Smirnoff Ice was back at Dominator Festival in the Netherlands last weekend. They hosted their own stage and showcased performances that celebrated the history of Dutch dance music – a scene Smirnoff Ice has been a part of since the early 2000s.
The Cold Classics stage brought together devoted fans of hardcore dance music for two days. The event featured DJs who have long been influential in the genre, offering a chance to revisit classic sounds from the 1990s and beyond. Headliner DJ AniMe was a standout performer, returning to her origins in hardcore after playing sets on other stages at the event – a gabber techno set on the Satellite stage and a Hardcore set on the Main stage.
DJ AniMe says hardcore music is where her journey began, and she’s excited to play the classics in her set. The genre has changed a lot over time, but she feels a strong connection to its roots. A popular saying in the Netherlands – ‘Hardcore will never die‘ – really resonates with her, as she believes the sound will continue to evolve and thrive.
The DJ dug through her old recordings and played some of her biggest hits – tracks like “Detonate,” “A-Bomb,” and “Hardcore Machine.” These songs were different from most melodic hardcore music being made back then. She explains, “I always try to express my emotions through my music, and I’ve found that people really connect with what I’m trying to communicate. It goes beyond just the lyrics; it’s something you feel – a real connection.”
Smirnoff Ice created an exciting experience called ‘Freeze Point’ to help people connect while they danced. This immersive activation used wind, lights, smoke, and special effects to create a cool atmosphere for everyone involved. Guests also enjoyed sampling Smirnoff Ice products at the bar and checking out interactive displays that all fit with the event’s ‘Cold Classics’ theme.
DJ AniMe, recalling her performance on the Smirnoff Ice stage, explained that brand support goes beyond just sponsoring events. It’s about creating opportunities, fostering community, and helping the music scene grow. She emphasized that the most successful partnerships happen when the artist, the audience, and the brand genuinely connect, which she felt was the case with this collaboration.
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Want to learn more about Smirnoff Ice at Dominator Festival? See the post above, or visit the brand’s Instagram page.
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2026-07-23 12:56