Declan mclennan
lead vocals | rhythm Guitar
Declan McLennan is a singer-songwriter whose work embraces the rich connections between literature and music. His father, both avid reader and eccentric architect, recommended classics like “Wind, Sand, and Stars” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and “Watership Down” by Richard Adams to Declan at an early age. Raised reading books under the lush canopy (and beautiful ecosystems) of the Pacific Northwest, his music is infused with brooding lyrics and subtle textures of the local landscape. Story-telling is an essential aspect of Thistle’s music, enveloping listeners in themes of family, loss, and childlike wonder. Songwriting for Declan is a constant process of introspection, in which past memories surface in the present.
AIDAN MCLENNAN
LEAD & RYTHM GUITAR | VOCALS
Aidan McLennan is a virtuoso musician, expressed in his uncanny ability to “find the part.” Through a repetitive and playful process, he invents melodies, instrumental sections, and harmonies across an impressive range of instruments. Starting with classical piano, Aidan now plays over ten instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, and more. Following his brief classical training, Aidan is primarily self-taught and inspired by musical legends as diverse as James Taylor, Franz Liszt, and John Mayer, as well as mentors, Johnny Bregar and his father Jason McLennan. While Aidan has performed with many stylistically diverse groups, such as Reuben Shepherd Band and The Mats Anderson Experience, his songwriting with Thistle is where his talents truly shine.
matt seale
drums and percussion
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Matt Seale spent his childhood in a home that fostered a strong connection with music. While incredibly grateful for his early years studying violin and piano, the first instrument he truly fell in love with was the drums. He approaches the kit with a mentality that shows clear ties to his upbringing, paying close attention to dynamic contrast, emotional push and pull, and extracting a diverse tonal range, while honouring the groove and pocket that the song demands. Influenced by the likes of Jimmy Chamberlin, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro, and Dennis Chambers, Matt is most inspired when the role of the drummer transcends timekeeping and extends into creating an immersive percussive world that pulls the audience in.
leo he
bass
Hailing from the distant land of Coquitlam, Leo He carries but a singular chief export with him to Thistle’s weald - the craft of bass. Born and raised on a steady diet of Tower of Power, Steely Dan and Vulfpeck, Leo carries his axe with venerable strength and the primal wisdom to say “yes, let the people dance”. When he is not fulfilling his druidic oath with Thistle’s live gallivants, he can often be found performing elsewhere with local folklore legends Charis Tazumi, Anne Martina and Rowan Bands (under the house of Heron).
ryan keating
ambient and lead guitar
Ryan Keating is a versatile musician and performer with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, specializing in jazz and contemporary music. Based in Victoria, BC, Ryan has performed with a variety of groups including jazz ambient duo The Meating, raw pop-punk band 9Iron, and jazz inspired country group Reuben Shepherd Band. Ryan Keating’s work as the Production Coordinator at the Victoria Jazz Society has allowed him to develop and grow within the industry as an artist and dedicated performer. He remains committed to creating meaningful musical experiences that connect with audiences and fellow musicians alike.