A DIFFERENT THREAD
The transatlantic collaboration between UK-born Robert Jackson
and North Carolina native, Alicia Best
Official Music Video Didn’t Wanna Go
Official Music Video Come On Home Molly
Tech Spec
For duo shows, ignore double bass
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)
“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 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 transatlantic alternative Americana.
press & Radio
“Raw Poetry via soulful Americana” - Glide Mag (single write-up)
“I absolutely loved it” BBC Ulster - The Late Show with John Kerr
“It’s a humble but potent anthem of hope, perfect for reflective moments or road trips through dusk-lit landscapes.” - Indie Spirits (single write-up)
“C’est intime, universel, et ça nous tend la main sans nous juger.” - Direct Actu (single write-up)
“Perfect for moments of introspection or long journeys.” - Music for all (single write-up)
“A warm, comforting listening experience with an uplifting vibe!” - Caesar Live n Loud” (single write-up)
“The couple really know how to throw down an amazing musical tapestry, one which beckons like a siren song.” - Alan Cackett (album review)
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
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 session on BBC Bristol and UK national BBC6 music
Support slots include The Milk Carton Kids, The Moulette’s, Jody Stevens (Big Star), Native Harrow
Contact US
Email - info@adifferentthread.com
Phone Alicia (919)225-1493
Phone Robert (919)430-2726