Go Betty Go
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 in Glendale, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
| Website | www |
Go Betty Go is a female-fronted pop punk ensemble originating from Los Angeles. They have established themselves within the Southern California Chicano Punk movement, alongside groups such as Union 13, Los Abandoned, The Dollyrots, and Left Alone since the mid-2000s.
Formation and Early Period
The band was formed in 2000 in Glendale, California, with its initial members comprising Nicolette Vilar (lead vocals), Betty Cisneros (guitar), Aixa Vilar (drums), and Michelle Rangel (bass). Sisters Nicolette and Aixa share Argentinian heritage. The name "Go Betty Go" originated from a chant used to encourage guitarist Betty Cisneros to begin playing a song.
They released two albums through SideOneDummy Records: Worst Enemy in 2004 and Nothing Is More in 2005, both produced by Ted Hutt of Flogging Molly. The band also took part in the 2004 and 2005 editions of the Warped Tour.
Changes in Band Members
In February 2006, lead singer Nicolette Vilar exited the group, resulting in the cancellation of their remaining tour dates. Emily Wynne-Hughes was brought on board as her replacement in May of that year.
Bassist Michelle Rangel departed in August 2007 and was replaced by Phil Buckman, known for his work with Fuel. The founding members reunited in July 2012.
In April 2022, guitarist Betty Cisneros was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, prompting her temporary withdrawal from touring duties. Adam Bones has since stepped in as the touring guitarist.
Later Developments
Following their reunion in 2012, the original lineup independently released an EP titled Reboot in 2015. Grammy-winning producer Ted Hutt returned to produce this release, continuing his collaboration with the band.
Recognition
The group has received favorable media attention, including remarks such as:
- "The next Go-Gos Los Angeles music industry insiders are all abuzz about all-girl punk band Go Betty Go" (Indiana Gazette),
- "Nothing Is More showcases Go Betty Go as a versatile group able to swing effortlessly from speed-punk workouts to mellow ballads" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and San Antonio Express News),
- "One song they wrote during those sessions was I'm From L.A., which became the Glendale band's anthem, fitting with the Go-Go's brand of L.A. girl power" (Los Angeles Times),
- "they bang out the snappiest three-chord tunes around" (Newsweek),
- "A steady stream of club dates and prominent write-ups in L.A. Weekly and La Opinion led to a spot on the Warped Tour and a deal with SideOneDummy Records." (Springfield News Leader),
- "head to the King King for that super hot girl group Go Betty Go" (Los Angeles Times),
- "Similar hype should surround Go Betty Go after strong showings at Hard Rock Cafe and Emo's Annex" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch),
- "Punk Band Go Betty Go Are Back With Their First Release in a Decade" (L.A. Weekly).
Noteworthy contributions include:
- Their track "C'mon," featured on the Worst Enemy EP, was included in the soundtrack for the video game Burnout 3: Takedown.
- The song "I Go Towards You" was part of the soundtrack for the 2019 Canadian romantic comedy Home For Harvest.
- They recorded "Very Very Rich Town" for The Sims 2: University, performed in Simlish.
American Idol
In January 2009, Emily Wynne-Hughes, who previously served as the band's lead singer, auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol with a rendition of "Barracuda." Although she successfully advanced past the initial audition, her journey ended during Hollywood week.
Band members
Current lineup
- Nicolette Vilar – lead vocals (1999–2006, 2012–present)
- Betty Cisneros – guitar and backing vocals (1999–present)
- Aixa Vilar – drums and backing vocals (1999–present)
- Michelle Rangel – bass guitar and backing vocals (1999–2007, 2012–present)
Past members
- Emily Wynne-Hughes White – lead vocals (2006–2012)
- Phil Buckman – bass guitar (2007–2012)
Touring musicians
- Unknown – bass (2019)
- Adam Bones – guitar (2022)
Discography
- Albums
- Nothing Is More (2005)
- EPs
- Worst Enemy (2004)
- Reboot (2015)
See also
External links
- Official website
- Facebook: gobettygoofficial
- AllMusic artist profile
- Discogs artist page
- Pure Volume profile
- Archived SideOneDummy page