Biography

“Soaring harmonies that fall like loose feathers over dusty, infectious twang” - Glide Magazine

Some things are just meant to be. Alicia Best from the US and Robert Jackson from the UK First met busking on the streets of Ireland, discovering a musical and personal harmony that was serendipitous. Since forming A Different Thread, the group has independently released three full-length albums and toured internationally, building a reputation for rich harmonies, award-winning songwriting, and engaging live storytelling. 

Their latest album, Over Again, marks a new chapter for the duo, shaped by their long-awaited move to North Carolina. The title track won ‘Best in Folk’ at the 2026 International Acoustic Music Awards and the album has earned praise from Rolling Stone Germany, Americana UK, No Depression, and RnR Magazine, with critics highlighting their “harmonies to-die-for”, “exquisite songwriting” and “all killer, no filler” approach.

Recorded across three studios and two continents, including Betty’s in North Carolina (Tyler Childers, Watchhouse) and Alma Vale Studio in the UK (Yola, Elles Bailey), the eleven songs trace a remarkable journey from long-distance love, separation, grief, towards reunion, renewal, and belonging. Alongside their own story, Best and Jackson explore wider questions around mental health, social and environmental justice, and how to find courage in uncertain times.

“We write songs to bring people together, to inspire kindness, and to work towards a brighter future for all”. - A Different Thread

Their original songs draw inspiration from artists including John Prine, Joni Mitchell, The Cranberries, Tracy Chapman, Pentangle, and The Band. Drawing on their transatlantic roots, A Different Thread weaves Appalachian blues, British folk rock, and North Carolina alt-country into their own take on Americana, with rich harmonies, singalong choruses, bittersweet storytelling, and an underlying sense of hope.