Growing up in Eugene, OR, Aja Volkman initially wanted to be an actress. After moving to California to study at CalArts, she realized her passion for music was even greater. She began her singing career, performing solo for a time, until she was approached by drummer Michael Peña. He has her to join the band he was forming with guitarist Rich Koehler, and Nico Vega was born.

Named after Peña’s grandmother, the indie rock band began writing and performing together. Then, in 2007, Peña decided do a reverse of Volkman’s career and pursue his acting career. Dan Epand joined to replace him, and the group continued on its way.

Releasing an eponymous debut album in 2009, the band has continued to release music in various forms over the years. Volkman did a project with then-Imagine Dragons husband Dan Reynolds titled Egyptian. Though her days as an actress were behind her, she stills brings a dramatic flair to her work, evident in the group’s latest video, “I've Got My Soul,” the latest single from their new EP, Make It Out Alive.