Go Betty Go: The All-Female Pop Punk Band That Defined Southern California's Chicano Punk Scene
Few bands capture the spirit of Southern California punk quite like Go Betty Go. Formed in Glendale, California in 2000, this all-female pop punk group emerged from a vibrant regional scene and quickly became one of its most celebrated voices. The band's founding lineup brought together Nicolette Vilar on lead vocals, Betty Cisneros on guitar, Aixa Vilar on drums, and Michelle Rangel on bass — a tight-knit unit whose chemistry was apparent from the very beginning. Nicolette and Aixa, sisters of Argentinian descent, brought a familial intensity to the group's dynamic that would define their sound for years to come.
The band's name itself tells a small but charming story. "Go Betty Go" was a phrase the group repeatedly chanted at guitarist Betty Cisneros to encourage her to kick off a song during rehearsals. That spontaneous, energetic phrase eventually became the identity of a band that would go on to earn national recognition and critical acclaim. Alongside acts such as Union 13, Los Abandoned, The Dollyrots, and Left Alone, Go Betty Go helped shape the Southern California Chicano Punk scene that blossomed in the mid-2000s and continues to thrive today.
Their debut extended play, Worst Enemy, released in 2004 through SideOneDummy Records, announced their arrival with unmistakable confidence. The record showcased their ability to deliver punchy, hook-driven punk rock that resonated with audiences far beyond California. The following year brought their full-length studio album, Nothing Is More, produced by Ted Hutt of Flogging Molly fame — a Grammy Award-winning producer whose touch elevated the band's sound to new heights. Reviewers took notice, with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel praising the record as proof that Go Betty Go were "a versatile group able to swing effortlessly from speed-punk workouts to mellow ballads." Newsweek was equally enthusiastic, declaring that "they bang out the snappiest three-chord tunes around."
Their live reputation grew alongside their recorded output. Go Betty Go joined the legendary Vans Warped Tour in both 2004 and 2005, exposing their explosive performances to enormous audiences across the country. The Los Angeles Times drew a flattering comparison, calling one of their signature songs — I'm From L.A. — "so pouty, smart and rollicking it could fit in with the Go-Go's proud brand of earlier L.A. girl power." The Indiana Gazette went even further, boldly declaring them "The next Go-Gos."
Beyond the stage and studio, Go Betty Go found their music woven into popular culture in surprising ways. Their single C'mon was featured in the popular video game Burnout 3: Takedown, introducing their sound to millions of gamers worldwide. In an even more playful cultural moment, they recorded an original song called Very Very Rich Town for The Sims 2: University, performed entirely in Simlish, the fictional language of the beloved simulation game. Years later, their song I Go Towards You appeared in the 2019 Canadian romantic comedy Home For Harvest, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their catalog.
Like many bands, Go Betty Go navigated their share of turbulence. In February 2006, founding vocalist Nicolette Vilar departed, forcing the cancellation of tour dates and triggering a period of uncertainty. After holding auditions, the band welcomed Emily Wynne-Hughes as their new lead vocalist in May 2006, and the group pressed forward. Then, in August 2007, bassist Michelle Rangel announced her own departure, with Phil Buckman stepping in to fill the role. Emily Wynne-Hughes later stepped into the spotlight on her own terms, auditioning for the eighth season of American Idol in January 2009 with a spirited rendition of Barracuda. She advanced past the initial audition before being eliminated during the Hollywood round.
The most meaningful chapter in the band's story, however, came with their reunion. In July 2012, the original four members — Nicolette Vilar, Betty Cisneros, Aixa Vilar, and Michelle Rangel — reunited and reclaimed their place in the punk world. Three years later, they released the independently produced EP Reboot in 2015, once again collaborating with producer Ted Hutt to deliver a record that reminded fans exactly why they had fallen in love with Go Betty Go in the first place. L.A. Weekly celebrated the release, noting their triumphant return in an article headlined "Punk Band Go Betty Go Are Back With Their First Release in a Decade."
The road has not always been easy. In April 2022, guitarist Betty Cisneros was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, a devastating blow to the band and their devoted fanbase. The Los Angeles punk community rallied around her, organizing benefit shows in her honor. While Cisneros has temporarily stepped back from touring, with Adam Bones serving as her substitute on the road, her spirit remains at the heart of the band. Go Betty Go continued creating music, releasing their EP Black & Blue in September 2024 through Wiretap Records, proving once again that their resolve is as unbreakable as their sound.
From their scrappy Glendale origins to their enduring place in the Chicano punk canon, Go Betty Go have built a legacy defined by resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to music that hits hard and means something. Their story is far from over, and if their history is any indication, the best chapters may still be ahead.