Q and Not U, comprised of John Davis, Harris Klahr and Chris Richards, formed in the summer of 1998 (along with former member Matt Borlik) and began playing out in November of that year. The band's first release, the Hot and Informed single, came out in April 2000. The band's second release, the No Kill No Beep Beep full–length record, was released in October of 2000.

Following extensive touring on behalf of No Kill No Beep Beep, the band parted ways with Borlik in late 2001. Q And Not U released a single on vinyl and compact disc, called On Play Patterns, in April of 2002. In May and June of 2002, the trio returned to Inner Ear Recording Studio to record a new full–length, Different Damage. It was released in the fall of 2002 and, like their previous recordings, it was produced and engineered by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara. Following the release of Different Damage, Q And Not U embarked upon extensive touring of the U.S., Europe, Canada and Japan.

In June of 2003, Q And Not U re–entered Inner Ear with Ian and Don to record two new songs for a single. This single, "X–Polynation"/"Book of Flags," was released in September of 2003 and coincided with another large U.S. tour. In 2004, Q And Not U played shows in the U.S. throughout the spring in preparation for the recording of their third album, Power. Power was recorded in June of 2004 in Brooklyn, NY. with Rafael Cohen and Pete Cafarella. It was mixed in July '04 at Inner Ear with Rafael and Don Zientara. Power was released in October of '04 and was followed with more touring of the U.S. and Europe. Q And Not U played its final show in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2005.