EGOLESS INDIE ROCK

Nico Vega frontwoman Aja Volkman might just be the next Richard Simmons. “Being onstage is the craziest
workout,” she gushes. “It’s amazing what you can condition your body to do. It would make a great workout
video!” Backed up by guitarist Rich Koehler and drummer Dan Epand, Volkman purveys the sort of angstlaced, blood-pumping rock that makes a heavy foot tap all but impossible. With her raw, husky growl and less than shy, leotard-clad stage persona, she is equal parts sultry vixen and nerdy best friend. And while similarities to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been drawn more than once, Volkman welcomes them as flattery. “I’ll always have the most tremendous respect for Karen O. She just has a way with melody that is so unique and rare.” But unlike some of their contemporaries, the members of Nico Vega are never too cool for school. “We’re definitely not the ‘cool band on the east side,’” she laughs. “We don’t have an audience made up entirely of hipsters.” www.nicovega.com