Go Betty Go Announces Release of New EP Black & Blue Amidst Personal Struggles

Go Betty Go Announces Release of New EP Black & Blue Amidst Personal Struggles

By Ace Hartmann | Racketeer Broadcast Association  |

The iconic punk rock band Go Betty Go is set to make a powerful return with the release of their highly anticipated new EP, Black & Blue, on September 13 via Wiretap Records. The six-track EP promises to deliver the fierce energy and emotional depth that fans have come to expect from the Los Angeles-based quartet. Among the tracks are two newly recorded live-show fan favorites from early in the band’s career, bringing their history full circle.

The EP is produced by Davey Warsop, known for his work with bands like The Used, Face to Face, Chuck Ragan, and Matt Skiba, promising a polished yet raw sound that complements the band’s signature style. Ahead of the EP’s release, Go Betty Go is treating fans to a taste of what’s to come with the debut song and video “Party At Sea,” available on all major streaming platforms from August 21. The video can be watched on YouTube here.

Go Betty Go, composed of Betty Cisneros (guitar), Nicolette Vilar (vocals), Michelle Rangel (bass), and Aixa Vilar (drums), has long been celebrated for their powerful music, driven by Cisneros’ roaring guitar riffs, Nicolette Vilar’s soulful vocals, Rangel’s driving bass lines, and Aixa Vilar’s dynamic drumming.

However, the journey to Black & Blue was far from easy. Lead vocalist Nicolette Vilar opened up about the challenges the band faced during the creation of the EP. “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,” she explained. “As soon as it was clear to 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 from that day forward, we decided we would stand strong and do everything in our power to help Betty fight and overcome cancer. It even sparked old ideas that we finally brought to the light of day.”

The EP includes tracks like “City Lights” and “Am I To Blame,” which were originally written years ago when former band member Emily Wynne-Hughes, also known as Emily Valentine, was part of the group. “This EP brought the band’s history full circle,” Nicolette continued, “as we invited Emily to come back and rework some of those old original songs that had never been released.”

Reflecting on the EP, Nicolette added, “We’re proud of Black & Blue; it has a strong backbone full of grit and determination, reflecting the struggles we all went through as we wrote and recorded these songs. Black & Blue is a reference to the bruises life dealt us during these past difficult years. We heal from bruising, and even though it was challenging to make this EP, we overcame it.”

Go Betty Go burst onto the Los Angeles music scene in 2000 while the members were still in high school in Glendale, CA. The punk quartet quickly gained a reputation for their energetic performances, leading to critical acclaim and national attention. After signing with SideOneDummy, they released their debut EP Worst Enemy in 2004, followed by the full-length album Nothing Is More in 2005. Despite lineup changes and a brief hiatus, the original lineup reunited and released the Reboot EP in 2015. Now, nearly a decade later, they are back with Black & Blue, joining forces with Los Angeles-based Wiretap Records.

Go Betty Go will be celebrating the new Ep on September 19 in Los Angeles, CA at The Paramount (EP Release Show). Continuing the celebration in Las Vegas, September 21 Area 15 @ Asylum Arcade and September 22 in Irvine California at Attention Fest. For more show dates and ticket information visit the Go Betty Go bandsintown