Go Betty Go Releases New EP “Black & Blue”
Photo Credit: Rudi T Cruz
Pop-punk fans will be excited to know that Go Betty Go will release their first album in nine years. The EP Black & Blue is out now and shows that the band has not lost any of their flair for rocker attitudes and soulful songwriting. This return of the band is even more impressive when considering the hardships the group endured, especially that of guitarist Betty Cisnero who has shown resilience in her battle with cancer.
“Black & Blue is an EP that has been a long time in the making,” says vocalist Nicolette Vilar. “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. 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 recording of Black & Blue was an intense, but ultimately positive experience for the Go Betty Go. The band views Black & Blue as a stronger album due to the emotional process they all shared.
“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,” said bassist Michelle Rangel.
The inclusive atmosphere in the making of the EP included the songwriting. Vilar went on to explain the writing process for the new album.
“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,” said Vilar.
“This record has been a long time coming,” added Emily Valentine. “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!”
Go Betty Go recorded six tracks for Black & Blue. The EP also features two tracks of live recordings of classic Go Betty Go songs. Davey Warsop, who previously has worked with The Used, Face to Face, Chuck Ragan, and Matt Skiba, produced and mixed the EP.
Go Betty Go first hit the scene twenty-four years ago in Los Angeles. The band was founded with the current line-up of Betty Cisneros, Michelle Rangel, and sisters Nicolette and Aixa Vilar. The band had already gained national attention after two indie releases and a DIY album before they signed with Wiretap Records in 2023. Their music has been featured in the Netflix series Cobra Kai and the Hulu original movie Prom Dates. SiriusXM’s Underground Garage has singled out Go Betty Go for New Music Spotlight and the "Coolest Song in the World." With Black & Blue the band proves that Go Betty Go is an unstoppable force in punk rock.
Go Betty Go will play a series of shows this fall that includes The Paramount in Los Angeles, CA on September 19th, Area 15 @ Asylum Arcade in Las Vegas on September 21st, Attention Fest @ Hanger 24 in Irvine, CA on September 22nd, and Reggie’s for T1 Fest in Chicago, IL on October 12th.
Black & Blue is out now via Wiretap records on all digital platforms. A limited-edition 12" LP is also available.
