Go Betty Go have emphatically established themselves as one of punk rock’s most exciting forces. A gloriously rough and tumble sound with melodic aggression. They bring a rich and engaging energy, loaded with lush atmosphere and, at times, an underlying sense of foreboding. Still rockin’ after 20 plus years the band Go Betty Go released two singles in 2023 and are looking forward to releasing a new EP called Black and Blue in 2024. The band was formed by sisters Aixa and Nicolette Vilar. Betty Cisneros and Michelle Rangel were introduced to the sisters by mutual friends and the rest, as they say, is history. Like many bands, Go Betty Go has had its share of members departing, but a reunion show ignited that same Go Betty Go magic that fans remembered and love. Called “the next Go-Gos” by the Indiana Gazette, Go Betty Go has had their songs featured in a movie and two video games as well as appearing at several Warped Tours. We recently sat down with Go Betty Go drummer Aixa Vilar and had a really fun and informative talk.
What is the origins of the band?
Aixa Vilar/Go Betty Go: Nicolette and I are sisters, as kids and teenagers we always would jam and write songs together. We met Betty through a mutual friend in high school who said she played guitar and invited her to jam with us. Michelle joined us several months later when another friend mutual friend introduced us to her.
The group released the five song EP Worst Enemy in 2004 on SideoneDummy Records. What was it like having that first EP release as a group?
Getting signed and then releasing music for the first time was one of the most exciting things in our life at the time. We were so happy to be recognized and be on a roster with so many other bands we admired.
The EP was followed a year later in 2005 with the album Nothing Is More. What are your thoughts of that album now that it is almost 20 years since the release?
It’s part of our legacy and it’s hard to believe that it was released almost 20 years ago. We’re proud of that album and know that it became part of many people’s lives.
You took part in the Warped Tours in 2004 and 2005. What was that experience like for the band?
It’s like reflecting on going to summer camp as a kid. Some real fond memorable memories, of hot, stinky punk rock road trip across the country. We did a few other Warped tour shows here and there, but the exposure and experience we got from playing over the years was unbelievable. All these years later, people will still remind us how they discovered us there.
Nicolette left the band in 2006, was replaced by Emily Wynne-Hughes and then in 2007 Michelle left and was replaced by Phil Buckman. How did their departure change the dynamics of the band?
Everyone brings different chemistry and talent to the band. It’s like getting one group of friends together vs a whole other group. We each bring out different parts of our personalities. They’re all great, talented people.
The band reunited in 2012; how did that reunion come about?
A show promoter friend had the idea of booking a one time show jokingly, so she did and before you knew it we were all on stage again and loving it.
In 2015 the EP Reboot was released that was produced by Grammy winner Ted Hutt. Talk about that EP and what it meant to the group to release it?
Ted worked on all our records, and we love working with him. We’re able to collaborate naturally and organically. It only made sense to work with him on our reunion EP.
In 2022, Betty (Cisneros) was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. How has her recovery been?
Betty is still fighting for her life! She has some good days and some not so good days. Her treatments have been going as good as they could. She’s done 26 chemo sessions, removed half her liver, done dozens of scans, MRI’s and she’s a trooper. Her battle is not done, but we’re all super optimistic that she will beat this thing. She’s had such tremendous support from our fans as well. It really is part of how she’s overcoming this and with the love and support from everyone she plans to become cancer free.
The band worked around Betty’s doctor visits, chemotherapy, etc. and was able to release two single‘s “Keep Up” and “We Talk a Lot.” What is the story behind those songs?
We did manage to get into the studio on Betty’s better days. They were a couple songs we had been working on during the pandemic when we first started writing. “Keep Up” is about the struggles of life and obstacles we run into, something like so many others have encountered in recent times. We’ve unfortunately, as mentioned before having been hit head on with some difficult life matters.
“We Talk a Lot” is the opposite of difficult and has a more head lifting message to it. It’s about love, friendship, and the joys it brings us.
As the band looks back at all that it has done over the last 23 years, what sticks out the most in your mind?
It’s the fans and friends we’ve made and have been able to maintain throughout the years. We feel so fortunate to still have the support from old fans and make new fans alike. We’re honored and humbled that our music has touched people’s lives and the continues love we still get from people excited about what we do.
What can fans of Go Betty Go look forward to in 2024?
Most importantly of all we’re hoping Betty gets better and is able to regain her full health back.
We hope to release our EP Black and Blue and if Betty is having some better days record some more new music. Depending on how everything evolves, maybe play some shows, and hit the road again. We’ll just have to wait and see how things line up.
Interview by I’m Music Magazine Writer Tim Board
