Hooked Like Helen enters the minds of an infamous female serial killer in this dark new single. In “Promise Me You’ll Run,” the rock duo (comprising husband-and-wife Jon and Nikki Stipp) does it all. Frontwoman Nikki Stipp steps into the twisted psyche of Aileen Wuornous.
“Promise Me You’ll Run” flows between an anthemic rock and metal energy with a touch of emo and metal influence. The resulting sound is chilling and cinematic. The song’s narrative unfolds, with Aileen begging her lover to flee as sirens close in. She’s willing to “crash right into the sun” and accept the consequences if it means saving her loved one. Though she’s a brutal killer, she’s willing to take the fall for love.
I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, so Aileen and I have that in common. I was fortunate enough to have a better support system, access to help, and a solid foundation for my mental health, but there’s a part of me that feels comforted by turning into a temporary monster when we play this song.
~ Nikki Stipp, Hooked Like Helen
Hooked Like Helen has mastered the art of harnessing the darkest topics and deepest pains into compelling music. From childhood trauma and addiction to the nuances of a serial killer’s inner works, Hooked Like Helen tracks hit hard. Here, Nikki unravels the mind of Aileen while connecting it to her own experiences, gritty and vulnerable.
Aileen was insane, yes, but she was also fearless. When I channel her through the music, all the shame and pain that was once internalized, is suddenly flipped inside out, and the trauma is handed off to the dead guys in the verses. There’s massive power in rage. We just need to control it—like those fires they burn in the forest on purpose—so that no one else has to get hurt. Music is my controlled burn.
~ Nikki Stipp, Hooked Like Helen
In a fresh, full-concept music video, Hooked Like Helen embodies the spirit of the story. With scenes of running away, splashing in a retro heart-shaped tub, sitting handcuffed in a police station, and dancing like a rockstar, this music video is a must-watch.
“Promise Me You’ll Run” is the namesake fourth single from the rock EP releasing October 4, and we are so so ready. This single follows other hits like ““It Doesn’t Look So Good For You Now” and “OCD (these thoughts again”).
Follow Hooked Like Helen’s journey on its website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and stream this killer single here.
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