Alexander McKay

It’s been just over a decade since Banff-born singer-songwriter Sandi Thom released her chart-topping debut single “I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)” to critical acclaim. And yet, while her 21 Nights from Tooting tour was surrounded by a sea of controversy, the fact that Thom released six studio albums and secured seven worldwide no.1’s since serves as testament to her versatility and all-round resilience as an artist. Thom’s ability to adapt to an ever changing industry accompanied by her courage to step outside the box creatively has led her to collaborate with many legendary artists and producers along the way. In 2009, having left Sony after releasing platinum debut album, Smile… It Confuses People along with her follow-up, Pink and the Lily, Thom began work on her ambitious third studio album, Merchants and Thieves. The album saw Thom collaborate with world-renowned Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa and it wasn’t too long before she topped the Blues chart and subsequently received nominations for Best Album at the British Blues Awards 2011, Best Jazz/Blues Recording of the Year at the Scottish Music Awards as well as being put forward for Artist of the Year. For her fourth full-length, Flesh and Blood, Sandi headed to Nashville to link up with legendary Black Crowes guitarist, Rich Robinson, who helped produce the album. Performing alongside the likes of idol Buffy Saint-Marie and the late great Bobby Keys, Flesh and Blood was a bold exploration that was positively recognised by fans and critics worldwide. Although Thom has not been considered a household name for the past few years, there is no doubt that her spirit as a pioneering artist coupled with countless world tours and running her own record label, Guardian Angels Music, has helped her earn back the respect of fans, peers and critics everywhere. Now, after producing award-winning work in the midst of a media storm, Sandi is ready to release her sixth studio album, Ghosts, which sees the pop powerhouse return to her roots, both musically and personally, to create a stunning folk full-length from her painful past experiences.