MAD in Belgrade was juicing itself to be a big deal. It was MAD’s maiden voyage and all hands were on deck to make sure the planning was tickety-boo, until just a few days before the mighty doors swung open when a massive flood hit Serbia. Some of the worst floods for decades came pouring through Serbia’s front door and things were looking like they might get tricky and potentially halt the event.

In reality, MAD served as a celebration of life and a meeting of similar minds after the stress of a disaster. All ticket revenue from the first day went to helping out those who’d had their lives derailed by the deluge. Nice move.

MAD is organised by the same crew who were initially involved with EXIT festival, so you know they’ve got pedigree. EXIT has grown and increased its scope over the 14 years it’s been alive and MAD festival feels almost like a secretive step back in time, but in a good and polished way.

Staying true to their musical roots, MAD showcased the talents of global artists and also brought to our attention some lesser known, home-grown acts. The flood did mean that attendee numbers were down on predicted, but the pure fact that it went on at all was testament to their grit and determination.

The festival is set in lush parkland, just like the good ‘ol festivals in the UK, but the Euro twist on the decor gave it a more modern and thoroughly un-hippy feel. The kind of cubist meets Robocop face masks and the massive illuminated rabbit set the scene perfectly oddly.

As for the acts, every single one of them seemed chuffed to be there, stoked at the reaction from the crowd and eager to smash it. Without wanting to sound too gushy, everyone felt like they were doing something positive for the country, for festivals and for music.

To name some acts that went down a treat is tricky as there was lot of aural ground covered. But if I had to mention some highlights I’d start with Omar S banging out a floor rinsing version of Ting Tang Walla Bing Bang like he just didn’t care; Kevin “The Bug” Martin featuring Flowdan who checked the subs in the speakers thoroughly; Teklife’s devastating swagger with heartfelt nods to Rashad and Feloneezy and Jackie Dagger having their own party within a party.

Saturday’s Crazy Rabbit line-up popped together by MAD organisers and Berlin’s Leisure System label/Boiler Room was another well measured treat. Then, if that wasn’t enough, the after party across the river was rip-roaring too, but if I’m honest my memory is getting patchy by that stage. I’m pretty sure I had a great time though?

But you know what it’s like, I probably saw stuff that changed my perception of music and life but had already forgotten about it by the next drop. You know, festivals. One moment that did stand out was when Neneh Cherry hit the stage for her headline spot. She was the first artist to really speak more than a few words. She spoke about people getting together in times of crisis, and even though I guess it was kind of cheesy, she had to say something and that fitted the bill nicely and resonated well with the crowd.

What really shone through about MAD was the curation skills. Although it was a first time event, you could definitely sense that the organisers were no novices. Things ran as smoothly as they could have, given the circumstances, and the act selection and placement was top draw. Hats off.

All in all MAD floated my boat all along the Danube. Would I go again? I sure would.

Video courtesy of The Festival Hunter x Sick Chirpse.

Photos courtesy of Nemanja knezevic.