FKB vying to be national talent search champs

Image submitted: Travis Topylki, Alex Fedorouk, Drew Shalka, and Derek Chalut from the band FKB. They are looking for votes in the Jim Beam Talent Search.

A rock band with local roots is looking for a little help from their friends.

FKB are fresh off their win of the Jim Beam Talent Search in Edmonton March 21 and are looking for votes to win the national competition.

If FKB were to win, they’d open for Born Ruffians in Toronto as part of Canadian Music Week.

“It’s all about the online vote. People are hopefully giving us five-star ratings and like what they’re hearing,” said FKB frontman Drew Shalka.

“Then if we win this national competition we open for Born Ruffians at this huge awards show in Toronto,”

The group hails from Fort Kent originally and is currently based in Edmonton.

Bands like The Strumbellas and July Talk have appeared at this talent search competition and FKB think it would be a chance to boost their reputation, with the chance of running into record executives during Canadian Music Week.

“There’s some important people there and it’s a big show if we can get it,” said Shalka.

The band is getting some celebrity buzz as well.

Tommy Chong, from Cheech and Chong, lent his support for FKB.

There are nine other musical acts in the competition.

Voting ends Friday in the Jim Beam Talent Search. You can vote here.