Dont give them any money!! They promise much, but deliver nothing. Hilltop records wanted money for one of my songs, then wanted me to pay them AGAIN for another song .
They send the same form letter out to everyone they contact, telling songwriters that they are looking for new material...and that for $399.00 screening fee or similar amount, your song might be chosen. You are required to pay full fee before your song will be recorded, once it's selected. I didnt even know how they got my name and address. I know now, it was from the US Copyright office. Makes me wonder if they have inside contacts there!
There are loop holes in their scam. They make the general offer look real good. They use pressure tactics. The fact that no one is available to talk on the phone from HILLTOP should be red-flag number ONE. They claim all business must be done in writing, in order to protect all involved. THAT PROTECTS ONLY THEM!
I recieved a letter WEEKS ago from Hilltop, saying that my song was in the hands of the arrangers, and that everything was proceeding on schedule. Then, I get a second letter wanting another song for the same amount of money as the first song..$399.00. The letter stated that as soon as I paid the screening fee for my second song and IF it was chosen, that they would "BEGIN WORK ON BOTH SONGS" That was Flag number two!!. My first song should have been fnished already. I was promised that my song would appear on the AMERICA CD ALBUM.
Go to AMAZON.com! Hilltop has only a few cd's on the sight...all OLD! So if they are a major compnay, then where's all the NEW MUSIC??????
Then go to GOOGLE. If you type in HILLTOP RECORDS..the first item to appear before you even click on ANYTHING, wi be "HILLTOP RECORDS SCAM" !!!
I had a gut feeling, and its a good thing I followed through with my hunch. I canceled my credit cards, and refuse to pay them another penny. They know I'm on to their scheme, so I doubt I will ever hear from them again. Good ridance!! I just hope for the sake of others, the word can be spread about HILLTOP RECORDS dishonesty!!!
They are CROOKS and will take you for whatever they can get. By giving then money, you are PAYING a crook his/her salary. Hilltop messes with peoples dreams, and talents. I doubt I would ever get my songs back, even if I asked NICELY. They took my money, and more than likely, would require more money for the rewturn of my demos I sent them origianlly. I learned a valuble lesson!! BE CAREFUL!!!
Last week I was dissapointed. Today, I'm a little wiser.