Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Living is one big adventure which must be lived. And don’t break Mattanja Joy Bradley’s mouth open, because she does it herself. Where the average Dutch artist sleeps at night after a gig in their own bed, then the world of the work area for La Mattanja is that of a real mad hatter. ‘Nothing is impossible,’ is her credo. ‘If you don’t do anything, nothing happens.’ Each spring when leaves start budding, Mattanja begins to get itchy. At that time she must set out into the full world. Then she tours with or without her band in a far off destination. Anything can subsequently happen. The customs authorities can send her back due to lack of the necessary work visa, or she acquires for herself a beautiful finale at some top festival. Both things have overcome this groovy, bluesy singing talent. Planning atour in the US, but getting no further than customs and spending two days behind bars is a true story. Chatting herself into a performance at a top festival on the Caribbean island Saint Lucia and then opening for Amy Winehouse, is also a true story. A reference point has been immediately made with Amy. Mattanja can easily replace the stumbling Brit for the coming years. She’s got talent. She’s got guts. Mattanja is the adventurer who we have been missing in the Dutch pop. Watch out, Arena resident Anouk, there’s someone standing in the wings bluffing with ‘Eindhoven Rawk City'.