Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Mainstay Connect ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2. Account Registration

You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

3. Music Distribution

Content Ownership

You retain full ownership of all music, artwork, and content you upload. By using our distribution services, you grant Mainstay Connect a non-exclusive license to distribute your content to digital service providers (DSPs) on your behalf.

Content Requirements

You represent and warrant that you own or have the necessary rights to all content you submit for distribution, including master recordings, compositions, artwork, and metadata. You must not upload content that infringes on any third party's intellectual property rights.

Distribution Timeline

While we strive for prompt delivery, distribution timelines depend on DSP processing. We are not responsible for delays caused by DSP review processes or technical issues on their end.

4. Revenue & Payments

Revenue Splits

Revenue splits are defined in your individual distribution agreement. All earnings are reported in your dashboard and paid according to your agreed payout schedule.

Recoupment

If you have received an advance or have recoupable expenses, your earnings will be applied toward recoupment as defined in your deal terms before payout.

Payout Terms

Payments are processed via Stripe Connect. You are responsible for providing accurate payout information and for any taxes owed on your earnings.

5. Collaborator Splits

You may configure payment splits with collaborators (producers, featured artists, songwriters). Once confirmed by all parties, splits are binding and automatically applied to earnings. You are responsible for the accuracy of collaborator information and split percentages.

6. AI Assistant

The Platform includes an AI-powered assistant for career insights and recommendations. AI suggestions are informational only and should not be considered professional legal, financial, or business advice. You are solely responsible for decisions made based on AI recommendations.

7. Prohibited Conduct

• Uploading content you do not have rights to distribute
• Artificially inflating streaming numbers or engagement
• Creating multiple accounts to circumvent platform rules
• Attempting to reverse-engineer or exploit the Platform
• Violating any applicable laws or third-party rights

8. Termination

Either party may terminate the account relationship with written notice. Upon termination, we will initiate takedown of your distributed content from DSPs. Any outstanding earnings will be paid according to the standard payout schedule. Recoupable balances remain the artist's responsibility.

9. Limitation of Liability

Mainstay Connect is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees you have paid in the preceding twelve months.

10. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or platform notification. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

11. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at legal@mainstayconnect.com.