Victoria-Made Music Video for Folk Group Thistle Surpasses 100,000 Views

Victoria, British Columbia—A local production has broken the 100,000‑view barrier on YouTube, a milestone that lifts the fledgling folk band Thistle and the island’s creative community into the spotlight. The clip, titled “Over the Garden Wall,” debuted on June 26, 2026, as the group’s first single and accompanying visual release. By July 17, the video had crossed the 100,000‑view threshold, a figure the band confirmed on Instagram and that local outlets reported.

Unlike a standard performance video, “Over the Garden Wall” reads more like a short film. Director Makian Macdonald, a Victoria‑based filmmaker, merged live‑action footage with hand‑crafted imagery, puppetry, practical effects, and meticulously designed costumes. The result is a dreamlike folk tale that echoes the song’s lyrical themes. At the core of the piece are brothers Declan and Aidan McLennan, whose folk‑influenced musicianship anchors the narrative.

The project brought together talent from across Vancouver Island’s independent arts scene. In addition to the McLennan brothers, the crew included musicians, filmmakers, and artists linked to the Victoria Association of Mask and Puppetry. Macdonald has spoken of the collaboration as a testament to the creative potential that emerges when artists from diverse disciplines join forces. He added that, after years of working with Juno Award‑winning musicians and international acts, he has shifted his focus toward championing local talent and bolstering Victoria’s arts ecosystem.

While the video was born on the island, its reach has stretched far beyond. Viewers outside the region have discovered Thistle’s music through the clip, expanding the band’s audience and introducing a wider public to the creative forces behind the production. The band’s YouTube channel, which hosts the official video, has seen a steady uptick in subscribers following the 100,000‑view milestone.

“Over the Garden Wall” demonstrates how a locally produced music video can generate significant online engagement while spotlighting regional artistic collaboration. It also underscores the role of independent media production in elevating emerging musicians and sustaining Vancouver Island’s cultural economy.

The clip remains available on Thistle’s official YouTube channel, and the band has yet to announce any follow‑up releases or touring plans. For now, the 100,000‑view mark stands as the project’s current benchmark.