Press

"Measured, frequently exquisite arrangements"
– Minnesota Public Radio

“‘Immigrantke’ displays an effortless beauty through their ethereal harmonies and masterful instrumentation, and pierces the hearts and souls of those listening to the folk songs of Red Thread.”
– Music Mecca

“Red Thread weave together influences from their immigrant roots to create a unique Americana tapestry.”
– Americana UK

"Like a siren beckoning sailors to the shallow waters, Red Thread’s “Sailor’s Lullaby” haunts and calls you in...They weave vocals with imaginative instrumentation, while folding in an original modern feel."
– Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

“Ingrained with generational storytelling, Red Thread fuses the past into the present with gorgeous harmonies and folk sensibilities. Their music harkens to the importance of ancestry, culture, and traditions still present in our lives.”
– Music in Minnesota 

Red Thread Unveils Immigrantke Album, Honoring 100 Years Since 1924 Immigration Acts

Minneapolis, MN – February 23, 2024 – Red Thread, led by singer-songwriter Sarah Larsson, announces the release of their latest album, "Immigrantke," commemorating the centenary of the 1924 Immigration Acts. The album embarks on a transatlantic journey, weaving tales of immigrant women through traditional and contemporary folk songs.

Inspired by Larsson's own immigrant lineage from Ireland, Sweden, Poland, and Hungary, "Immigrantke" delves into the universal themes of longing, departure, and the quest for belonging. As the granddaughter of an immigrant who arrived in 1914, Larsson's introspective lyrics reflect on the complexities of identity and heritage.

Highlighting the album is Larsson's poignant exploration of her mother's Yiddish heritage, composing a suite of folk songs that resonate with the rich tapestry of her familial history. With a nod to Canadian and Minnesotan Yiddish poets, Larsson bridges the past and present, creating melodies that beckon listeners to connect with their own ancestral narratives.

The release of "Immigrantke" coincides with Red Thread's international tour across Europe and the United States, drawing attention to the enduring legacy of the 1924 Immigration Acts. Through music and storytelling, Red Thread invites audiences to reflect on contemporary issues of immigration and belonging.

The album's debut follows Red Thread's performance at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis as part of The Cedar Commissions, a program supporting emerging artists. With support from KlezKanada, Chutzpah! Festival, and the Jerome Foundation, Red Thread's piece "Kholemen in zikh arayn" sets poems in Yiddish to all-new music based on Yiddish folk melodies, performed by a 7-piece ensemble of women and nonbinary musicians.

Recent Press:

"Minnesota Playlist: Best New Minnesota Songs from January 2025" / Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/mn-playlist-january-2025/ 

"Minneapolis artist sings her family's immigration history" / MPR News
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/02/23/minneapolis-artist-sings-her-familys-immigration-history 

Minneapolis band Red Thread live in-studio with new Serbian and Yiddish album, ‘Immigrantke’ / MPR News
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/05/02/minneapolis-band-red-thread-live-instudio-with-new-serbian-and-yiddish-album-immigrantke 

"Interview: Sarah Larsson Of Eastern European-Inspired Folk Ensemble Red Thread Talks New Album ‘Immigrantke’" / Music Mecca
https://musicmecca.org/interview-sarah-larsson-of-eastern-european-inspired-folk-ensemble-red-thread-talks-new-album-immigrantke/

"Red Thread['s] 'Sailor's Lullaby' weave a tale of longing" / Americana UK
https://americana-uk.com/red-thread-sailors-lullaby-weave-a-tale-of-longing

"Sarah Larsson Sews Stories of Ancestry into Modern Folksongs" / Music in Minnesota
https://www.musicinminnesota.com/sarah-larsson-sews-stories-of-ancestry-into-modern-folksongs/

"Red Thread's debut album spins timeless tales of love far-flung" / Oyer
https://www.oyer.fm/p/red-threads-debut-album-spins-timeless-tales 

"New Minnesota music roundup: Immigrant songs by Red Thread" / MPR News
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/04/05/new-minnesota-music-roundup-immigrant-songs-by-red-thread