Membership

Canonical reference synthesized 2026-05-06 from 109 source docs in ~/trc-drive-exec/Membership Management/. Newer supersede older. All dollar figures are exact from source documents.

Overview

The Recording Club (Tiny Room Studios LLC) is a members-only creative community at 1660 9th Street, Santa Monica, CA. Membership provides access to premium recording studios, social and wellness spaces, and exclusive events. The club runs a tiered credit model: members pay a monthly fee and receive studio credits each month that can be applied to room bookings.

Core philosophy: membership is curated — all prospective members must apply and be approved. The club is selective on values fit, creative background, and community contribution.

Sources: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17), FAQs.docx (2025-01-02)

Membership Tiers

Standard (Individual) Tiers

Sources: Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17), Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), TRC Platinum Membership Guidelines.docx (2026-04-02), FAQs.docx (2025-01-02)

Corporate / Label Tiers

Additional $10/guest fee above included seats. 24/7 access is non-transferable — registrants must send name + photo of ID before each after-hours session. Reset fee of $100+ if studio not reset properly after hours.

Source: Corporate Memberships at The Recording Club.docx (2026-02-09)

Label Tiers (separate brochure)

Source: Label Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-08)

Founding Corporate Membership (Yearly)

• Cost: $50,000/year
• Yearly Studio Credit: $100,000
• 24-hour access
• Up to 4 people with club access

Source: Founding Corporate Membership at The Recording Club - Yearly Subscription.docx (2026-04-03)

Special / Non-Standard Arrangements (from CRM)

• Premium Membership: Herman Jackson — $980/month, capped at $8,820 in credits. Member CRM & Credit Tracking (April 13 update).xlsx (2026-04-15)
• Sean2 Miles (Wynn Records) — "Premium" special deal: Credits were at Platinum level (5, 400/month)contingentonon − timepayment.IfpaymentmissedbyEODthe1st, revertstostandardPremium(8,100 credit limit). Membership ended 2025-05-13. Member CRM (2026-04-15)
• Lifetime Member (Base): Robert Crandell. Member CRM (2026-04-15)
• Honorary Members: Herbie Hancock, Gustavo Dudamel, Jon Batiste, Robert Glasper, Christian Scott — "DO NOT INCLUDE IN EMAIL BLASTS." Member CRM (2026-04-15)

Membership Application & Onboarding

Application Process

1. Applications submitted via Typeform. Automatic confirmation email sent on submission.
2. Within 1 business day: team pulls data from Typeform into spreadsheet, sends email alert to team.
3. Within 3 business days: Qualitative review by Greg (and team as needed).

Evaluation criteria:

• Passion & values fit with TRC mission
• Musical/creative skills and instruments
• Career trajectory and commitment to creativity
• Inspirations and aspirations
• Additional skills (production, management, technical)
• What they want to gain from membership
• References from existing members or notable artists
• Unique contributions to the community

Outcomes:

• Approved → proceed to acceptance
• Interview → Greg conducts interview to clarify needs and community fit; final decision post-interview
• Deferred/Waitlisted → not right fit currently, or space limited
• Rejected → polite rejection email sent

4. Acceptance email sent via Mailchimp.

Source: Membership Approval Process.docx (2025-05-25)

Onboarding Steps (Pre-Portal Era / Standard)

1. Member signs up via Stripe link (or directed to app.therecording.club → "Join" for new portal)
2. Transaction verified in Stripe
3. Member information added to Member CRM spreadsheet
4. Member added as contact in Mailchimp
5. "Member Welcome Email" campaign created and sent in Mailchimp
6. Member added to WhatsApp group
7. Greg notified of CRM addition, WhatsApp add, and welcome email send
8. Welcome text sent from original point of contact; Studio Manager, Concierge, and Chief Membership Officer all on initial thread
9. WhatsApp purpose explained: community-building, collaboration at the studio — no promotion of outside activities without management pre-approval
10. Invitee/staff introduces new member to WhatsApp group
11. Membership card created and given on first visit to studio
12. Waiver signed on first visit to studio
13. Credits are prorated automatically if starting mid-month

April 2026 update: New member onboarding directs user to app.therecording.club → "Join." Credits prorated automatically.

Sources: Member Onboarding Process.docx (2025-06-19), Membership Onboarding Process (April 2026).docx (2026-04-15)

Follow-Up for Incomplete Sign-Ups

Template email from Jacob Dennis (Membership Director) to prospects who started but didn't complete sign-up. Offers: quick call tomorrow or Friday, or private tour. Contact: (831) 915-4395.

