A Different Thread

EPK

“Warm, deep, singer-songwriters that have drank from the well of 20th century tradition”

- Folk Radio UK

British-Americana troubadours A Different Thread blend traditional Celtic balladry with Appalachian blues and country, crafting a richly emotive style of contemporary transatlantic folk. With fiddle, harmonica, double bass, and warm vocal harmonies, their sound is both timeless and refreshingly different.

Fronted by Robert Jackson from Lichfield, UK, and Alicia Best from Durham, North Carolina, the duo’s journey began with a chance encounter while busking in Ireland in 2016. Since then, they’ve embarked on a musical adventure across a dozen countries, writing, touring, and living in motion.

Their authentic performance caught the attention of Shrewsbury Folk Festival, where a win in 2017 earned them a coveted spot on the main stage. They have since landed features on both BBC and NPR, as well as support slots with notable artists like Jody Stevens (Big Star), Native Harrow, and the Milk Carton Kids.

Joined by double bassist Mike Seal, A Different Thread has earned a reputation for deeply moving live performances and powerful songwriting, described by Folk Radio as “warm, deep songwriters that have drank from the well of 20th century tradition”. Drawing influence from Cash and Carter, and Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, they tell heartfelt tales of love, loss, and life on the open road.

Very Short Bio

“Transatlantic Americana with hair-raising harmonies that tell heartfelt tales of life on the road.”

DISCOGRAPHY

Click the album cover to listen on Bandcamp

Accolades

• Semi finalists in the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 2019

• 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

• Live review “They perform with pure sincerity and joy but also an originality that is exciting and inspiring to experience” - Americana UK
  

• Album review “The couple really know how to throw down an amazing musical tapestry, one which beckons like a siren song.” - Alan Cackett
  

• 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

LOGO

Channel list

PLEASE NOTE: subject to change, depending on line-up and venue spec. Stage-plots for louder environments available upon request.

CHANNEL 1 - Double bass DI

CHANNEL 2 - Kick Mic

CHANNEL 3 - Condenser Mic (We have an Ear Trumpet Lab’s Louise)

CHANNEL 4 - Guitar DI

Contact info

• Email - info@adifferentthread.com

• Phone Robert - (919) 430-2726

• Phone Alicia - (919) 225-1493