KATY B’s first experience of clubbing came through the gay scene.

“My best friend is a lesbian, so she was always taking me out like her wing-woman,” laughs the Mercury Music Prize-nominated dancefloor star.

“I’m here for the party, but I am also passionate about LGBT rights so I’m looking forward to playing Brighton Pride.

“My friends used to go every year on a coach to Brighton, they would say it was the best Pride event.”

Over the course of two albums Katy has combined dancefloor-filling rhythms with lyrics inspired by her own life – not least on latest long-player Little Red.

“Little Red was a collection of my experiences over the last few years,” she says.

“My life had changed dramatically so I put it on paper.

“It is really intense being in my job when people know you. I can’t get on a bus or do things like that – although it’s easier on the Tube as no-one looks at anyone!”

She admits she felt the pressure to follow up 2011’s critically acclaimed On A Mission.

“I had to remember how it felt when I wrote the first album,” she says.

“I love the fact my job is me expressing myself. It’s still an experience to share those emotions.”

Songs she enjoys performing on the new record include Aaliyah – a tale of jealousy on the dancefloor.

“I feel really sexy performing that song,” she says. “I want the audience to feel sexy.

“Certain songs like Cry For No Reason get emotional – I came off my London show with mascara running down my face.”

She describes her Brighton Pride show as “a more ravey version of a Katy B show” – promising that everyone will be dancing.

Once her festival season is over the focus will be on the next album.

“I’m writing songs at the moment for another version of Little Red with extra tracks,” she says.

“I’m looking forward to doing my third album. I’ve got so many ideas!”