Source: Follow Up Emails: Incomplete Membership Sign-Up.docx (2025-09-25)

Member Booking & Studio Credits

Credit Rules

• Credits are issued monthly at the start of each billing cycle
• Rollover: Unused credits roll over for up to 3 months; the cap equals 3 months of credits (e.g., $4,050 for Club, $16,200 for Platinum)
• Credits apply only to studio rental costs — not to engineer fees, guest fees, event fees, setup fees, equipment relocations, or supplemental services
• Credits cannot be advanced from a future month
• Additional credits can be purchased at 2x value: $1 spent = $2 in studio credits (i.e., half the retail cost)
• First and last month fees are prorated based on date of admission
• Proration formula used: daily rate × remaining days in month

Sources: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17)

Studio Room Rates (Member Credit Rates)

Sources: Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17), Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Supplemental / Engineering Rates

An engineer is required when using studio equipment unless the member brings a qualified external engineer. For outside engineers: must be approved in advance; if first time in the space, member must also book a TRC engineer for at least 2 hours for training. Staff may require a TRC engineer for the full session at their discretion.

Sources: Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17), Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Setup / Breakdown Fees (Not Covered by Credits)

Reset fee if room not returned to standard plug-and-play: $50 (Live Room), $30 (all others).

Equipment Relocation Fees (separate from setup, per Label/Musiversal docs):

• 1 piece: $150
• 2+ pieces: $200

Sources: Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17), Label Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-08)

Session Participants & Guests

• Up to 6 session participants included without extra charge
• More than 6: prior approval required + $10/person
• Session personnel have limited facility access; may purchase a $25 day pass for full amenity access
• Guests (non-session): $25/day
• Member must remain on-site while guests are present
• Members responsible for guests' conduct

For Platinum members:

• During regular hours: up to 6 guests, no prior notice needed
• After-hours: up to 6 guests by default; more than 6 requires prior approval from Jacob Dennis or Ari Brelig; more than 10 requires written approval (text or email) from Jacob or Ari before session

Sources: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), TRC Platinum Membership Guidelines.docx (2026-04-02)

Booking & Scheduling

• Bookings made via Studio's online booking system or through staff
• All rooms: 2-hour minimum
• Engineers can only be booked for the entire session
• Members must be self-reliant in a room to use it without an engineer; the on-site engineer can answer questions but it's the member's responsibility to understand the equipment
• After-hours bookings (non-Platinum): available at standard outside booking rate; Mondays only if staff available; credits do not apply to after-hours (per Agreement Section 12)

Note on conflict: Section 12 of the Membership Agreement states credits do not apply to after-hours bookings; however, the Platinum Guidelines (2026-04-02) state credits do apply to after-hours sessions. Platinum terms appear to supersede for Platinum members.

Sources: Member Protocols and Information.docx (2025-03-27), Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), TRC Platinum Membership Guidelines.docx (2026-04-02)

Facility-Wide / Full Day Rental

• Full day facility booking: $2,000 (discounted from $5,000 non-member rate)
• Includes: exclusive use of all studios, lobby, bar area, kitchen, patio, mezzanine + 2 audio engineers + 1 video engineer (lighting designer extra)
• Studio credit cannot be applied to facility booking fees
• Additional fees: $250 cleaning fee, $25/hour studio coordinator, $500 refundable security/damage deposit
• Base rental includes up to 60 guests

Sources: Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17), Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Referral Credits

CRM ledgers show referral credits awarded to members who bring in new members. Typical referral credit = $1,350 (one month Base credit). Examples: B.A.M. Hodge received multiple referral credits; Ginny Luke received a referral credit for Hailee Araya signing up.

Source: Member CRM & Credit Tracking (April 13 update).xlsx (2026-04-15)

Member Policies

Operating Hours (Standard)

• Monday: Closed to all sessions (Platinum members may book with 12+ hours notice)
• Tuesday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Closed holidays: Christmas Day, New Year's Day

Source: TRC Platinum Membership Guidelines.docx (2026-04-02)

Platinum 24-Hour Access Protocol

• After-hours or Monday sessions require at least 12 hours advance notice through a staff member
• Contact: (213) 537-3107
• First 3 after-hours visits: must communicate 12 hours ahead; temporary access code issued per visit
• After 3 successful after-hours visits: standing access code issued; must be kept strictly confidential; cannot be shared with guests or third parties

Progressive accountability for Platinum violations:

1. 1st Strike: Written warning; 24-hour access remains active
2. 2nd Strike: Written warning; 24-hour access remains active
3. 3rd Strike: 24-hour access suspended pending re-evaluation by management

TRC reserves right to accelerate consequences for serious violations (property damage, safety incidents, repeated disregard).

