BRIGHTON is a city close to Stooshe’s heart, according to one third of the trio, Karis Anderson. “It was like a playground for us when we were young,” she says, admitting that only two days before she speaks to The Guide, her and bandmate Courtney Rumbold could have been found on Brighton beach in their bikinis soaking up the long-awaited sun.

“Brighton was always that daytrip to the seaside when we were young. Courtney and I have said we would like to move there at some point.” The city also played a part in the band’s early career – not only as the hometown of early collaborator Suave Debonair, who rapped on the early X-rated version of their first single Love Me, but also as the first place they ever played a live show.

“It was in Brighton under the arches, by the seafront,” remembers Anderson, unable to recall the venue. “We haven’t seen Suave Debonair since we did the video shoot – maybe he should pop down, it would be nice to see him. “We have changed a lot. That first single was a brave one. Looking back I don’t know if we would have done that now – we’re a lot more conscious of how people take us.”

Stooshe famously started life when songwriter Jo Perry scouted Topshops to put together an urban version of the Spice Girls. Anderson, a Brit School graduate, was the last to join the group, with Rumbold and Alexandra Buggs already established by the beginning of 2011.

“I was so scared meeting them for the first time,” says Anderson. “I was wondering whether these girls would like me, or whether I would like them, as I knew we would be in each other’s pockets for so many years.

“We just clicked – we went shopping on the first day. We support each other, inspire each other and love each other like sisters.”

The songs on Stooshe’s much-delayed debut album London With The Lights On feature several co-writes from the girls, alongside Perry’s collaborations with former All Saint Shaznay Lewis, professional songwriters Lindy Robbins, Ed Drewett, Chris Braide and Philly soul legend Thom Bell.

“It’s so nice to have the album out now,” says Anderson. “We put it back a couple of times to make it how we wanted it but we’re very happy with it now.

“The title, London With The Lights On, means London exposed. We are telling our stories of London, where we grew up and live. We wanted to talk about our own experiences.”

Fans might have been surprised to see early tracks left off the final cut – such as Betty Woz Gone, a dark Fresh Prince-sampling tale based on a true story about a mother who sells her body to fund her drug habit.

“We had so much material,” says Anderson. “Even on the deluxe edition there are so many songs. “We didn’t want to fill it up with too much old stuff. “Some bands sit in the studio for a year making hundreds of songs. For us it was more about knowing what songs we wanted, rather than just making song after song.”

Anderson is looking forward to attending Brighton Pride for the first time. “Courtney has been to Brighton Pride before and has been saying how amazing it is,” says Anderson.

“We’ve done Birmingham Pride two years in a row and I’ve attended London Pride. “Pride is very important to bring people together through music,” she says.

“Some people might not necessarily realise how many other people are the same as them. “It’s great that people can come for the music and have a good day, with no bad vibes. We will definitely bring some energy to the stage and have a lot of fun – you can go a bit more out there with Pride.”