ArtistDirect News
Vancouver Island Folk Group Thistles Over the Garden Wall Video Surpasses 100,000 YouTube Views
A music video produced in Victoria, British Columbia, has crossed the 100,000‑view mark on YouTube, marking a milestone for the emerging folk group Thistle and the local arts community. The video, released on June 26, 2026, features the band’s first official single, “Over the Garden Wall,” and was directed by Victoria filmmaker Makian Macdonald.
Thistle, led by brothers Declan and Aidan McLennan, has built a reputation for folk‑influenced songwriting that blends traditional melodies with contemporary storytelling. The single’s title references the popular animated series of the same name, but the song itself is an original composition that explores themes of journey and wonder.
Macdonald envisioned the video as a short film rather than a conventional performance clip. To achieve this, he combined live‑action footage with handcrafted imagery, puppetry, practical effects, and detailed costumes. The result is a dreamlike folk tale that visually mirrors the song’s lyrical narrative. The production team described the piece as a “dreamlike folk tale inspired by the song,” a description that aligns with the video’s whimsical aesthetic.
The project brought together a range of artists from Vancouver Island’s independent scene. Musicians, filmmakers, performers, and visual artists collaborated under the umbrella of the Victoria Association of Mask and Puppetry. The association’s involvement added a layer of puppetry expertise, while local costume designers contributed to the video’s elaborate wardrobe. According to Macdonald, the collaboration demonstrates the creative potential that emerges when disciplines intersect.
Macdonald has previously worked with multiple Juno Award‑winning musicians and international artists. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to promoting local talent and supporting the growth of Victoria’s arts scene. The “Over the Garden Wall” video reflects that shift, showcasing the skill set of island artists and providing them with a platform that reaches audiences beyond the island.
Since its release, the video has attracted viewers from outside Vancouver Island, introducing new listeners to Thistle’s music and the creative talent involved in the production. The YouTube channel’s view count surpassed 100,000 on July 21, 2026, a milestone that underscores the appeal of locally produced content in a global streaming environment.
The official music video is available on YouTube and can be accessed through Thistle’s channel. The success of the video highlights the vitality of Vancouver Island’s music and arts community and demonstrates how collaborative projects can achieve significant online reach.
The milestone also signals a growing interest in folk‑based storytelling that incorporates visual arts beyond traditional music videos. As Thistle continues to develop its catalog, the band’s partnership with local filmmakers and puppeteers may set a precedent for future projects that blend music with immersive visual narratives.
Thistle, led by brothers Declan and Aidan McLennan, has built a reputation for folk‑influenced songwriting that blends traditional melodies with contemporary storytelling. The single’s title references the popular animated series of the same name, but the song itself is an original composition that explores themes of journey and wonder.
Macdonald envisioned the video as a short film rather than a conventional performance clip. To achieve this, he combined live‑action footage with handcrafted imagery, puppetry, practical effects, and detailed costumes. The result is a dreamlike folk tale that visually mirrors the song’s lyrical narrative. The production team described the piece as a “dreamlike folk tale inspired by the song,” a description that aligns with the video’s whimsical aesthetic.
The project brought together a range of artists from Vancouver Island’s independent scene. Musicians, filmmakers, performers, and visual artists collaborated under the umbrella of the Victoria Association of Mask and Puppetry. The association’s involvement added a layer of puppetry expertise, while local costume designers contributed to the video’s elaborate wardrobe. According to Macdonald, the collaboration demonstrates the creative potential that emerges when disciplines intersect.
Macdonald has previously worked with multiple Juno Award‑winning musicians and international artists. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to promoting local talent and supporting the growth of Victoria’s arts scene. The “Over the Garden Wall” video reflects that shift, showcasing the skill set of island artists and providing them with a platform that reaches audiences beyond the island.
Since its release, the video has attracted viewers from outside Vancouver Island, introducing new listeners to Thistle’s music and the creative talent involved in the production. The YouTube channel’s view count surpassed 100,000 on July 21, 2026, a milestone that underscores the appeal of locally produced content in a global streaming environment.
The official music video is available on YouTube and can be accessed through Thistle’s channel. The success of the video highlights the vitality of Vancouver Island’s music and arts community and demonstrates how collaborative projects can achieve significant online reach.
The milestone also signals a growing interest in folk‑based storytelling that incorporates visual arts beyond traditional music videos. As Thistle continues to develop its catalog, the band’s partnership with local filmmakers and puppeteers may set a precedent for future projects that blend music with immersive visual narratives.