SINGER Sandi Thom has split from top record label Sony.

The Macduff-born songwriter today revealed she had left for fear she would be turned into a “bubblegum pop star”.

Sandi Thom, 27, said: “I have become an independent artist and have started to explore all the different possibilities for future releases.”

The news comes just days after former X Factor winner Leon Jackson was dropped by the same record company.

Sandi Thom is now hoping to take over the reigns on her future album releases.

Sandi said: “The first album had already been put together and was really successful,” she said. “The second was a little more difficult because Sony were keen on putting me out as a pop artist.

“They wanted me to be a little bit more bubblegum pop and that’s not where I saw myself going.”

And after becoming a household name in Scotland, Sandi Thom is now keen to crack the States.

Sandi’s second album only reached number 25 in the UK and her label failed to release it in the US. But the star has just played the Hilton Garden Inn, as part of the South by Southwest Festival in Texas.

She is currently in LA staying with Lord of the Rings actor friend Billy Boyd, where she has meetings set up with music bosses.

Sandi’s mum Josiphine said: “It’s such an exciting time for her and a huge opportunity.

“She has got a lot of meetings set up in LA and New York and she is having a great response over there.”

shind@ajl.co.uk