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Blending old-time roots with modern-day storytelling, The Western Thistles are an Edmonton folk duo known for their clawhammer banjo, rhythm guitar, and rich vocal harmonies. The group was born from the musical connection between Mark Boer and Sabrina (Bri) Huot-Boer, who came together to weld their talents for the sake of the song. Their sound draws from folk, roots, and old-time traditions while carving out a space distinctly their own.

In 2025, The Western Thistles released their self-titled debut album, recorded live off the floor and co-produced by Miles Wilkinson (Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Darrell Scott). The album reached #26 on CKUA’s Top 100 most-played albums of the year, standing as a testament to their commitment to crafting songs with heart, grit, and intention.

As songwriters and performers, they channel lived experience into work that reflects both personal narrative and musical lineage. Rooted in a dedication to craft, they shape songs that foster connection, creating space for listeners to hear their own stories reflected in the music.

150 WORD BIO

Blending old-time roots with modern-day storytelling, The Western Thistles are an Edmonton folk duo known for their clawhammer banjo, rhythm guitar, and rich vocal harmonies. The group was born from the musical connection between Mark Boer and Sabrina (Bri) Huot-Boer, who came together to weld their talents for the sake of the song. Their sound draws from folk, roots, and old-time traditions while remaining distinctly their own.

In 2025, The Western Thistles released their self-titled debut album, recorded live off the floor and co-produced by Miles Wilkinson (Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark). The album reached #26 on CKUA’s Top 100 most-played albums of the year, reflecting their commitment to crafting songs with heart, grit, and intention.

As songwriters and performers, they channel lived experience into songs that reflect both personal narrative and musical lineage, creating space for listeners to hear their own stories reflected in the music.

75 WORD BIO

The Western Thistles are an Edmonton folk duo known for their clawhammer banjo, rhythm guitar, and rich vocal harmonies. Blending old-time roots with modern-day storytelling, they create a sound that’s raw, resonant, and heartfelt. Their self-titled debut album, recorded live off the floor and co-produced by Miles Wilkinson (Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark), reached #26 on CKUA’s Top 100 most-played albums of 2025.

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MUSIC

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The Western Thistles' self-titled debut album is here!

Western Plains

Barroom Stool

Brushy Fork of John's Creek

Season or a Dime

Working Man

Blue Collared Boy

Recorded by renowned producer Miles Wilkinson (Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Darrell Scott), this record is a representation of The Western Thistles' journey over the last six years. These tunes have travelled from open mics, to living room jams, dive bar stages, finally making their way to the studio, each carrying their own story. Sometimes they came easy, as if they were always there, just waiting to be channelled through them. Other times, they were parsed apart over days and weeks, searching for the right words and melody to serve the song.

Old House

When the Cherry Tree Blossoms

Wild and Free

That's the Way

Available on all streaming platforms

"The Western Thistles demonstrate the intimate folk-country-old time vibe Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Kacy & Clayton, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion have successfully mastered over several decades. Distinguishing these Edmontonians are the flavours their approach to writing, playing, and singing emphasizes within their original material, augmented by some of the most impressive players on the local 'acoustic-sounding' scene."

- Fervor Coulee for Country Standard Time