Hard Hitting Rock Music From Modesto, CA
AWARE is a high-energy, hard hitting five piece rock band from Modesto, California, known for their unique fusion of rock and alternative sounds. They have a heavy sound matched with powerful dual vocals, melodic dual guitar work, and a hard-hitting rhythm section that’ll leave you wanting more. With dynamic performances and thought-provoking lyrics, AWARE connects deeply with audiences, tackling themes of self-discovery and unity. Their captivating stage presence and original music has been making waves, earning them a growing fan base and recognition in the local scene. If you're into raw, authentic music that pushes boundaries, AWARE is the band you need to hear.
Established in 2021, front man Fatal Vee paved the way for the band that we have today for his undying passion to make his message heard. As the inaugural winners of the Boardwalk’s Battle of The Bands in Orangevale, CA, it’s hard to ignore the impact that the band is making across California. Catching the attention of radio personality Myki Angeline, the band was interviewed on the Sac 98 Rock Instagram Live. They have played the historic Whisky A Go Go three times, twice in support of Babylon A.D. and once opening for Slaughter. They combine a lot of their Influences which include Avenged Sevenfold, Van Halen, Skid Row, Three Days Grace, Alice in Chains, and everything classic and modern that your ears desire.
The band joined forces with producer Jordan Lonn of SumPlace Studios to release their first EP “Taking Back What’s Mine” in Spring 2025. Their first single “Simple” catches the listeners attention with distorted guitars, booming bass, beautiful harmonies, and an addictive chorus that will get stuck in your head. The song has been included on radio stations such as C.O.A.R Radio Show and Wild Dogs Radio. The band worked together with the Los Angeles community by featuring “Simple” on a digital CD compilation “Aid for LA” to raise funds for the firefighters during the recent LA wildfires. Their upcoming single “Taco Truck Burrito” is a fan favorite that conveys the light-hearted side of their music, creating the perfect mix of dedication and levity.
FATAL VEE
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Stevie Vasquez first formed the band back in late 2021 amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Utilizing the raw sound and emotion of inspirations like Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace, Matt Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, and Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, Vee brings back a lost era of Post Grunge energy and style to the table. Aside from fearlessly fronting the group, Vee also is at the forefront of bringing awareness to the dangers of Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis. Throughout the years Vee has helped bring the solid “Aware Sound” that people recognize and love.
BRIELLE
Lead Vocals, Tambourine
Brielle Wallar is the newest addition to AWARE and the final piece to the puzzle. She grew up in choir and theater, also participating in big bands in the Central Valley. She’s graduated from CSU with a degree in Technical Theater in 2023 after transferring from Southern Oregon University. The bands she listens to on rotation are Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Paramore, Journey, and Hall & Oates. Stevie Nicks, Haley Williams, Alanis Morissette, and Linda Ronstadt are singers she looks up to. Brielle also owns a small business where she creates handmade beaded jewelry, called brielle’s beads.
SETH
Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Seth “Sethalapod” Willett brings a classic rock sound with his fast solos and distorted riffs wielding his black and red signature Kramer Barretta. He first met fellow members Jagar and Stevie at a local open mic show in July 2022, later getting invited to a practice. A successful jam session later, and he was offered the lead guitar role in the band. His style comes from his love of a range of genres, especially bands like Van Halen, KISS, Led Zeppelin, and Green Day. His guitar hero is Eddie Van Halen, who influenced him through his tone, riffs, speed, and the energy he brought. He also credits Jimi Hendrix, Ace Frehley, Jimmy Page, Nuno Bettencourt, and many more throughout history. Seth has loved music since the day he was born, and 22 years later his passion is still alive.
GIULIA
Bass Guitar
Giulia Pantano is told to be the secret weapon of the band. Although she is very quiet, her art speaks volumes. She has played bass for over 8 years and is a Graphic Design student at Sacramento State. She is the artist behind the gig posters featured on the Instagram page. She got the call to join the band in April 2023 and has not looked back since. The grungey covers the band has recently chosen are her influence, with her favorite artists being Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Cold, Jerry Cantrell, KISS, Extreme, Skid Row, and George Harrison. Her biggest bass influences are Rachel Bolan, Mike Inez, Cliff Burton, and Pat Badger.
JAGAR
Drums
Jagar Ballard has been playing drums for 15 years and from the beginning he has played with as much power as physically possible. Though drums have been his main instrument, he also plays guitar and bass which allows him to help with contribute during the writing process. Jagar joined the band in October of 2021. Some of his favorite bands include Dokken, XYZ, Steeler, Whitesnake, and Dio. The drummers who influence him are Rick Allen, Danny Carey, Vinny Appice, and Tommy Lee.