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?
When the two met to discuss the possibility of playing together, they talked about all the music they first fell in love with. Turns out there was a lot of overlap. They decided to take their first music loves and an open mind into a practice space at in NE Washington D.C. John went back and forth between drums and acoustic and electric guitar; Laura worked at the Fender Rhodes. Six hours and some new songs later, they were certain: not only could this work, it would -- and even better than either of them had anticipated.
The practice and writing sessions at Dance Place turned out a slew of songs, all strong on melody and outfitted with '70s-style harmonies. The two weren't sure what to call what they'd created. If they could hand-make one songwriter with all of the characteristics of their favorite writers, what would his name be? They agreed on something a little androgynous, a little bit glam: Georgie James.
Recording with Chad Clark (Beauty Pill) and T.J. Lipple (Aloha) at Silver Sonya Studio, "Demos at Dance Place" was finished in November of 2005. The demos feature the first seven songs written by the duo, ranging in style from buoyant, dancey rock ("Need Your Needs", "Places") to folk harmonies ("Hard Feelings") that channel some of the best sounds from the past and the present.
In late summer 2006, Georgie James entered Silver Sonya Studio to record its debut full-length, again with the help of Chad Clark and T.J. Lipple. With the recording complete, Georgie James is continuing to play live shows and look for a label home.