Source: TRC Platinum Membership Guidelines.docx (2026-04-02)

Cancellation Policy

• Membership is month-to-month
• Cancel anytime with written notice submitted by the 15th of the month → cancellation at end of current billing cycle
• Notices received after the 15th → cancellation at end of following month
• TRC reserves right to terminate at its discretion, with written notice; prorated refund may be issued unless termination is due to Code of Conduct violation or non-payment

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Payment

• Monthly fee auto-billed at start of each calendar month
• Valid credit card or ACH bank transfer required on file
• Incidental charges auto-charged or invoiced separately; if invoiced, due within 30 calendar days
• Failure to maintain active payment method may result in suspension or termination

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Parking Policy

Back lot reserved exclusively for active bookings. All non-booking visitors (members, employees, gym guests) use street parking on 9th or 10th Street. Violations: $50 penalty enforced immediately.

Parking spots per booking:

• Live Room: 4 spots
• Recording Room: 2 spots
• Rehearsal Room: 2 spots
• Podcast Room: 2 spots

Additional parking (based on availability, QR code in back lot):

• $20/day — non-booking members, member guests, gym patrons
• $50/day — general public

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Art Policy

• All artwork brought to TRC must be coordinated with staff in advance
• Unattended or uncoordinated drop-offs not permitted
• Upon arrival: all pieces photographed; artist must provide name, title, medium, date, contact info; log maintained
• Placement at staff discretion
• Artwork may remain up to 7 days unless arranged in writing with management before drop-off
• After 7 days, unclaimed art may be disposed of, donated, or repurposed at TRC's sole discretion — no further notice
• Contact for art: (213) 537-3107, ari@therecording.club, jacob@therecording.club, info@therecording.club

Source: Member Art Policies.docx (2025-08-01)

WhatsApp Group Guidelines

• Group is for: studio events, brainstorming with members, inviting members to collaborate on things at the Club
• No personal messages unrelated to the Club
• Outside event posts permitted only if: free for members, ideally exclusive, creative-focused with clear member value, brief and direct
• Members must not promote outside activities without management pre-approval

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Kitchen & Fridge

• Members must clean up after themselves
• No food left in fridge overnight — all member food discarded at end of each day
• Cleaning fee charged if food causes spills or messes inside fridge

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Member-Hosted Events

• Only current members eligible to rent studio spaces for private events
• Events must remain private and invitation-only — publicly advertised events strictly prohibited
• Studio credit may be used for the studio rental itself only; not for guest fees, incidentals, or full-facility bookings
• Must submit event requests at least 1 month in advance (minimum 1 week for special consideration)
• Members responsible for setup, cleanup, guest compliance, and all vendor coordination
• Full-facility rental: base includes up to 60 guests; studio credit cannot be applied

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), FAQs.docx (2025-01-02)

Outside Engineer & Equipment Policy

• Outside engineers must be approved by TRC staff in advance
• First-time engineers: member must also book TRC engineer for at least 2 hours to train them
• At staff discretion: TRC engineer may be required for full session
• Own computer/interface: must be discussed and approved before session
• Members are responsible and liable for all equipment during their sessions, regardless of who operates it

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01)

Level 2 Membership

Awarded after at least 4 months of active membership, on a case-by-case basis, requiring unanimous approval by TRC Board of Directors.

