A DIFFERENT THREAD
“One road is ending, another road begins, come on let’s do it over again” - A Different Thread
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 Sep 2nd 25’), 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, 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 transatlantic Americana.
PRESS RELEASE
Transatlantic Duo A Different Thread Announce New Album ‘Over Again’
The album announcement comes alongside the release of a new single, “Come On Home Molly”, a reflection on long-lost friendships and the emotional growth needed to leave an open door.
FOR RELEASE MAY 6th (first single release date)
Contact: Robert Jackson
Email: info@adifferentthread.com
Website:www.adifferentthread.com
Socials: @adifferentthread
Phone: 919-430-2726
Some things are just meant to be. Alicia Best (USA) 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 8 years since forming as A Different Thread, they have taken their act on the road, touring over a dozen countries and supporting artists such as Milk Carton Kids and Jody Stephens (Big Star), while navigating visas, van life, and love across oceans.
‘Over Again’ (set for release on Sep 2nd), was written during a period of transition, marked by the band’s arrival stateside and a solar eclipse. It was crowdfunded through Kickstarter by fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Recording began in the pine forests Chapel Hill, NC, in their tiny home studio, then continued in Sylvan Esso's Betty's (The Mountain Goats, Watchhouse), and finished at Alma Vale Studio (Phantom Limb/Yola, Elles Bailey) in the UK. “We used all our blankets to turn the tiny house into a vocal booth,” recalls Jackson, adding, “making this album was a truly transformative experience.”
The debut single “Come On Home Molly”(released May 6th), muses on lost friendships and open doors. “Ever been ghosted by a close friend?” Best asks, “There isn’t really a playbook for heartbreak like that, so I wrote this song.” With rich gospel-tinged harmonies and playful piano, the new single turns that particular heartache into a foot-stomping singalong with lyrics that call out: ‘Let’s walk like ghosts through the halls of the old house/Come on home, Molly/Dusk is falling.’
‘Come on Home Molly’ is a first taste of what’s to come, playing with themes of hope and transformation, inviting the listener to free themselves from negative cycles and work towards a brighter future. A future where you leave the door open for ghosts like Molly—if they ever do decide to come home.
About A Different Thread:
A Different Thread is the Americana duo of Alicia Best (US) and Robert Jackson (UK). Their music blends the best of British folk rock with American alt-country, creating a sound that’s as transcontinental as their journey. From busking in Ireland to playing festival stages across Europe, North America, and beyond, the duo has built a strong fanbase and garnered critical acclaim. Their new album Over Again, out September 2nd, 2025, marks a new chapter in their musical journey, blending electric guitars with Appalachian dulcimer and gospel-esque harmonies that speak to themes of change, love, and hope for a brighter future.
Follow A Different Thread on social media and streaming platforms for updates and sneak peeks of their upcoming album.
Social Media & Streaming:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Tiktok | Spotify | Bandcamp
DISCOGRAPHY
Click the album cover to listen on Bandcamp
2022
2018
2019
2017
2017
video
One-take Official Music Video Didn’t Wanna Go
Magical realism Music Video The Devil You Don’t
NPR tinydesk submission Over Again
Live video
The Prophet
Accolades
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
Featured interview and live session on BBC Bristol and UK national BBC6 music
Support slots include The Moulette’s, Jody Stevens (Big Star), Native Harrow, Lisbee Stainton
press
Album review “They don’t sound like any other band” - Rocking Magpie
Track review and interview “It never hits a false note” - Two Story Melody
Poster
Tech Spec
Channel list W/ Condenser
More suited for bigger/deeper stages, natural ampithatres, open spaces, or quiet listening rooms
CHANNEL 1 - Double bass DI (+ optional small amp)
CHANNEL 2 - Kick Mic
CHANNEL 3 - Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic (We have an Ear Trumpet Lab’s Louise)
CHANNEL 4 - Guitar DI
channel list alternative
More suited for noisier venues, enclosed spaces, close proximity, dancing etc
CHANNEL 1 - Double Bass DI (passive)
CHANNEL 2 - Kick Mic
CHANNEL 3 - Snare/cymbal OH
CHANNEL 4 - Acoustic Guitar DI (active)
CHANNEL 5 - Vocals ALICIA
CHANNEL 6 - Vocals + harmonica ROBERT
CHANNEL 7 - Fiddle DI (mini condenser XLR, Phantom req)
CHANNEL 9 - Baritone ukulele DI (active)
Contact US
Email - info@adifferentthread.com
Phone Alicia (919)225-1493
Phone Robert (919)430-2726