Biography

In an age of similarly melded melodies and overly sung lyrics, the Alternative Hip-Rock genre has more than enough room for cleverly crafted musical journeys and awe inspiring sounds. Although Tesla, Deftones, Papa Roach and Cake probably hold the staple for the area, Sacramento Alt. Rockers Conflict Minerals surely might be considered heirs apparent.
The forming of Conflict Minerals started in 2010, mixing and matching of different elements. Some elements were added and some were removed. But in 2011 they came into form with Quross on the lead vocals, Brian Cooper on rhythm guitar, Stoyo on bass and Jordan Ballou on drums and vocals. They graced stages all over Sacramento creating a large fan following. During the summer of 2012, former drummer Jordan decided to part ways from the band which opened the doors for new drummer Brady Pettit. His crazy wild stick style was just the element Conflict Minerals needed to become the much sought after Sound they were aiming to be. 2013 brought the much anticipated release of their first EP “Six Mile Station”. With plans on touring the EP, Conflict Minerals prepares for many upcoming shows and continues to evolve, write and record new material.

QUROSS- LEAD VOCALS

Quross is a Singer/Songwriter/Musician who started playing music at young age. He began playing the piano for the children’s choir at 8 and began singing soon after. As the years past he traded a canvas he painted for his first guitar which he hasn’t put down since. He then picked up the Harmonica which was influenced by his father. Quross loves the Lime Light. His career started as a solo artist, performing on stage singing his own music. While he spent a lot of his time writing Poetry and Songs. He has now joined forces with the Band Conflict Minerals, providing the lead vocals.There are many musical influences which have molded Quross into the musician he is. From the early styles of The Temptations, “The King of Pop” Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix to Music Soulchild, Usher, Boyz II Men. A little Disturbed, Metallica, Tool, and System of a Down for his darker side. Those are just a few, there are too many name.


BRIAN- RHYTHM GUITAR

Brian got into guitar at a young age when he showed interest in his dads guitar. In 1995 he got his own, although it never held his full attention until 2010, he never lost interest.Now he is experimenting with other stringed instruments like Ukuleles and Mandolins. Brian has never been a part of any projects leading up to Conflict Minerals but he has studied Metallica and other great guitarists and has been in his fair share of Jam sessions. He is influenced many musicians and bands such as Death Cab for Cutie, Sage Francis, Nirvana, oldies, blues and anything in between.


STOYO- BASS

Stoyo started playing electric bass in 2006. He used to play the drums when he was younger, but has always had more interest in the bass. He just loves that low tone! His band experience started as a bassist with a rock cover band. He has also played bass in a original hard rock band that disbanded in 2010. He then became the bassist in Conflict Minerals. There are far too many bass or music influences to list, but a few standout bass influences would be Justin Chancellor, Ryan Martinie, Getty Lee and of course the great Les Claypool. Stoyo really appreciates Roger Waters from a writing perspective and right now he is really into the Silversun Pickups, Mudvayne, Kings of Leon and Sacramento’s own Deftones. He enjoys playing rap bass grooves as well as the driving bass lines in hard rock. Stoyo aims to fuse the two together and just go with what feels right for the music.


BRADY- DRUMS

Brady has been pursuing music since a very young age, starting with violin lessons at the age of 9 and slowly progressing through other instruments as time wore on. He played jazz trombone for many years and was a passionate percussionist in high school. Brady has pursued different roles with other bands such as guitarist for Zero’s Logic and Guitarist/Vocalist of his very own project 86 Superhero. These projects allowed him to explore his creativity and grow as a musician but at the end of the day the drums just kept calling his name. After searching for a group that had good chemistry and the right outlet for his heavy-handed style Brady came across Conflict Minerals. With his wide range of musical experience and influence from bands such as; Sparta, Tool, Aesop Rock, Incubus, Blind Melon and The Mars Volta, Brady is the perfect fit for a band that can’t be defined by a specific genre. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.