It's taken four years but Nico Vega stands poised to revive all things rock with its long-awaited sophomore album Lead to Light later this year. Until you get the chance to hear those songs, however, there's always PopMatters' "20 Questions" series to have your back.

For those of you who think rock is dead, I give you two words: Nico Vega. The band built its reputation through a series of EP releases before finally getting the opportunity to release an epic, self-titled debut LP in 2009. Since then the group has toured with everyone from Gavin Rossdale and Neon Trees to Metric and Imagine Dragons, showcasing Aja Volkman’s description-defying vocals and the band’s unique ability to merge memorable hooks with songs built upon pounding percussion and emotionally charged riffs. Their song “Beast” received prominent placement in Bioshock: Infinite‘s massive press campaign, and with a new groundswell of support, their forthcoming full-length Lead to Light is currently being readied as a force to truly reckon with.

The band’s unique blend of rock, pop, and modern alternative sounds helps set it apart, but Volkman’s lyrics definitely put Nico Vega in a different league from their genre contemporaries. “It’s important to me that music evokes emotion”, she’s said in the past. “Lyrics have to be honest and true for me.” In that vein, the group has built up the Nico Vega persona to symbolize the warrior within, representing unity and the battle against ego. The band’s passion for exploring all things art and politics has helped fuel songs like “Beast”, which has become all but ubiquitous when the band’s name is spoken: “Stand tall for the people of America, lay down like a naked dead body”, Volkman sing-screams. “Keep it real for the people working overtime ... we are free in the land of America, we ain’t going down like this!” It’s that emotion, raw and unflinching, which fuels the music, and for four years we’ve wanted more. Lead To Light, the band’s long-gestating sophomore LP, aims to fill that gap when it is finally released later this year. In the meantime, however, we here at PopMatters have your back. We’ve talked Volkman into sitting down for a “20 Questions” session as the band prepares to launch a summer co-headlining tour with Crash Kings.

You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

I am really proud that Nico Vega’s song “Beast” has been getting some heat recently. It has deep meaning for me. I’m glad people are hearing it. Especially Americans.

You want to be remembered for ...?

Honestly, I grapple with the idea of a legacy. I think that its ridiculous to live life with the notion that it’s important to be remembered. Being good to the people you love is what really matters. I do think that people come along and do positive things to change the world, and that is important. But the need to be remembered for things is a little bit egotistical in my opinion. That’s why I am always on the fence in my profession. I want to help bring positive change to the world. But the self-centered side of my profession drives me crazy. That sounds snotty, but it’s my honest answer. I drive myself crazy. Can you tell?

Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

Musicians? I love Tina Turner. People? Martin Luther King. among many great people. Both of these people were fighting a mass amount of suppression and empowering people along the way. I strive to empower people, so these people are two of my biggest idols.

The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

Oh man. That’s a loaded question. I don’t even know how to answer it. I have a mass appreciation for art, architecture, music, food, I will just pick one person. I wish I could draw like Gottfried Helnwein. Look up his work. It will blow your mind.