They’re quirky, to say the least. But it seems to be working for a Langley couple, who were nominated this week for a Fraser Valley music award.
Laura and Ryan Koch, otherwise known as The Kwerks, released their self-titled debut pop album last week, and this week learned they’re one of five acts shortlisted for the best pop group in the awards contest.
The Kwerks, an acoustic folk-pop band fronted by Laura and Ryan, walked onto the music scene only last summer and have had notable success in gaining attention over the past 10 months with funny music videos they post on their YouTube and Facebook accounts.
Then, in November, they submitted a video incorporating their humour and music into a contest for Dominion Lending Centres and won the grand prize, resulting in their video being made into a national TV commercial that aired during several major TV events including the 103rd Grey Cup.
“The DLC win was a great surprise as we were kicking off the music. It gave us exposure that we couldn’t have gotten any other way, even if we were singing about mortgages,” Laura said, who described the past few months as nothing short of “great.”
Then, at the end of April, they released the self-titled debut EP “which has further ignited excitement about the band,” Laura said of the five-track record.
“It’s been really gratifying seeing the momentum around us building, and receiving this FVMA nomination is a huge honour,” Ryan added.
The Fraser Valley Music Awards gala will be held on July 16 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, at which time The Kwerks will find out how they did.