Guests paid thousands for “resort takeover” only to find no rooms, no refunds, and eerie Fyre Festival parallels

Orlando, FL

What was supposed to be a weekend of poolside DJ sets and bass music during EDC Orlando has turned into a full-blown festival fiasco, leaving attendees stranded at hotel lobbies with nowhere to sleep and thousands of dollars in limbo.

The HomeBass Festival, scheduled for November 7-9, 2025, has effectively collapsed after the DoubleTree Hilton Universal Orlando canceled the event’s room blocks—citing non-payment from organizer Brian Thomas.

$2,200 Packages, Zero Rooms

For many festival-goers, the nightmare began when they tried to check in. Despite paying between $1,800 and $2,200 for “all-inclusive” packages nearly a year in advance, guests discovered their reservations didn’t exist.

“I’m trying to check in, I paid for a room and early passes for $2,200 almost a year ago and the hotel is saying I have no reservation there,” one furious attendee posted online. “Your number goes straight to voicemail. You won’t respond to emails or comments. You’re giving Ja Rule Fyre Festival fail.”

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed exhausted attendees sprawled across the Westgate Resort lobby floor, surrounded by luggage, with hotel staff unable to help.

“Find Your Own Room” — The Email That Sparked Outrage

Late in the day, Brian Thomas sent an email to ticket holders that only intensified the chaos:

“We’re currently working through a major issue with the hotel. Please go ahead and secure your own room; we’ll be refunding you for tonight’s stay value ($350) in full.”

Thomas claimed that everything would be “resolved by tomorrow” and that HomeBass staff would be in the lobby at 11 AM to issue updated Westgate confirmations.

But by then, the damage was done. Attendees had spent hours trying to contact organizers with no response, and trust had evaporated.

A Pattern of Broken Promises

This isn’t the first time Brian Thomas has left festival attendees in the lurch.

In September 2025, Thomas organized the Dirtybird CampINN at the same DoubleTree hotel over Labor Day weekend. According to multiple reports, Thomas failed to pay the hotel bill, resulting in attendees—who had already paid Thomas for their packages—being charged again by the hotel.

“Despite Dirtybird CampINN’s repeated claims this past week that the hotel bill was being resolved, DoubleTree confirmed today that no payment has been received,” The Festive Owl reported at the time.

Attendees were forced to choose: pay the hotel a second time or lose their rooms.

Unpaid Bills, Missing Wages, Disconnected Phones

The problems extend beyond hotels. Multiple sources report:

• Unpaid wages to staff and artists dating back to September
• Outstanding vendor bills from previous events
• Unanswered communications — Thomas’s phone numbers are disconnected, emails go unanswered
• Suspicious location changes — At one point, the ticket website mysteriously listed the event location as Binghamton, New York (a small city with one direct flight per day)

#FyreFestival2 Trends as Frustration Boils Over

Social media erupted with angry posts, memes, and Fyre Festival comparisons. Attendees shared screenshots of unanswered emails, disconnected phone calls, and the surreal experience of being told to “find your own room” after paying thousands for a supposedly all-inclusive experience.

The hashtags #HomeBassFail and #FyreFestival2 began trending as the scope of the disaster became clear.

What Happens Next?

According to HomeBass’s own FAQ page, refunds would only be issued if the festival was canceled. Since Thomas hasn’t officially canceled the event—just told people to find their own accommodations—it’s unclear if attendees have any recourse.

Several attendees reported filing complaints with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, though it’s not clear if an investigation is underway.

As of publication, Brian Thomas has not responded to media requests for comment. His phone numbers remain disconnected, and his company’s social media accounts have gone silent.

“There’s Only One Person That Needs Shamed, and That’s Brian”

One social media comment summed up the sentiment shared by many:

“I feel so bad for all of these people who booked. Many booked early, and held out hope. Many testimonies from years past that validated it was real. Others have tried to get refunds and communicate to no avail. Some people can’t afford to have thousands held up, they scrape together what they have for their passion and love… There’s only one person that needs shamed, and that’s Brian.”

For the hundreds of music fans who trusted HomeBass to deliver an unforgettable EDC weekend experience, that experience has turned into a cautionary tale about festival scams, broken promises, and the importance of verifying event organizers before handing over thousands of dollars.

UPDATE: WFTV Channel 9 has reached out to Thomas through his listed contact information but has not received a response. The DoubleTree in Binghamton, NY (where the event was briefly listed) also did not return calls for comment. (Venue issues: The Home Bass website promoted an Orlando experience, but the map on the ticket website pointed to a DoubleTree in Binghamton, New York).

The one word that really resonated in my mind as I left Hulaween 2025 is SYNCHRONICITY. From the staff to the attendees, everyone seemed to be flowing on one frequency together, and at a festival this large, I feel that is rare. So as I ventured through Suwannee Forest this year I had one question on my mind. How is this all possible? The conversations I had this weekend really showed just why Hulaween has been so longevitous. Here is our Raver’s Choice recap from Hulaween 2025.

