Criticism influenced Sandi Thom's new album

Sandi Thom has revealed that criticism from the media inspired some of the songs on her new album.

The singer topped the UK charts with her debut album Smile... It Confuses People in 2006, but she also faced controversy over her use of internet gigs to promote her music before releasing the record. Critics asked how she could afford to support large online audiences if she was a struggling and penniless artist, as had been claimed, leading to accusations that the gigs had been part of a huge PR campaign.

"I've learned to take criticism better and grown a thicker skin," Thom told the Daily Record. "Some of the songs were inspired by criticism from the media.

"The webcasts were a great thing to happen but they overshadowed the music. It was unfortunate. I want this album to wipe the slate clean. Just listen to the songs. There's nothing contrived, it's just about the music."

Asked about the criticism she has received, Sandi continued: "People said things which were a little harsh. Some of the criticisms could have hurt me if I'd let them. I was described as the Antichrist Of Music by one journalist."

Thom's new album The Pink and the Lily will be released in May.