Benefits:

• Food and drink allowed in rooms
• Use of workout facilities outside normal hours

Obligations:

• Any spill or food residue on any equipment = automatic $250 cleaning fee (non-negotiable, charged at end of session where evidence is found)

Source: TRC Level 2 Membership.docx (2025-06-19)

Liability & Publicity

• TRC not liable for injuries, damages, or losses while using facilities
• Members consent to TRC capturing their image/likeness for promotional purposes; private recording sessions excluded unless otherwise agreed
• Member retains rights to their recordings; TRC retains copies for 180 days post-session then may delete
• TRC will not release recordings until full payment received

Source: Membership Agreement and Terms.docx (2026-03-01), TRC - Ginny Luke Special Booking Agreement 11.01.24.docx

Member CRM & Tracking

Primary Tools

• Member CRM & Credit Tracking (April 13 update).xlsx — master spreadsheet tracking all active, past, and honorary members. Fields: member number, name, email, phone, guest passes (typically 10), card on file status, membership card status, signup date, end date, tier level, welcome email sent, WhatsApp added, new app onboarding status, notes (including proration calculations).
• Individual Studio Credit Ledger sheets — one per member within the CRM, tracking credits added each month, credits used per session with date/room/hours, credits remaining, and supplemental charges (engineering, setup fees) with paid/unpaid status.
• Member Worksheet - LM and JD 10-28-25.xlsx — financial tracking spreadsheet showing monthly member additions/deletions, total members, income equivalent, platinum/gold/scholarship counts, and revenue reconciliation.
• Booking Log.xlsx — tracks session bookings.

Source: Member CRM & Credit Tracking (April 13 update).xlsx (2026-04-15), Member Worksheet - LM and JD 10-28-25.xlsx (2026-04-09)

Active Member Count (as of CRM April 2026 update)

• Total current members: ~77–79 (varies by source; worksheet shows 77 active as of April 2026)
• Platinum members: 3–4 (Cole Marston, Pennor Family, Musiversal, Lauren Selig per CRM)
• Gold members: 1–2 (Jim Hanft / Sam Yonack joint Gold)
• Scholarship members: ~17
• Income equivalent members: ~91 (counting multi-seat Platinum as multiple "income units")

Source: Member Worksheet - LM and JD 10-28-25.xlsx (2026-04-09), Member CRM (2026-04-15)

Studio Assistants

Studio assistants earn studio credits at a rate of $20/hour for studio assistant work (some later adjusted to $10/hour per ledger notes). These credits are tracked in the CRM alongside member credits and can be used to book studio time.

Source: Member CRM & Credit Tracking (April 13 update).xlsx (2026-04-15)

Key Staff / Contacts (from Platinum Guidelines)

Source: TRC Platinum Membership Guidelines.docx (2026-04-02)

Communications

Member Welcome Email (Pre-Portal)

Sent via Mailchimp on signup. Followed by welcome text from original point of contact including Studio Manager, Concierge, and Chief Membership Officer. WhatsApp invite sent separately.

Source: Member Onboarding Process.docx (2025-06-19), Archive/Member Welcome Email (pre-portal).docx (2025-04-17)

Incomplete Sign-Up Follow-Up

Template from Jacob Dennis referencing a limited-time 90% discount, offering a quick call or private tour. Contact: (831) 915-4395.

Source: Follow Up Emails: Incomplete Membership Sign-Up.docx (2025-09-25)

Session Standards Communication (April 2026)

After the Justin Goldner session incident (April 28, 2026), TRC issued internal operating rules:

• All tech requirements installed, tested, and verified by TRC team 24 hours before each session; written confirmation to member
• Zero troubleshooting in the studio room while talent is present
• All setup fee work complete before session window opens (final check 30 min before)
• Internal debrief within 24 hours of any session with flagged issues; documented action items with owners
• Mid-session: solve the problem first; cost discussions happen after the session in private

Source: TRC-Session-Standards-Issues-Solutions.docx (2026-04-30)

Member Addendums / Special Cases

Ambassador Member Addendum

• Monthly dues waived in exchange for performing in 2 Studio events per month
• Still responsible for: guest fees, food/beverage, equipment rentals, event fees, additional studio time, all incidentals
• Termination: either party with cause (Code of Conduct violations) or member can cancel anytime without penalty (forfeits remaining benefits)
• Current Ambassadors (from CRM): Hadrien Feraud, Ruslan Sirota, Jovon Times

Source: Ambassador Member Addendum.docx (2024-11-22)

Scholarship Member Addendum

• Monthly dues waived for duration of scholarship period (original PDF stated ending October 31, 2025)
• Still responsible for all incidentals (same list as Ambassador)
• Scholarship members tracked in CRM; current/recent scholars include Tia Parchman, Dalton Mumphrey, Jimetta Smith, Jahari Stampley, Budda Foster, Miguel Atwood Ferguson, Devin Daniels, Solomon Dorsey, Gene Coye, Terreon Gully, and others (identified as "TRG scholarship" in CRM notes)