The theme this year was The Radiant Veil. When speaking to the creative director of the festival, Justin “JB” Bolognino, he explained that the goal of this years theme was to “learn how to get light and shadow to dance together“. I asked JB, What is your WHY? His response? “To save the children“. People come to this festival from all over the world to heal their inner child. They say after the hula experience not only are they reminded of who they are, but they will carry that same love to their children. That is so important, and this message definitely was felt throughout the weekend. Also shoutout to Justin’s magical side kick, his daughter, who proudly guided us through the forest on our media walkthrough. The best piece of advice I carried with me from the interview with JB was when asked why he thinks Hulaween has been going for 13 years he said, “We either WIN or we LEARN”. (Update: I found out in a later conversation with him that his nickname is The Synchronicity Architect. Truly nothing is a coincidence.) The storyline this year was exciting to watch unfold. Great work from the underground Ants with building the DEF stage, and to their lovely helpers at Duende Productions.

SHOUTOUTS

1. THE ART
   Performance art was alive in the forest with shadow puppetry, stilt walking, fire performers, aerialists, musical instruments, secret doors, and more. The mural maze (@muralmaze) was incredible. Everyday I watched artists paint their hearts into their vision. Finally on the last day, I asked the artist, Akyros (@Akyros_), “What is your WHY?” and he thought for a long moment and said “Survival”. This place reminds you who you are. You have to attend to truly understand, but check out our video at the end of the article for a small insight into the insane artistry.
2. THE TEA SANCTUARY
   If you needed a calm space to unwind this year, you would stumble upon a spirit lake Tea Sanctuary. Inside, you can have insightful conversation while sipping different hot tea options from over 200 year old plants.
3. END OVERDOSE IMPACTS
   I am so proud of this organization. They not only trained a whopping 1,129 people on how to save a life, major artists such as Franc Moody, Sippy, Borne, Stvsh, okayJake, Susto, and Balthvs all came by to get educated and trained as well. They gave away over 2,259 doses of narcan. Thanks for making the world a better and safer place every day <3 PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO THIS ORGANIZATION ON THEIR WEBSITE TO KEEP THEIR MISSION ALIVE!
4. THE INCENDIA STAGE AND THEIR FJ (FIRE JOCKEY)
   Not only were there performance artists top tier, but their pyro effects person has the best music/fire timing we have seen. Thank you Ross Heninger.
5. THE DEF STAGE NO VIP
   Something that really stood out to me was their NO VIP line. Anyone could wait and have an onstage experience with their favorite artist. It really helped build community, which in return made the energy coming from the stage all weekend absolutely magnetic. Keep up the great work DEF team!!! 
6. THE HOUSE OF LOST
   Don’t forget to attend at Midnight at the House of Lost next year, and bring your ID. The rest is a surprise. Not only is this stage absolutely stunning, but it also hosts weddings. Shout out to all the lovebirds who had a union this past weekend. 
7. THE VENDORS
   You all were fabulous. Shout out to the gates workers, medical team, and team of Suwannee, you were always positive and joyous. All the food and drink vendors this year were excellent. For me: Cosmic Charlie’s, Spontaneous Consumption, surfing coconuts, and my bee girls at Juicy Life took the cake!
8. THE ORACLE
   This year, if you received a magic card, you can attend “The Oracle” (pronouns WE/US) over spirit lake at three specific times of the day, to ask them one question. What a cool addition to an already abundant time.
9. THE CLEAN EARTH INITIATIVE
   I loved seeing everyone pick up trash and keep the forest clean. The incentives totally worked, and I loved to see the people who came together because of it. There were bathrooms everywhere, and signs placed throughout to help with guiding the festival. 
10. YOU
    THANK YOU! Props to you, Hula Fam, for elevating the energy this year, and always looking out for each other. No phones were out, just vibes. It warms my heart to think about, and I hope this culture only continues to grow. Check out some awesome photos of y’all below from Hulaween’s official instagram.

I would like to shout out the amazing work of Silver Wrapper and Purple Hat productions, as well as Collectiv Presents for bringing the insane production that we experienced. From lighting and sound design to stage execution, we remained elevated all weekend between multiple different stages. Also shout out to Hulaween’s team for noticing any errors and quickly fixing them on the day, rather than waiting til the following year. This does not go unnoticed!

