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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. Formed in 2023, 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. Together, they create a distinct sonic tapestry rooted in folk, old-time, and country music.

In 2025, The Western Thistles released their self-titled debut album—a raw, live-off-the-floor recording co-produced, mixed, and mastered by renowned producer Miles Wilkinson (Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Darrell Scott). The album debuted at #7 on CKUA’s Top 30 chart and stands as a testament to their commitment to crafting songs with heart, grit, and intention.

As multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, The Western Thistles channel their lived experiences into music that’s both raw and resonant. Their sound reflects the rhythms of everyday life and aims to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who lend an ear. For them, creating music is more than a passion—it’s a way of preserving the art of storytelling through song.

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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 harmonies. Formed in 2023 by Mark Boer and Sabrina (Bri) Huot-Boer, the duo weaves lived experience into songs rooted in folk, old-time, and country tradition. Their debut self-titled album, released in 2025 and co-produced by Miles Wilkinson (Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris), claimed the #7 spot on CKUA’s Top 30 chart in its first week. With a sound that’s raw, resonant, and heartfelt, The Western Thistles preserve the art of storytelling through music that reflects the rhythms of everyday life.

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The Western Thistles are known for their clawhammer banjo, rhythm guitar, and rich harmonies. By blending old-time roots with modern-day storytelling, they create a sound that’s raw, resonant, and heartfelt. Their unique style shines through in their self-titled debut album, which made waves across Alberta, reaching #4 on the CKUA Top-30 Chart.

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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