It’s been twenty-four years since the Los Angeles-based Go Betty Go hit the music scene with their unique brand of spicy pop punk, and nine years since their last EP release. Today, the band delivers ‘Black & Blue,’ showcasing not only their talent but also their resilience. Go Betty Go’s music is driven by Betty Cisneros’ roaring guitar, Nicolette Vilar’s soulful vocals, Michelle Rangel’s momentous bass, and Aixa Vilar’s powerful drumming.
Nicolette explains, “Black & Blue is an EP that has been a long time in the making. We started working on these songs as soon as the pandemic broke out but had to pause like everyone else in the world at that time. As soon as it was clear we could get back together and work in the studio, we received Betty’s Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in May 2022, which hit us all hard. But we decided to keep moving forward, stand strong, and do everything in our power to help Betty fight.” Betty adds, “We’ve been through it all as a band. Black & Blue took as long as it needed to, but my love for these girls only grew during the process. I’m just so happy we got it done! Still can’t feel my fingers, though!”
The EP features six tracks, including two newly recorded live-show fan favorites from early in the band’s career. Black & Blue was produced by Davey Warsop (The Used, Face to Face, Chuck Ragan, Matt Skiba) and is available via Wiretap Records. Stream it on your favorite platform here.
Nicolette shares, “Black & Blue even sparked old ideas that we finally brought to light. Two of the songs, ‘City Lights’ and ‘Am I To Blame,’ were written years ago when Emily Wynne-Hughes, aka Emily Valentine, was in the band. We have a two-decade-long history, but there was a time when I quit the band, and Emily stepped in to take the reins. I’ve been back for many years, but this EP brought the band’s history full circle as we invited Emily back to rework some of those original songs that had never been released.” Emily adds, “This record has been a long time coming. Some of these songs were written over a decade ago and have only ever been played live. It’s been a gift to be part of this EP, and I’m so lucky to have the chance to perform live with Go Betty Go again. Shoutout to Nicky for letting me share the mic!”
Michelle continues, “Black & Blue is a special album. We went through so many emotions during the core months of working on it. We worked slowly and steadily with all the wildness life sent our way. On this album, I feel we truly captured the authentic sound of each one of us that makes up GBG.”
Go Betty Go formed in 2000 and quickly rose to the forefront of LA’s local punk scene thanks to their catchy guitar riffs and poppy yet sultry melodies. The band signed to independent punk label SideOneDummy Records and swiftly ascended from local shows to national recognition. They released their debut EP, ‘Worst Enemy,’ in 2004, followed by ‘Nothing Is More’ in 2005, and took the DIY approach with their 2015 EP ‘Reboot.’ In 2023, they joined forces with the Los Angeles label Wiretap Records. Their music is in rotation on SiriusXM’s Underground Garage, garnering a New Music Spotlight and the title of “Coolest Song in the World,” and their songs have been featured in the Netflix series Cobra Kai and the Hulu movie Prom Dates.
‘Black & Blue’ is also available as a limited-edition 12″ LP here: Go Betty Go – “Black & Blue” 12″ LP – WIRETAP RECORDS (limitedrun.com)
Watch the video for “Party At Sea” here.
Upcoming Shows:
September 19: Los Angeles, CA at The Paramount
September 21: Las Vegas, NV at Area 15 @ Asylum Arcade
September 22: Irvine, CA at Attention Fest @ Hanger 24
October 12: Chicago, IL at Reggie’s for T1 Fest
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