A DIFFERENT THREAD

The transatlantic collaboration between UK-born Robert Jackson 

and North Carolina native, Alicia Best

BIOGRAPHY

“One road is ending, another road begins, come on let’s do it over 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, 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, 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.

NEW SINGLE PRESS RELEASE

A Different Thread Announces New Single "Sweet and the Burn"

Transatlantic duo explores the dark heart of addiction with a gritty, southern gothic sound

Alt-country troubadours A Different Thread are set to release their latest single, "Sweet and the Burn," on Friday 5th September. The song, a raw and introspective track, delves into the duality of pleasure and pain, offering a stark and honest look at the self-destructive cycles of addiction.

"Sweet and the Burn" is a sonic departure for the duo, blending the British folk rock of Robert Jackson with the North Carolina-bred alt-country of Alicia Best. Recorded between Sylvan Esso's studio, Betty's, in Chapel Hill, NC, and Alma Vale Studio in Bristol, UK, the track channels the brooding spirit of artists like Nick Cave and Johnny Cash, while maintaining a contemporary edge that sits alongside the likes of Orville Peck, Lucinda Williams, and Charley Crockett. The result is a sound that is both haunting and cathartic.

The song was born from a place of radical honesty, with its lyrics serving as a warning and a gift from a past self. "It’s a song about the voice of reason that breaks through the denial," says Robert Jackson. "You know something's bad for you, but when do you actually start to listen? This song is an act of self-love, a testament to the power of making a change."

“Sweet and the Burn" is the third single from the duo's upcoming album, Over Again, set for release on 1st May 2026. This conversation about self-awareness and healing is a core theme that runs throughout the album. The band hopes the track will provide a lifeline for listeners, offering a sense of community and support to those who have struggled with addiction.

Following a decade of nomadic touring across a dozen countries, A Different Thread has earned a reputation for their "warm, deep songwriting" (Folk Radio UK) and honest storytelling. "Sweet and the Burn" is a powerful continuation of this tradition, solidifying their place as artists who are not afraid to be vulnerable and authentic in their work.

"Sweet and the Burn" will be available on all major streaming platforms on Friday 5th September 2025.

Tour Dates

In support of the new single, A Different Thread will be embarking on a tour of the Southwest this September with Austin-based artist Anna La Mare. More info at www.adifferentthread.com

• Sat, Sep 6: Speakeasy, Carrboro, NC
  

• Fri, Sep 12: Puckett’s, Franklin, TN
  

• Sat, Sep 13: Cellotree Arts, Nashville, TN
  

• Sun, Sep 14: House Concert, Huntsville, AL
  

• Wed, Sep 17: Munson & Bros, Columbus, MS
  

• Fri, Sep 19: House Concert, New Orleans, LA
  

• Sat, Sep 20: House Concert, Baton Rouge, LA
  

• Wed, Sep 24: Continental Club’s Big Top, Houston, TX
  

• Sun, Sep 28: New World Deli, Austin, TX
  

About A Different Thread:

A Different Thread is a transcontinental folk-americana duo composed of Alicia Best (US) and Robert Jackson (UK). After meeting by chance while busking in Galway, Ireland, the two discovered a unique musical and personal connection that has taken them on a decade-long journey across the globe. Their music, a blend of Appalachian alt-country and British Folk revival, reflects their nomadic life with liberal commentary on social and environmental issues. Their upcoming album, Over Again, is set to release on May 1st, 2026.

Contact:

Robert Jackson

(919)430-2726

info@adifferentthread.com

Website: https://www.adifferentthread.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CntgQQt3H4CZ4HsliJGAH

Bandcamp: https://adifferentthread.bandcamp.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/adifferentthread

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/adifferentthread

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/adifferentthread

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adifferentthread

ALBUM 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 in May 26’), 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

www.adifferentthread.com

PREVIOUS DISCOGRAPHY

Click the album cover to listen on Bandcamp

video

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

press

• “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)
  
  

• Crowdfunder Radar article - No Depression
  

• Live review “delightful harmonies” - Americana UK

• Album review “A Strong, new independent sound” - Folk Radio UK
  

• 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

Tech Spec

(Ignore double bass for duo shows)

Contact US

Email - info@adifferentthread.com

Phone Alicia (919)225-1493
Phone Robert (919)430-2726