I’ve been playing the drums since I was two. When I was six, I formed a band with some of my best friends. We began with only one song in our repertoire: Heavy Metal Drummer, a song by my dad. The band debuted at the infamous comedy venue, Second City, for the Letters To Santa Benefit (which we will be performing at again this year, on December 10). Later performances included many of Chicago’s popular bars, like Schubas, The Hideout, The Abby, and Martyrs. We also played our school, Millennium Park, street festivals (Bloodshot Records festival), and, yes, Lollapalooza (twice! We’re really lucky!).

Unfortunately, the name ‘The Blisters’ was already used–more than once. If we ever wanted to record, we would be required to change our name. Eventually we decided on Tully Monster, which was promptly changed to Tullymonster, which was promptly discovered to also be copyrighted. Feeling very dismayed, we’re still on the course of deciding our third, and hopefully permanent band name (any suggestions? Comment below!). And, just to top it off, we painstakingly asked one of our members to leave, leaving the rest of us a trio.

But on the bright side, we have a growing and all-original set, with self-proclaimed [by me] delicious songs. Once in a while, we’ll decide to play a cover, only because bar-goers seem to love little kids mimicking Neil Young. We hope to record soon, but school is really an obstacle for us. Hopefully we’ll have our #1 album out by next year. Stay tuned!

Here’s the out-of-date description of our band, taken from our old website:

The Blisters have been together for nearly four years, and still maintain their original crispiness. The band was formed by Dylan and Spencer, who later recruited Henry and Hayden. Henry’s original role was pianist, but after their debut show he converted to guitar. Once they realized they needed a bassist, well, Henry switched again. Then they had Spencer on drums, Dylan on vocals, and Henry on bass. Then they needed a guitarist, so they searched through their school, and found Hayden. Then Dylan took up guitar as well, and Henry singing. So now, after long years of forming, switching, and settling, they are:

Spencer Tweedy - Drums

Dylan Johnson - Guitar, Vocals

Henry Mosher - Bass, Lead Vocals

Hayden Holbert - Lead Guitar

Wanna see some videos? DISCLAIMER: In the interest of our self-defense, I proclaim these videos nearly antiquated. Furthermore, we’re a lot different now. In short: These are very outdated, just to let you know. If you can’t see them here, go to http://tinyurl.com/6bvrjt.

What happens when you ask an eight-year-old…

What advice do you have for president-elect Barack Obama?

They might answer:

• Make fireworks completely legal in the United States.
• Eight year olds should be able to drive, poop/be naked in public, and buy shotguns.
• Give people the right to moon (…shove butt in people’s face). [?]
• Kids should have the choice of not going to school and not having homework.
• Obama, you should make everyone in the world invincible.

Here’s a more understandable, paraphrased version of the response:

Hi Obama,

I’ve got some advice for you. First off, and most importantly, I think that eight year olds should be able to drive, poop/be naked in public, and buy shotguns. My colleagues and I believe this is a crucial step in healing our country. Second of all, I believe everybody should have the right to moon (shove your butt in people’s faces), and.. Oh yeah! If you have some time, could you please make everyone in the world invincible?!

Thanks,
Kind, Loving, Eight Year Olds

These answers came from genuine eight-year olds and do not reflect my views or opinion.. or do they?

[?] denotes an answer that is incredibly strange or just plain unexpected

Please, please, submit your questions to me by using the Contact link above!

Coming next week: When You Ask An Eight Year Old… What are five things that annoy you?

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS USING THE FORM BELOW AND YOUR STORY MAY BE PUBLISHED HERE!

Yesterday, I came up with a self-proclaimed ‘great’ post idea. Its entitled, “The World Without Internet”. However, I can’t decide whether to make it extremely fictional, taking place in the 1940’s, or modern times but just with no web. That’s where you come in; you can decide! Submit your post ideas using the form down here. If it doesn’t work, click here.

One of my readers recently emailed me to congratulate our country for electing Barack Obama president. I thought that this would be a good opportunity for me to get in touch with my audience, i.e. promote my contact form, write more reader-inclusive posts, start polling, etc. This is what I wrote back:

Hi [name undisclosed],

All I can say is thank you! Here in Chicago we are SO happy that BARACK OBAMA is our next (best) PRESIDENT. We’re really, really thankful, too. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome than this. Obama won by a landslide (kinda)! What was it, 350 to 130? I don’t know, something like that. But I wish everyone could have been here to celebrate. The whole city was ecstatic!

Thanks,
Spencer

Have a question, comment, or suggestion? Email me here by clicking this or this.

In just a few days, Americans will choose between the failed policies of the last eight years and the real change this country needs.

Watch the video of Barack’s speech laying out the clear choice for change, then share it with your family and friends.

My note: Honestly, I do believe that despite my liberal viewpoints (yeah, I know, sounds weird coming from a kid), even if I wasn’t a supporter of Barack Obama, I would still think (and know) that his campaign has been an almost indescribable event in modern history. Its really so sensational, inspirational, and yes corny sometimes, but hopeful and loving campaign, I can’t believe that anyone would have such feelings for any other candidate, including Hillary Clinton, including John Edwards, including Bill Richardson, but most-of-all including John McCain. Please, join the millions of have not decided, but realized who they need to be voting for. Thank you.

If you can’t see the video below, please go to http://dwarfurl.com/c3e91 to view it.