info@adifferentthread.com
Alicia (919)225-1493
Robert (919)430-2726
BIO
Some things are just meant to be. Alicia Best (US) and Robert Jackson (UK) met while busking on the cobbled streets of Ireland and discovered both a musical and personal harmony that was serendipitous. In the decade since forming A Different Thread, Best and Jackson have taken their act on the road, touring over a dozen countries, supporting artists such as Milk Carton Kids and Jody Stephens (Big Star), and garnering critical praise from the likes of Folk Radio UK, which hailed the duo as “warm, deep songwriters that have drank from the well of 20th century tradition.”
Their new album, Over Again (out May 26’), was written during a period of transition, marked by their arrival stateside and a solar eclipse. Recording began in their tiny home studio, continued in Sylvan Esso's Betty's (The Mountain Goats, Tyler Childers, Watchhouse), and finished at Alma Vale Studio (Phantom Limb/Yola, Elles Bailey) in the UK.
Their sound is transcontinental, blending Jackson's British folk rock background with Best's North Carolina-bred alt-country melodies. Informed by their life experiences (navigating visas, vanlife, love across oceans) and liberal commentary on both environmental and social justice topics, the album mixes electric guitars with Appalachian dulcimer, gospel-tinged vocals with honky-tonk fiddle. While inspired by artists like Gillian Welch, The Avett Brothers, and John Prine, A Different Thread maintain a distinct sound that is all their own.
Alicia and Robert see the creation of Over Again as a testament to the power that music has to heal and transform: “For us, this album marks a new beginning, like a rebirth, as we shed negative cycles to work towards a brighter future.”
Festival bio
A Different Thread weaves British folk rock and North Carolina alt-country into a soul-soothing mix of harmony-rich Americana.
Press Release
A Different Thread Announce New Album “Over Again” (1 May 2026)
“One road is ending, another road begins, come on let’s do it over again” – A Different Thread
A Different Thread return with Over Again (out May 1st, 2026), their most expansive and transformative record to date, an album shaped by upheaval, renewal, and the beauty and heartache of beginning again.
Some things are just meant to be. Alicia Best (US) and Robert Jackson (UK) met while busking on the cobbled streets of Ireland and discovered both a musical and personal harmony that was serendipitous. In the decade since forming A Different Thread, they’ve toured over a dozen countries, supported artists such as The Milk Carton Kids and Jody Stephens (Big Star), and earned praise from outlets like BBC, NPR, and KLOF mag, which hailed them as “warm, deep songwriters that have drank from the well of 20th century tradition.”
Over Again was written during a period of transition, marked by their arrival stateside and a solar eclipse. The album took shape across continents: beginning in the duo’s tiny-home studio, continuing at Sylvan Esso’s Betty’s (The Mountain Goats, Tyler Childers, Watchhouse), and finishing at Alma Vale Studio in Bristol UK.
Although more on the Americana side, their sound remains transcontinental, blending Jackson’s British folk rock roots with Best’s North Carolina alt country melodies. The album weaves together their lived stories, navigating visas, vanlife, love across oceans, as well as liberal commentary on environmental, mental health, and social justice issues. Electric guitars meet Appalachian dulcimer, gospel tinged harmonies meet honky tonk fiddle, and the result is a sonic world that feels authentic, nostalgic, and ultimately, hopeful.
Alicia and Robert see the creation of Over Again as a testament to music’s ability to heal and transform:
“For us, this album marks a new beginning, like a rebirth, as we shed negative cycles to work towards a brighter future.”
Official Music Video “Come On Home Molly”
Official Music Video “Didn’t Wanna Go”
press & Radio
“Raw Poetry via soulful Americana” - Glide Mag (single write-up)
“I absolutely loved it” BBC Ulster - The Late Show with John Kerr (radio segment)
“Something new” - BBC Scotland - Iain Anderson (single and album plug)
“Reminded me of the 70s folk rock scene in it’s hayday” RTE Folk on One - Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (single plug)
“Delightful harmonies” - Americana UK (live review)
“A Strong, new independent sound” - KLOF Mag (album review)
“It’s a humble but potent anthem of hope” - Indie Spirits (single write-up)
“Reminds me of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes” - Ear To The Ground (blog single write-up)
“C’est intime, universel, et ça nous tend la main sans nous juger.” - Direct Actu (blog single write-up)
“Perfect for moments of introspection or long journeys.” - Music for all (blog single write-up)
“A warm, comforting … with an uplifting vibe!” - Caesar Live n Loud” (blog single write-up)
“An amazing musical tapestry, one which beckons like a siren song” - Alan Cackett (prev. album review)
“They don’t sound like any other band” - Rocking Magpie (album review)
“It never hits a false note” - Two Story Melody (single review)
Radio interview and live session - NPR WUNC
Accolades
Finalists in the Merlefest band Competition 2025
Semi finalists in the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 2019
Winners of Lichfield Festival of Folk Songwriting Competition 2024
Winners of Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s open mic competition 2017
Featured on ‘The State of Things’ on WUNC for NPR radio 2018
Featured interview and live sessions on BBC Bristol and UK national BBC6 music
Support slots include The Milk Carton Kids, The Moulette’s, Jody Stevens (Big Star), Native Harrow
TOUR DATES
Tech Spec
For trio shows add double bass DI
Channel list W/ Condenser Mic
(More suited for bigger/deeper stages, natural amphitheatres, open spaces, or quiet listening rooms)
CHANNEL 1 - Kick Mic
CHANNEL 2 - Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic (We have an Ear Trumpet Lab’s Louise Phantom req, usually ok in monitor)
CHANNEL 3 - Guitar DI (active)
Channel list alternative
(More suited for noisier venues, enclosed spaces, close proximity, dancing etc)
CHANNEL 1 - Kick Mic
CHANNEL 2 - Snare/cymbal OH
CHANNEL 3 - Acoustic Guitar DI (active)
CHANNEL 4 - Vocals ALICIA
CHANNEL 5 - Vocals + harmonica ROBERT
CHANNEL 6 - Fiddle XLR (mini clip-on condenser mic, Phantom req)
CHANNEL 7 - Baritone ukulele DI (active)
LOGO
Contact US
info@adifferentthread.com
Phone Alicia (919)225-1493
Phone Robert (919)430-2726