Driven Serious, A Different Thread

Driven serious started to be formed in late 2010 when Rob Jones, the singer-songwriter-guitarist gave Tom Gregory-Smith, the violin player a phone call having got his number from an advert on the wall in a music shop.

The influences, styles and musical development of the individual band members are truly eclectic, creating a sound that is lyrically driven, with high energy and soul. It would be easy to pigeon-hole Driven Serious into the Folk-Rock category, but the diversity of the percussion, acoustic and electric guitar, punk feel and poetic and sensitive sentiment of some of the songs always guarantees a journey for the audience. An amazing performance is always certain, due the genuineness, honesty and experience of the musicians.

Although Driven Serious is truly individual, when people have strived to compare, as it is in their nature to do, they have mentioned names such as The Smiths, The Levellers, The Wonderstuff, REM, The Pogues, Damien Rice and Radiohead.

“One road is ending, another road begins, come on let’s do it over again” - A Different Thread

Formed after meeting while busking in Ireland, Alicia Best (North Carolina) and Robert Jackson (England) have built a loyal following through years of touring on both sides of the Atlantic. Their live shows combine rich harmonies, honest storytelling, and songs that balance longing, resilience, and hope.