Thistle

Thistle is a recording and live performing project helmed by brothers Aidan and Declan McLennan. Raised on Bainbridge Island, Washington, the small town offered a gateway between the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and of Seattle’s legendary music legacy. Their father - a prolific yet unreleased singer-songwriter who once performed under the same name Thistle, serves as a direct creative influence for the brother duo today.

Blending traditional folk with classic rock and blues roots, Thistle’s music is driven by sweeping acoustic guitars and layered vocal harmonies, creating a lush and textured sound. While both brothers had long pursued music individually, their recent collaboration in songwriting marked a turning point - deepening their creative partnership and shaping the relationship-driven songwriting that defines the project. Themes of family, loss, individuality and love recur throughout their work.

In June of 2025, Thistle released their self-titled debut, a collection of seven original songs reflecting the brothers’ first year living together in Victoria, British Columbia, where they are now based. Both Aidan and Declan are students at the University of Victoria, pursuing their bachelors degree while developing their sound within the city’s dynamic rock and folk scene