Some DJs become famous because of who they are. Others become unforgettable because of how they make you feel.

In an era where social media has become almost as important as the music itself, Guillaume Labadie – better known as I Hate Models – has chosen a different path.

Few interviews. Hardly any social media. No carefully crafted image or glamorous photoshoots. Just the music.

Or perhaps “just” isn’t the right word. Because nothing about I Hate Models feels ordinary.

His artist name perfectly reflects his philosophy. He dislikes putting people, music, or ideas into boxes. Labels are limiting. Rules are boring. His productions freely blend techno, trance, industrial, hardcore and melancholic melodies into something that is impossible to classify. And somehow….it works. Every single time !!!!!!

Trying to describe one of his sets is almost impossible. Raw. Emotional. Chaotic. Beautiful. Aggressive. Hypnotic. A strange combination of sounds that shouldn’t belong together, yet somehow melt into one seamless journey. His music speaks to your body and your emotions at the same time.

The discovery

My introduction to I Hate Models came through his collaboration with Louisahhh on Obsessed By Power.

The pounding beat immediately caught my attention, but it was the artwork of the Possession EP that made me curious. A mysterious figure wearing a pink mask behind the DJ booth, cigarette in his mouth. Wild. Hot. Unpredictable. Almost dangerous. I wanted to know more!

Ironically, there wasn’t much to find. And maybe that’s exactly the point.

The set that changed everything

Then came 2020.

While the world was locked inside during the pandemic, I Hate Models released a four-hour set recorded in an underground garage, together with visual artist Femur.

This was it. This was my definition of rave culture. No luxury venue. No fireworks. No distractions. Just hypnotic music and mesmerizing visuals!

I have listened to that set countless times! Scrolling through the YouTube comments, one particular message made me smile:

“Je suis facteur et j’écoute ce putain de set au moins une fois par semaine sur mon putain de vélo.”

(I’m a postman and I listen to this fucking set at least once a week while riding my fucking bike)

I completely understood 🙂

THE “I hate models” EXPERIENCE

Watching videos wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to experience the energy myself. On October 31st, 2024, that moment finally arrived.

Garage Klub Antwerp. Halloween. I Hate Models – All Night Long. My lucky night!

As the warm-up DJ finished his final track, Guillaume quietly walked onto the stage wearing nothing more than a black T-shirt and a cap.

The atmosphere inside the club instantly changed. Everyone knew what was about to happen. He slowly built the tension.

Then…The first kick hit. The entire room erupted! Cheers, hands in the air. Pure euphoria!

For just a second I turned to the person standing next to me. When I looked back… his shirt had already disappeared.

There he was, completely absorbed by his own music. Arms moving wildly. Hips following every beat. Not performing for the audience, but living every second of it.

A beautiful contradiction

I sometimes wonder if Guillaume Labadie’s original mission has become impossible.

He wanted people to focus on the music rather than on himself. Yet somewhere along the way, he became inseparable from that music, because he embodies every beat he creates.

Maybe that’s why people don’t just listen to I Hate Models. They experience him.

If you’ve never seen him live, put it on your bucket list. At least once.

For me, one night was enough to know…

I’ll definitely be back for more!