New Single Today: Step into a Dream with Leon

The first signs of spring spark the sweetest daydreams. There’s a warmth on the wind that makes you think: hey…we could just pick up and go somewhere.

The final pre-single from our upcoming album is out today. It’s called “Leon”. 

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1vDdWu3TDkejltsj07U0X9?si=d0d440d3890549f8

One night I had a particularly vivid dream about Leon Nicaragua, in which I was peacefully wandering the streets. I could feel the sun on my skin and heat in my bones. I woke up with the morning sun through the window, wrapped in blankets and thought “I could be anywhere…”

[Listen to Leon Now: ]

In 2016 I visited Leon Nicaragua and it stole my heart, although I have never been back to visit I wrote this song so that I can carry it with me.

If you’re dreaming of being somewhere warm and peaceful, I hope this song takes you there.

It won’t be long before we’re back on the road. We’re adding more stops to our album release tour in the U.S., including Kansas City, MO; Brattleboro, VT; Turners Falls, MA, and more.

Our new van is almost ready for the tour. We’re piecing together the electrical system… it’s the trickiest 3D puzzle we’ve ever attempted (and yes, it can zap you!). Stay tuned for results.

[Stream Leon on Spotify: ]

  [Watch Leon on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DSTTdsOJvYo ]

Close your eyes and listen, where does the song take you?

“ Oh wouldn’t it be nice to have travel on your mind” and “We don’t have to go there, but we have to go.”

That last line feels just as alive as ever, as we put the final pieces together for the tour and prepare for this next chapter.

Hope to see you out there

Alicia and Robert

P.S. Leon was originally meant to go on out 2022 album ‘Call of the Road’ but it was cut because the record was too long. We’re glad it stuck around for the next one because it feels at home on this new LP. Full album coming May 1st

How we caught a big fish in the Badlands… new music video

Alicia started making a mermaid dress before we had any other ideas for this video. She worked with unwavering trust that the rest would naturally follow.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/DTk8A40eQEo?si=PLqorE1hZPkRP9Tn

The subject of “Deep Water Fish” has some gravity to it, so introducing some levity to the visual representation felt important.

“A fish out of water?”

“A fish-woman out of place.. but where?

“On a farm?”

“At a barn dance?”

“Alone in the big city?”

and finally…

“A fish-woman in the desert, looking for water…yes!”

When the dress was finished, we spent several days in the snowy Badlands of New Mexico, and in Santa Fe, shooting at sunrise and sunset, to catch the light.

We produced and edited the entire video ourselves with our old digital camcorder, a laptop and some family support.

Special thanks to Alicia’s brother and his partner who helped us with the furniture, directions, and gracious hospitality.

Watch “Deep Water Fish” music video: https://youtu.be/DTk8A40eQEo?si=PLqorE1hZPkRP9Tn

It can be hard to combat the darkness and cold during the winter, or even at the best of times. Especially when you’re alone.

Making this video brought us some joy and light. We hope it lightens your day too.

Thank you so much for watching and being here,

Robert and Alicia

Watch “Deep Water Fish” music video: https://youtu.be/DTk8A40eQEo?si=PLqorE1hZPkRP9Tn

P.S. we’re live now on Youtube for a spell, catch us if you’re quick!

Finally, it's time for the full story...

We are beyond excited to officially announce that our new album “Over Again” will be released on May 1st!

This is our 3rd studio album, our 3rd crowdfunded album, and our most transatlantic collaboration to date. Shout out to everyone who made this music possible!

This record marks a pivotal point for us, our move stateside a full decade after our chance meeting in Ireland.

Written through years of visas, separation, and constant motion; Over Again faces addiction, loneliness, intergenerational trauma, and abuses of power, all while illuminating mythology, wanderlust, self-love, community healing, and ultimately, hope. 

Our hope is that this album offers comfort, encourages kindness, and reminds you that even after uncertainty, it’s still possible to believe in each other, to rewrite the script, and work toward something brighter, together.

The title track has already won us first place in the folk/roots/americana category of the International Acoustic Music Awards. Some of the other singles have been placed on Apple Music’s “New in Americana” and “Southern Craft” editorial playlists.

We’re so grateful to be here, and grateful for you. Maintaining momentum is key for us now so please keep sharing, streaming, liking, and commenting. With your support this album can keep opening doors for us.

The release tour is coming together. We’re hitting 15 US states, along with both UK and Europe legs. We’re returning to some favorite places and visiting lots of new ones too.

If you’re en route and can help us find a show or a place to stay, get in touch before the calendar fills up. We’d love to see you on the road! (details below)

We’re so glad you’re on this journey with us and this new chapter is about to begin.

