Hill-Top? More like Down-Hill

The moniker Hill-Top Goa conjures up images of pulsating trance music, colourful locals, and countless evenings spent dancing beneath the sky. EDM fans from all over the world travel to this event venue because of its distinctive palm trees, vibrant tapestries, and the captivating beats of well-known DJs. But underneath the surface of happiness and romance, Hilltop Goa has a darker reality that is frequently hidden by its alluring luminosity.

By Catalina Sainz

HillTop Goa Festival 2022, VD Prods

For many people, Hilltop is an idealized place where creativity is valued above all else. However, the inner workings of this haven can be just as mysterious and intricate as the music performed there. The close-knit community has its advantages and disadvantages. It provides a sense of community and an unmatched support structure for seasoned artists. However, breaking into this well guarded group can be a difficult task for novices.

Young, up-and-coming artists frequently struggle to break through to the top of the hierarchy. These young artists are forced to live up to the expectations of the establishment and win over the insiders before they can fully express themselves in a space that celebrates artistic freedom and expression. Many refer to this initial phase as a trial of endurance and patience, in which tenacity is the only thing that matters.

And there’s the issue of the people in charge. Even while a lot of committed people put in a lot of overtime to make sure the venue succeeds, not everyone in the background is as reliable as they might seem. Reports of dubious activities and unprofessional behaviour are circulating, clouding Hilltop’s otherwise excellent reputation.

For example, a number of former workers describe instances where payments were handled improperly, resulting in partially or sometimes unpaid salaries. Others mention a lack of openness about financial operations and event management. These contradictions lead to a setting where trust is hard to come by—ironically, in a community founded on a mutual appreciation of music and artistic expression.

Safety is another issue that doesn’t always receive the consideration it merits. Like many music venues, Hilltop has a history of drug misuse. The presence of substances adds a dangerous and unpredictable aspect, even as the community fosters unity and respect for one another. Overdose incidents and drug-related altercations are frequent occurrences that provide serious difficulties for security staff, who are unsure of to deal with these kinds of circumstances.

Finally, although Hilltop Goa professes love, peace, and harmony, it frequently finds it difficult to live up to these ideals on the inside. Its egalitarian promises are undermined by reports of nepotism and favouritism, which makes individuals who feel left out or neglected angry. Sometimes what are meant to be celebrations of the community develop into turf battles, when rivalries and allegiances influence the outcome more than skill or contribution.

Notwithstanding these problems, Hilltop Goa continues to be a psytrance community landmark, attracting hundreds of travellers seeking its special fusion of music and spirituality. But recognizing and dealing with its darker sides is essential to its development. Steps in the right direction include operational transparency, a more welcoming culture for up-and-coming artists, and strict protocols to guarantee the security and welfare of both guests and employees.

In summary, Hilltop Goa is an intriguing paradox: a creative refuge and a microcosm of ambiguities.  Not everything is as happy and romantic as it seems; beneath the mesmerizing sounds and bright lights is a complex reality. Hilltop can only genuinely live up to its famous reputation and keep enthralling music enthusiasts by facing these shadows.

HillTop Goa Festival 2022, Hen Leiv Photography

Leave a comment

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started