After two years performing as amateurs, the group, which took its name from the animated cartoon character Johnny Quest, finally raised the money (in college performances for an average of 2,000 people) to record their first independent album. Hired by Sony, they promoted their work opening for Skank (who are also from Minas Gerais state) and other bands. The first album J. Quest (1996) had the national hits "As Dores do Mundo" and "Encontrar Alguém." The second, De Volta ao Planeta, had another one with "Fácil." In 2000, they released Oxigênio. ~ Alvaro Neder