PERSONAL TOP 20 MUSICAL ARTISTS HULA 2025: (loved so many this was hard to pick still)
Maz – For me this set was healing. He understands how to portray human connections through song.
Tape B B2b Disco Lines Surprise Set – no explanation needed, you already know this match was madness. 
Gorgon City – Came solo, not in the normal duo, but I have never heard a set like that from them before. I feel like I saw a whole new side of one of my favorite artists. When he began there was 5 people in the crowd (due to schedule conflicts) but by the end of the set it was tree to tree with people.
Gia Nobody b2b Sol. – They brought a heavy energy from the very beginning of their B2b. It really set the tone of the day and I was impressed with their song selections. 
Nikita The Wicked – Coming up in the industry quickly, his music composition is eclectic and energetic.
Franc Moody – played tunes of his latest record, brought straight vibes.
The String Cheese Incident– Thank you founding fathers. They are not just a “jam band”. They are a multi- genre musical experience that everyone can enjoy. 
ODD MOB – He’s been killing the game and his set showed exactly why. Excited for the next set of his.
DJ PEE WEE – Anderson Paak. DJ set???? Yes please.
CLOZEE B2B LSDREAM (LSZEE) – The perfect way to get weird in the woods
GOOSE – I really enjoyed the positive vibrations and energy coming from their set
Mary Droppinz – played 3 or 4 sets throughout her time there, and brought spice everytime.
LINSKA – A new force in the industry but her song selections were sexy and full of techno.
Zeds Dead – So many amazing songs and love their fanbase. Shoutout to their outfits.
Peekaboo – we always need a Peekaboo set. He never misses and always is dropping heaters.
Sammy Virji – He played banger after banger, and are reminded how many songs he has or is featured.
Glass Beams – I have never seen them before but left a fan. Great energy start to finish.

If you’d like to see a visual of Hula 2025, video recap link coming soon to our socials! You can also check out our Hulaween shot on Huji photos below, with descriptions on each one (: I really enjoyed writing this one. Overall, the culture of Hulaween is what makes it so special. Everyone talks about it. Tune in for next years addition of the Hula Times! If you’re missing the festival beforehand, tune in to the recorded DJ sets they will be posting periodically. See you next year, HULAWEEEN!

Fred again.. continues his unstoppable run in 2025 with “you’re a star,” a collaboration that nobody saw coming but everyone needed. Teaming up with Australian punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers, the British producer crafts another masterclass in emotional dance music that feels both intimate and festival-ready.

The Unexpected Collaboration

On paper, Fred again.. and Amyl and the Sniffers shouldn’t work. One’s known for introspective, sample-heavy electronic productions; the other for raw, unapologetic punk energy. Yet “you’re a star” bridges these worlds seamlessly, showcasing Fred’s genius for finding the emotional core in unexpected places.

The track opens with Fred’s signature vulnerable vocal samples, layered over stuttering beats that gradually build tension. When Amyl’s Amy Taylor enters, her distinctive raspy vocals cut through the production like a lightning bolt, adding a punk rawness that elevates the track beyond typical dance floor fare.

Production Breakdown

Fred again..’s production style remains instantly recognizable – the glitchy percussion, the looped vocal fragments, the way silence becomes as important as sound. What makes “you’re a star” special is how he incorporates Amyl’s punk aesthetic without sanitizing it. The guitars feel unpolished in the best way, the drums hit with live energy, and Amy’s vocal delivery retains all its confrontational power.

The breakdown midway through is pure Fred magic: everything strips away to just a repeated vocal phrase and subtle atmospheric textures before exploding back with doubled intensity. It’s the kind of moment that will absolutely destroy clubs and festival stages in equal measure.

Why This Track Matters

“you’re a star” represents an exciting trend in electronic music – genre barriers dissolving in real-time. Fred again.. has built his career on emotional honesty and sonic experimentation, and this collaboration pushes both further. By bringing punk energy into the dance music space, he’s opening doors for even more unexpected fusions.

The track also showcases Fred’s curatorial ear. He doesn’t just collaborate for clout; he finds artists who share his commitment to genuine emotional expression, even if they arrive at it through completely different sonic paths.

The Bigger Picture

This release comes at a fascinating moment in Fred again..’s career. Following his massive global tours and chart success, he could easily play it safe. Instead, “you’re a star” shows an artist still willing to take risks and challenge expectations – both his own and his audience’s.

For Amyl and the Sniffers fans, this collaboration introduces their fierce energy to audiences who might never step into a punk venue. For Fred’s followers, it’s a reminder that emotional authenticity transcends genre.

Final Thoughts

“you’re a star” is Fred again.. doing what he does best: taking raw human emotion, wrapping it in innovative production, and creating something that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. With Amyl and the Sniffers adding their signature intensity, the result is one of the most exciting dance tracks of the year.

Whether you’re a punk purist, an electronic music devotee, or somewhere in between, this collaboration demands your attention. It’s further proof that the most exciting music happens when artists refuse to stay in their lanes.

Listen now on Youtube

Featured Track Details:

• Track: “you’re a star”
• Artist: Fred again.. featuring Amyl and the Sniffers
• Release Date: 2025
• Genre: Electronic / Dance / Punk fusion
• Mood: Energetic, Emotional, Raw