounds, or should I provide my own?"
• Collaboration Style: "Will I work directly with the producer, or is the process more independent?"
• Deliverables - Dry vs. Wet: "Will I receive a 'wet' master or 'dry' stems for my own engineer?"
• Final Files: "What other versions are included (e.g., instrumentals, cue sheets)?"

💡 Want the full picture? The complete guide includes detailed explanations of each deliverable type.

This is the most important—and often misunderstood—part of a music deal. Understanding it ensures you get exactly what you need for your budget.

• Define Your Use Case: Commercial Release, Synchronization, or Work-For-Hire.
• Exclusivity: Do you need an Exclusive or Non-Exclusive license?
• Term: How long do you need the rights for (1 year, in perpetuity, etc.)?

💡 Legal questions? The full guide includes detailed licensing examples and legal considerations.

This section ensures our business relationship is as clear and professional as our creative one.

• Payment Structure: 25% non-refundable downpayment to book your project, 25% when project starts, 50% upon approval before final delivery.
• Cancellation: The downpayment is retained as a breakup fee. Nelworks retains all rights to created work.
• Payment Methods: Stripe, PayPal, or Bank/Wire Transfer.
• Project Dormancy: After 30 days of non-payment or non-communication, the project is dormant. After 14 more days, the contract terminates and rights revert to Nelworks.
• Jump-Start Fee: Resuming a dormant project requires a 25% jump-start fee.

💡 Need details? The full guide includes comprehensive payment policies and dormancy procedures.

We follow a structured, iterative process. Your timely and specific feedback is essential.

• Week 1 (The Sketch): You'll receive a 60-90 second sketch to approve the core idea.
• Weeks 2-3 (The Arrangement): We build the full track. This is the last chance for major structural changes.
• Final Delivery & Revisions: You receive the final mix and have 7 days for up to two rounds of revisions.
• Project Closure: The contract closes upon approval, exhaustion of revisions, or expiration of the 7-day window.

💡 Want the full timeline? The complete guide includes detailed milestone descriptions and feedback guidelines.