Source: Scholarship Member Addendum.docx (2024-11-17), Member CRM (2026-04-15)

Curator Member Addendum

• Monthly dues waived in exchange for curating 2 performances per month for the Studio
• Must: support membership growth by identifying and encouraging prospective members; serve as community ambassador; act as a friend of the club
• May NOT enter into contracts or obligations on behalf of the Studio without express written permission
• Still responsible for all incidentals
• Strong confidentiality provisions; breach may cause irreparable harm
• Termination: 5 business days' written notice by either party; member forfeits remaining benefits on cancellation

Source: Curator Member Addendum.docx (2025-01-17)

Ginny Luke Special Booking Agreement (Nov 1, 2024)

Individual booking agreement for Ginny Luke's first session. Terms: Live Room, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM; booking fee waived; engineer fee $150; cleaning fee $200; guest fees waived; security deposit waived. Total: $350. Cancellation: 50% refund if canceled 2+ weeks before; full fee non-refundable after that. Late payment: 10% + $25/month after 14 days past due; services suspended after 30 days.

Source: TRC - Ginny Luke Special Booking Agreement 11.01.24.docx (2024-10-19)

Musiversal Partnership (Platinum)

Musiversal signed up as a Platinum member effective 2026-04-01. Their membership details documented in TRC Membership Details (Musiversal).docx (2026-03-03) — Platinum tier, $1,800/month, $5,400/month credits, standard Platinum terms.

Source: TRC Membership Details (Musiversal).docx (2026-03-03), Member CRM (2026-04-15)

Feminine Integration / Growth Framework

Internal framework for a proposed "Feminine Integration Ambassador" role. Phase 1 (until 150 paying members): primary KPI is increasing female paying membership — identifying, introducing, and converting high-caliber female creatives. Role requires defined outreach strategy, monthly acquisition goal, and referral tracking before formalization. Phase 2 (after 150 members): cultural programming, monthly events, aesthetic support, brand positioning. Pilot: 60–90 days with written KPI agreement, monthly review.

Source: TRC_Feminine_Integration_Membership_Growth_Framework.docx (2026-02-25)

Key Facts at a Glance

Open Questions / Contradictions

1. After-hours credits for non-Platinum members: Section 12 of the Membership Agreement (2026-03-01) states credits do NOT apply to after-hours bookings. However, the Platinum Guidelines (2026-04-02) state credits DO apply to after-hours sessions for Platinum members. This is not a contradiction for Platinum but leaves ambiguous whether non-Platinum can book after-hours with credits or cash only. Recency suggests Platinum is credits-applicable; general members are cash/outside rate only.

2. Mixing Room setup fee: Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17) lists a $60 setup fee for Mixing Room. The Corporate doc (2026-02-09) and Founding Corporate doc (2026-04-03) do not list Mixing Room separately. Status of Mixing Room as a separately bookable space is not fully defined in all documents.

3. Scholarship period end date: The Scholarship Addendum (2024-11-17) states the waiver ends October 31, 2025. However, the April 2026 CRM still lists multiple members as active scholarship members. Either the scholarship was extended or new scholarships were issued without updated addendums.

4. Equipment Relocation Fees: Listed in Label Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-08) and Musiversal doc (2026-03-03) but absent from the main Membership at The Recording Club.docx (2026-04-17) — unclear if this is omission or not applicable to standard members.

5. "Mixing Room" vs "Live Room" billing discrepancy: Some CRM entries charge Mixing Room at $180/hr (same as Live Room) while the price list shows it separately. The Live Room includes the Mixing Room in its rental, creating ambiguity about standalone Mixing Room pricing.

6. Referral credit amounts: CRM ledgers show $1,350 as the standard referral credit (one month Base), but no formal written policy document defines the referral program terms, tiers, or caps. B.A.M. Hodge received a "Platinum Membership Referral" of $5,400.

7. Studio assistant credit rates: Initial records show $20/hour; a later CRM note references $10/hour "from 2025-03-29 to 2025-04-19" for Ava Perez. No formal policy document defines the rate or when it changes.

8. Onboarding doc truncated: The Membership Onboarding Process (April 2026).docx (2026-04-15) document appears incomplete in the bundle — it only shows the first bullet point before the document cuts off.

Sources

All sources from ~/trc-drive-exec/Membership Management/: