Hooked Like Helen

    Hooked Like Helen is an alternative/pop 3-piece from Huron, OH, formed in the summer of 2013 by Nikki K. Stipp, Jonathan Stipp, and Kevin Witucki. The band's apparent infancy is somewhat misleading. Contrary to it's fresh sound and lighthearted melodies, HLH's existence is, in fact, the culmination of years of misguided ambition, various excesses, and Sunset Strip Holly-weirdness. To divulge the true origins of Hooked Like Helen, the story must begin in Los Angeles, CA, circa 2000-whenever...

    Nikki K, a SoCal native, was several years deep into a plodding existence as a cocktail waitress and struggling singer/songwriter when she was asked to join the alternative rock band, Red Circle Underground. Burned out on playing solo piano sets in the lounges of typical Hollywood nightclubs, she eagerly accepted the position as the new keyboard player for the loud and energetic RCU.

    Among the band's 7 members were drummer Kevin Witucki and bassist Jonathan Stipp-- two guys from northeastern OH who'd played music together in several bands since middle school. Kevin moved out west for an internship with Eldorado Records, through which he was soon introduced to Red Circle Underground. He started playing percussion for the band before stepping in as the full-time drummer in 2009. Months later, when the position for a bass player opened up, Kevin invited Jon to come out to LA to audition. Jon, having just completed culinary school and looking to learn to surf, figured it was worth the risk to pack up and move to the West Coast. He got the gig, and found a room for rent in Hermosa. With the addition of Nikki on keys in early 2010, the band's line-up was complete.

    RCU worked hard, gigging heavily to support two full-length albums, and self-funding several mini-tours--including a trip to SXSW. But with each passing year in a thankless city, LA's cold shoulder only got colder, especially for the three future HLH members. Kevin decided to return to the Midwest in 2012, and he and RCU parted ways.

    Nikki and Jon continued to play with Red Circle Underground, and by this time the two had begun dating. The bizarre dichotomy between Hollywood green rooms and shitty city living seemed only to be reconciled by partying, which the couple had done their share of.  So, when they discovered they were expecting a child, Nikki and Jon could not be happier, and the change of pace was welcomed wholeheartedly.

    Augie was born in May of 2013, and the family's decision to move back to Jon's hometown of Huron, OH came shortly thereafter. The two of them played their farewell show with RCU when the baby was just a few weeks old, then they packed up and headed for Ohio.

    Once settled in their new home, Jon and Nikki touched base with old bandmate Kevin, who was working on musical projects in Toledo. The trio thought it would be fun to reunite for some casual jam sessions on the weekends. By the third rehearsal, it became clear that the melodic brainstorming and uncommon dynamic they shared had surpassed the realm of basement recreation. They had a band.

    Against the backdrop of the beautiful countryside, inspired by their evolving lives, and armed with a heavy past, old friends created a new sound. Hooked Like Helen has tracked a four song EP, available digitally now.