Alicia and Robert

P.S. Ever seen a mermaid in the desert? Here’s a private preview of our new music video https://youtu.be/JMoWFtRwE-E Full thing drops tomorrow -

Wednesday at 4pm ET (9pm GMT) Join the premiere here!

ALBUM RELEASE TOUR DATES
*indicates where we are still looking for a venue / event - let us know if you can help!

North America
May 1 - Chapel Hill NC - Release Show
May 2 - Charlotte NC
May 3 - Winston-Salem NC
May 6 - Boone NC*
May 7 - Elkin NC
May 8 - Asheville NC
May 9 - Honea Path SC
May 10 - Columbia SC*
May 11 - Atlanta GA*
May 12 - Birmingham AL
May 13 - New Orleans LA
May 14 - Houston TX
May 15 - New Braunfels TX
May 16 - Austin TX*
May 17 - TX*
May 18-June 7 - Kerrville Folk Festival
June 9 - Austin TX*
June 10 - Dallas TX*
June 11 - Arlington TX
June 12 - Norman OK*
June 13 - Oklahoma City OK
June 14 - Tulsa OK*
June 16 - Buffalo MO*
June 17 - Kansas City MO*
June 18 - Columbia MO*
June 19 - St. Louis MO*
June 20 - Edwardsville IL*
June 21 - Springfield IL*
June 23 - Peoria IL*
June 24 - Outskirts of Chicago*
June 25 - Chicago IL
June 26 - Cleveland OH
June 27 - Akron OH*
June 28 - Pittsburgh PA
July 1 - Erie PA*
July 2 - Buffalo NY*
July 3 - Rochester NY*
July 8 - Syracuse NY*
July 9 - Albany NY
Jul 10 - Beacon NY
July 11 - New Paltz NY*
July 12 - Rosendale NY*
July 15 - Ithaca NY*
July 19 - Morris NY
July 23 - Boston MA*
July 25 - Greenfield MA*
July 29 - Brattleboro VT*
July 30 - NYC*
Jul 31 - Philadelphia PA
Aug 1 - DC*

Europe
Sep 26 - San Sebastián, Spain - Club44 
Sep 27-Oct 1 - Northern Spain / Southern France*

United Kingdom
Oct 3 - Scarborough - Old Parcels Office
Oct 4 - Newcastle - The Cluny
Oct 6 - Owston Ferry - The Crooked Billet
Oct 7 - Sheffield - Cafe#9
Oct 8 - Sheffield - Cafe#9
Oct 9 - Hull - The New Adelphi
Oct 10 - Nottingham - Framework Knitters Museum
Oct 12 - Derby - Flower Pot
Oct 14 - Manchester - Carlton Club
Oct 15 - Worcester - Marrs Bar
Oct 16 - Lichfield - The Hub at St. Mary’s
Oct 17 - Hemel Hempstead - Fishery Wharf Cafe
Oct 18 - Brighton - Folklore Rooms
Oct 23 - London - Green Note 
Oct 25 - Frome - The Tree House
Oct 30 - Chester - Garden Social

If we win this, it would change our lives forever

Hey, we just shot this on the porch in the snow: https://youtu.be/sXNcQ3cShI4?si=CMUmc45LEFdMGrYt

Today is the deadline for the NPR Tiny Desk Contest (ahem, kind of a big deal). If we win, we get a prime spot video session, radio features, headline tour, mentoring, and more!

(please comment, subscribe, share, save etc. on the video - the momentum will boost our chances)

Also we’re finally getting ready to announce the full new album. We’ll email you on Friday and keep an eye out for the social media posts - all your engagement goes a long way.

Thanks so much for being here,

Alicia and Robert

A Different Thread

P.S. here’s a sneak peek of our next music video for “Deep Water Fish”

New Lyric Video - A little light when things feel heavy

We could all use a little light right now.

Our new lyric video for “Deep Water Fish” is here. It’s a wistful folk americana song written during a time of isolation, when trusting that inner light felt harder than ever.

Watch the lyric video for “Deep Water Fish” here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=y0lm12Hf3vG767OM&v=q-UX68X2JaQ&feature=youtu.be

Last week we attended Folk Alliance International in New Orleans for the first time. It was like a little escape from reality, a conference in a hotel full of folkies and friends both new and old. We were surrounded by incredible songwriters and performers from around the world, on 4 floors of hotel rooms (turned into tiny venues). We also met festival talent buyers, house concert hosts, and even Ani DiFranco!

The weight of the world felt like a distant tug on our heart. But even when you’re not reading the news, you can sense when something is off. We heard about the latest victim on Saturday evening, I went back to our hotel room to read up on it all and cry. It was devastating, horrifying, though not surprising.

I am not sure if previous decades felt so delicately hung in the balance, all I know is how fragile things feel right now. Things feel heavy, and it isn’t always easy to keep carrying the light.

