Amelia Jo - Runaway Train

The powerful new video from Tulsa-based jazz-infused piano rock artist Amelia Jo is bringing renewed attention to the fight against child exploitation. Her interpretation of Soul Asylum’s iconic 1993 hit, Runaway Train, was recently released across streaming services and social media platforms, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Demand Project, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from trafficking, exploitation and abuse.

“Those who have left comments have shared the deep emotion of the song and the important topic it brings awareness to,” Amelia Jo said. “It is a heavy topic, and I think people might hesitate to share it, but I hope they will — the more people who see it, the greater the awareness and the greater the difference that can be made.”

The original Runaway Train video famously featured images of missing and exploited children and helped recover 26 of the young people shown. Amelia Jo’s jazz-infused version continues that legacy, shedding light on the realities of child trafficking today and offering hope for change.

The Demand Project’s Co-Founder, Kristin Weis, says the partnership is a natural fit. “We’ve always been enthusiastic about using video to spread awareness because it reaches people on a much larger scale,” Weis said. “When you speak to a small group, you can change a few hearts. But when you share a video, you can inspire a movement.”

The Demand Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to eradicate human trafficking, online enticement, child sexual abuse material, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Its mission focuses on prevention through education, protection through legal advocacy, recovery support for law enforcement, and restoration of survivors through its Journey to Freedom programs.

Jamie Miller, Donor Developer and Funding Coordinator for The Demand Project, says the video’s reception has been inspiring. “It’s been incredible to watch our community rally around this project,” Miller said “There’s real momentum growing, and it’s exciting to be part of it.”

Amelia Jo says the song and video were particularly personal projects for her. “When we learned more about the experiences of trafficked children, it really broke my heart,” she said.

“The video we created premiered at The Demand Project’s fundraising gala, and after it finished, there was this powerful hush over the audience. I hope it stays with people and moves them to act.”

Miller adds that the team hopes to build on the project’s momentum by organizing a benefit concert in the near future. “Ideally, we’d love to host a show where artists use their platforms to raise awareness and funds,” she said.

Amelia Jo is already on board. “For sure, I’d love to be part of that,” she said.