part 1

while recently uncovered founder recordings have been dated as far back as 1998 (utilising the current line-up), it was largely an occasional project that collaborated infrequently, usually in the sordid studio (cronulla, new south wales).

early audio records contain disorganised, loose jams, fragments of songs-to-be, much repetition, some screaming, wasted tape space, some poorly attempted feedback and humorous banter. every now and then the band name changed (first burlington, then later, ousley). it was a small, hot studio and we drank beer accordingly.

each band member brought to the table his own tastes, preferences and musical limitations like so many tuna dishes at some near-disastrous, poorly organised dinner party. one could reasonably consider the music of ousley not unlike some diseased, three-headed bullock, each head pulling dumbly, strongly, tangentially, if you will.

the results of such a collective were often disturbing. and often beautiful.

beautiful enough to inspire three or four more collaborations in 1999 and 2000, interspersed with wide travel, vocational negligence and a degree of feigned self discovery.

when, in november 2000, the notion of public performance was first entertained, enthusiasm and doubt in equal parts became each man's own shadow.

for two months we practised intensely. we wrote songs and made beauty our own. we laughed often. amidst all this, a name was hurriedly chosen. we joked about being bad and hoped we weren't, or would not be. there was no hackey-sack. perhaps we had outgrown this. we kept poor hours, confused loved ones and angered strangers.

part 3: aftermath

founder proceeded to play over twenty shows that first year. some of them were great and as one might appreciate, some of them were terrible. for every art of fighting support slot, there was a show with the scrubbers. one week it was gersey and the next: the libido moon men. there were shows with bluebottle kiss and yet shows with avance. people continue to take notice however...

founder is an ongoing struggle.

come see us soon...