I also know that we are stronger together, every little action, every call for peace, everything that you are able to do to work towards a brighter future, counts. It all adds up. At times like these we need to lean on each other, to let it be known that this is not ok. To gather and to hold space for positive change.

This song is a reminder that even in uncertain times, you are still shining. We are beacons of light, guiding each other through the darkness.

If you need something gentle today, we hope this lyric video meets you where you are.

Watch the lyric video for “Deep Water Fish” here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=y0lm12Hf3vG767OM&v=q-UX68X2JaQ&feature=youtu.be

With love and solidarity,

Alicia & Robert

A Different Thread

P.S. here’s a little sneak peek of what we got up to at Folk Alliance: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/FkcipsPdvk8

Our new song, Deep Water Fish

New single Deep Water Fish dives into the darkness to find inner light, starting the year on a mellow and hopeful note.

Listen to the song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6nSM3jC6tHEm60Ldfwv9Th?si=muO5uKFCSaCGLzbQjbWyGw

Early listens on day one help the song travel further on Spotify and reach new ears!

Our journey out to New Mexico has been epic! To give our UK friends some context: in the last week we have driven the equivalent of four times the length of your whole country.

The new year slipped in quietly as we began our adventure westward. There’s something magical about literally driving into the sunset several days in a row - nothing like new horizons to turn our Christmas tree corner in Brooklyn a fading dream.

We stopped in St. Louis for a flying visit, reconnecting with friends and family and culminating in an incredible show in a DIY community space. To say that St. Louis has filled our cup is an understatement, as always, the gateway city leaves us wanting more…

And that was just the halfway point!

Two more days of driving, a night in Oklahoma at a friend’s and finally we arrived in the otherworldly landscapes of New Mexico. We’re tired from the road, grateful for the adventures, excited to be starting the process of converting our new van into our dream tour vehicle and to be sharing our new song with you now.

Deep Water Fish is about believing in your inner light even when you can’t see it, even when you don’t feel it, even in the darkest moments.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6nSM3jC6tHEm60Ldfwv9Th?si=muO5uKFCSaCGLzbQjbWyGw

Shine on,

Alicia and Robert

P.S. we’re going live on instagram today at 1PM ET (6PM GMT) come say hi :)

Upcoming performances

see tickets & show details here: https://www.adifferentthread.com/tour-dates

JAN

15 Del Norte CO (trade & post)

18 New Braunfels TX (nb house concert)

20 New Orleans LA (okay bar ‘jan-boree’)

21-26 New Orleans LA (folk alliance international)

FEB

14 Chapel Hill (valentines dinner at Vimalas)

28 Hendersonville NC (trailside winter ramble fest)

MAR

5 Greensboro NC (the flat iron w/ Admiral Radio)

13 Pittsboro NC (the plant)

20 Wake Forest NC (wf listening room)

25 Flat Rock NC (magnolia series)

11 Asheville NC (one world west)

New Music Video Out Today! Strange Winter World: “Amaranth”

As winter closes in, with long nights that can be hard to endure, we can still open up. Blossom. Bloom. The Amaranth music video was made to express some of the complexities of winter. It explores the ways we feel stuck, and dormant, while reviling in the spaces that call out for growth and healing.

Watch the official music video for Amaranth here: https://youtu.be/-fSCvf8g-ZI

In a celebration of solidarity it shows how we can push through to support ourselves and each other through the more difficult seasons of life. Filmed entirely in Brooklyn using a time-lapse technique, with a twist: we moved very slowly to create a stop motion effect. The world rushes past while we move at a different pace, demonstrating a feeling of separation between the self and the environment. We were also very cold while filming, turns out moving slowly in sub zero temperatures will do that. And that discomfort became part of the artistic expression as well, influencing how long we were able to do any singular shot/activity before going into a cafe and warming up!

It has been over a month at the tree stand and keeping up with band promo while being on opposite shifts, (with Robert on nights, Alicia on day) has been a challenge in many ways. We keep leaving lots of notes and even then it can be tricky to stay on the same page. Pushing ourselves to make this video, and getting a little artsy with it has helped bring some creative connection to our collaboration during this time in NYC.

Watch the official music video for Amaranth here: https://youtu.be/-fSCvf8g-ZI

On Monday night we played an intimate pop-up gig at a French restaurant in Bed-Stuy called Chez Oskar. It felt like a remembering of self. It had been two months since our last show, and the warmth of that room reminded us why we make music in the first place.

If this season feels lonely, we hope this video offers a bit of comfort and reminds you that you are not alone. May the music bring warmth to the darker days and help you ring in the new year on a hopeful note.

Watch the official music video for Amaranth here: https://youtu.be/-fSCvf8g-ZI

Happy new year to you and yours

With love,

Alicia and Robert

A Different Thread