Rivkala is a rising neo-soul artist based in Newcastle – a singer, songwriter and pianist with a sound steeped in jazz, funk, disco, psych rock and soul.

You might’ve clocked her when she headlined the BBC Introducing stage at the Proms last July. Since then, she’s been part of our Artist Development programme, taken the stage for MOBO Fringe and supported Postmodern Jukebox. Next up? Rivkala and her band will be dazzling audiences again, this time at BBC Proms at The Fire Station in Sunderland on 24 July.

Rivkala says artists across the country are creating challenging and dynamic work, and that in the North East, spaces like The Glasshouse make it possible for that to happen. For her, one of the region’s biggest strengths is its creative community and the spirit of collaboration. Here, she tells us all about her creative journey so far.

“When I performed at BBC Proms at The Glasshouse, it was my first big opportunity and such an honour. When I looked out, I saw so many supportive faces in the crowd. Having my parents come up from Manchester was the icing on the cake. I introduced them to my friends in the scene, as well as BBC Introducing’s Shakk, all of whom have been instrumental in my journey.

I’m still pinching myself that I was a part of the MOBO Awards in Newcastle. As a non-black artist working in black genres and heavily influenced by jazz, funk and soul, it’s important to me to understand and celebrate the history and culture of the artists who made me want to pursue a creative life.

MOBO Fringe at The Glasshouse spotlighted the music of black origin being made today, especially in the North East. Our scene might be smaller, but that is no reflection of its talent. I was thrilled to see my peers across genres of black origin highlighted for their talent and hard work. It was one of my favourite shows we’ve ever played for so many reasons. I am so grateful we got the chance to contribute, bringing our dark cabaret world to life.

Next, we’re performing at BBC Proms, this time at The Fire Station in Sunderland on 24 July. I try to level up for every show we do by becoming more polished so we feel free to be playful in our performance. Soweto Kinch’s Round Midnight Radio show will broadcast the concert, so it’s even more special. Audiences can expect brand-new tunes, bass-driven grooves and warm, smoky horns with all the usual showgirl flamboyance.

I’m just about to release my first EP. It’s a conceptual project taking listeners through a night at the Crushed Velvet – the bitter and twisted cabaret bar that lives in my mind. My goal is to tell vivid stories, collaging my inspirations and references to 20th-century music, style and culture. The band and I are already working on the follow-up EP, with some of my favourite songs so far, including a couple I began arranging with the band during the Summer Studios programme at The Glasshouse.

Supporting Postmodern Jukebox recently in Sage One was also a huge career highlight. It was the biggest audience I’ve ever performed for, and I’ve been a big fan of theirs since coming across them on YouTube as a teenager. It was fun getting to know them all backstage, alongside seeing them shine onstage.”