On Monday, Nov. 1, the band The Super Secret Project, made an appearance at Plymouth State University and performed their hit single “Granite State of Mind,” before an inspired crowd in the HUB during a rally for Congressional candidate Ann Kuster.
Their song, a parody of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”, became a viral Internet sensation just days after its upload to YouTube. Christian Wisecarver, a member of the band, described the song as a product of his restlessness during his long commute to work. During his drive, he would think of witty lyrics and jokes to the beat of Jay-Z. The song and the video simply “stemmed out of boredom on weekends,” Wisecarver explained.
“We call ourselves a band that makes videos,” Wisecarver added. “Granite State of Mind” was the 27th of their videos, but exploded into nothing short of N.H.’s Internet anthem. Holly Winchell, the female vocalist in the video, is also a former PSU alumni. When asked if she ever thought the video would be this successful, Winchell replied, “nope, not at all”. Understandably so, the video received one-hundred thousand hits on its first day.
The scope of their success was unprecedented, “I put it up on a Wednesday during my lunch break and by Sunday the Today Show was at my house,” Wisecarver said.
But the reception of fame didn’t stop there. Since the videos’ creation, the band was given the opportunity to make a cameo appearance in Andy Samberg’s upcoming film. Their producer, Darby DeChristopher, mentioned that they have been playing live performances since April. They have opened for Weird Al Yankovic shows and Wisecarver has even received a phone call from Adam Sandler.
As for Jay-Z’s reaction to the parody, one of the bands co-stars, Billy Donohoe, said they know Jay-Z has at least seen it but they have not heard from him. “He didn’t sue so I’m assuming he likes it,” Donohoe joked.
Since their success, the band has released an album on iTunes entitled Home Grown Hifi. Their topical parodies range across the spectrum, from the quirks of New Hampshire, love, and most recently the economy. One of their newest songs, “Middle Class in the USA”, was also performed at the Kuster event and spoofs Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”, adding an economical spin on things. Many of their other songs such as “Realistic Love Song”, “Cry Like a Bitch” and “The Sexoffenda” can be seen on their website: www.thesupersecretproject.com.
As for The Super Secret Project’s future, the band said that they’re writing new songs at the moment and Donohoe mentioned that a new video will be up within a week. The band also hinted towards the possibility of a sequel to “Granite State of Mind”, but said it wasn’t guaranteed and still remains in the early stages.