When Q And Not U disbanded in 2005, drummer John Davis turned to his singer-songwriter friend, Laura Burhenn, to forge something new. At first the two seemed like an unlikely pair. John had spent the past seven years releasing records with his bandmates on Dischord and touring the world. Laura, on the other hand, had been releasing solo projects on her own label, Laboratory Records, and playing smaller venues on the east coast and in L.A. How could they find common ground?

The practice and writing sessions at Dance Place (the D.C. Community Arts Center that is adjacent to the Georgie James practice space) turned out a slew of songs, all strong on melody and harmonies. The two weren’t sure what to call what they’d created. If they could invent one songwriter with all of the characteristics of their favorite writers, what would that person’s name be? They agreed on something a little androgynous, a little bit glam: Georgie James.

“Need Your Needs” serves as the title of the single and, along with “Cake Parade,” the single is rounded out by a cover of “El Condor Pasa (If I Could),” the Peruvian folk song that Simon & Garfunkel refitted and reintroduced back in 1970. These three songs provide a glimpse at the spectrum of music that Georgie James creates. “Need Your Needs,” which looks equally to Chic, The Cowsills and Cheap Trick for inspiration; “Cake Parade,” a song where the music’s devotion to The White Album and K-Tel compilations belies the gravity of the lyrics; “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” is the band at its barest. Recorded live in the studio as Burhenn sat at a piano and Davis sat with his guitar, the spare arrangement highlights the glory of the original composition as well as the joy in making music and singing songs.

In May 2007, Georgie James signed with Saddle Creek Records. Saddle Creek will be issuing Georgie James’ debut album, Places, in early fall 2007.