Paulina "Pau" Villarreal | Modern Drummer Podcast #12

After winning the "Up & Coming" category in our 2023 Modern Drummer Readers Poll, Paulina "Pau" Villarreal and her bandmates from The Warning sat down with David Frangioni for an episode of the Modern Drummer Podcast. They covered several topics, from growing up in a band of sisters, to opening for Guns & Roses! Enjoy!
00:25 How Paulina found the drums
04:10 Music that inspired Pau
06:55 First big step
12:35 Opening for big bands
15:05 Getting a record deal
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[@joshmajka4980]

Honestly, I'm even more impressed how down to Earth and "normal" they are. No diva attitudes what so ever despite rapidly becoming world famous rock stars. Their parents did well!

[@TeemarkConvair]

totally,, great parenting!

[@Paul4-e7u]

They have received donations & gifts & encouragement from many places. This is a good thing. They will always feel grateful to have had them & they will never be squandered.

[@mikewright9428]

Rock-n-roll is not dead

[@jeffreygunn3530]

"I was a very hyperactive child." Gee...who would have guessed? 🙂

[@jasonremy1627]

"I hit the drums very hard"

[@TeemarkConvair]

HAHHA yeah,, really!!

[@louiebee6745]

YA THINK?!?🤘⚡🥁

[@franciscoramirez4179]

🙄Of course SHE was!🥰🥁

[@taf_motorsports]

We are blessed to live in Pau's world. 😂

[@TerryParsons1724]

Pau is amazing a rockstar and genius songwriter. 🔥⚡

[@zsarnok]

„Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

[@kineticvisuals2869]

And the more you're prepared, the luckier you get!

[@y4lnux]

And to have great parents that support you at that early age

[@rufuspanjaitan5759]

From all of them, Pau is the most articulate. It shows not only in interviews like this but also in TW lyrics. Being an extrovert, you can see all the passion and fire in her brain.

[@Paul4-e7u]

​@@y4lnuxthat's part of the preparation.

[@Paul4-e7u]

Yes. That's one side of their success. Being able to purchase the instruments. Having a place to play/practice. The hours & hours of practice. The dedication of their parents as well as the 3 girls. This brings opportunity. They have to play well enough to gain interest. That interest is opportunity. That's half. They have to produce. They get the opportunity that they worked so hard for… but they have to execute. They have to write & write WELL! Their music has to be attractive to more than half the people listening. This all has to happen as they live their lives & keeping fit & eating & drinking what their bodies agree with. There is so much on the 2nd half. It's a lot to think about, to honestly consider what you've said… that people don't realize. Thank you, for that.

[@g.garcia7151]

Thank you to the Modern Drummer team for doing this. Pau is an extraordinary, multi-faceted talent.

[@Bernardo-c2j]

INMENSE TALENT

[@bjwnashe5589]

Pau is a genius. At age 22, she has already accomplished so much. Songwriting, drumming, singing, keyboards, Ableton programming, video directing, media. She is a special artist.

[@manuell550]

Second language too

[@gerstelb]

She’s also worked *hard* for half her life at this; it’s her dedication and discipline (this goes for the whole band, of course) that impresses me more than her raw talent. She’s probably a genius who understands the Edison quote about genius being 2 percent inspiration and 98 percent perspiration.

[@Bernardo-c2j]

EXCEPTIONAL, THE BEST OF 3

[@leonardpaul4920]

Stupid​@@Bernardo-c2j

[@mattf49006]

props also to their mom and dad.....offspring like them come from talented , supportive and centered parents

[@SDsailor7]

And in the same year Pau also won the Drumeo Awards best Rock drummer of the year 2023

[@bjwnashe5589]

Pau is talking like this, so quick, so intelligent, so articulate, riffing on ideas and memories… in a second language. Let that sink in. English is not her first language.

[@harrybroaddus846]

Amazing ain't it.

[@robbwagoner761]

Pau's intelligence is off the charts in so MANY dimensions. Her drive and focus is awesome. To boot, she's real, humble, hilarious, and so, so, SO talented. A joy to behold as a fan of drumming, music, & song writing.

[@corey1106]

Its not just that its her second language, there is no accent, her enunciation is equivalent to a native english speaker, all 3 girls are like that, its incredible

[@Bernardo-c2j]

@@harrybroaddus846 She is a GENIOUS

[@Bernardo-c2j]

@@robbwagoner761 ABSOLUTELY AGREE, MATE! incluse ABOVE her peers!

[@Mylycanth]

Pau is everything. Her brain is amazing.

[@coldsun1187]

She is absolutely amazing. They all are, but she is my favorite.

[@tlawton783]

She has a beautiful singing voice also and my favorite too.

[@Bernardo-c2j]

mee to, mate!

[@LiddellUFC2]

Definitely my favorite.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

It's not often you see it, but in this video you can see how incredibly elegant Pau is. Watch her on the drums and she is a beast and then she is just talking and she is sooo elegant. She reminds me of a young Audrey Hepburn.

[@TeemarkConvair]

oh WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donaquinilator4959]

And i think Ale is way more elegant, she is like a princess

[@AgnisRoz]

I've heard their story so many times, but it's always such a joy to watch. These ladies are the sunshine of this world.

[@ohTHATaaronbrown]

Congratulations to Pau! So well-deserved - she's an utterly amazing drummer!

[@spidernose]

And an even more amazing human! Very rare these days. All three of them are just the sweetest people.

[@ohTHATaaronbrown]

@@spidernose 💯 agreed 👍🏻

[@charlielightfoot7006]

What a pleasant surprise! Pau being her wonderful self -- and joined by Dany and Ale as well! 🤩🤩🤩

[@yeticatcher]

I love Pau's energy here in her solo interview. She almost seems so much younger in her presentation, still articulate but in a passionate way.

[@glenallencox966]

LONG LIVE PAULINA VILLARREAL and her SISTERS of THE WARNING!

[@dsgp7835]

Pau has the shoulders and arms of a drummer. This is a great band that will continue to evolve and only get better and better. They are not partyers and will survive and leave a tremendous legacy.

[@pallenda]

Awesome people, all 3! 28:03 "Discipline always overtakes talent at the end of the day" 💯🎯

[@DadQuixote7]

Thank you for talking to Pau. Future legend of Rock drumming. Also it was obvious that Ale felt very comfortable in this interview. Great job Modern Drummer!!

[@markjames8664]

So cool to finally hear this! Pau is wonderful.

[@Corroyeur]

What a wonderful artist.

[@pablosartor6715]

Paulina is an awesome drummer, singer, songwriter, keyboard/piano player and person!! Besides being rock stars they are smart, humble, funny and the nicest people on earth! Viva The Warning!! ⚡⚡⚡

[@runmiltality5230]

I just love Paulina and The Warning greetings from 🇵🇭

[@JaeMinJung.]

Tangina, akala ko ako lang mag-isa sa Pinas na gusto ang The Warning 🤣

[@mexicanopolis9390]

Pau, la patrona. 😎 The drums' punisher. 🤜🏻🥁🤛🏻 I, as The Warning's fellow countryman, feel very very proud about them. The music scene in Mexico is big and wide, but to all of us who love rock, they are a gift. A precious gift. I'm very grateful to them because they have made me fall in love with rock once again after years of listening music that didn't move me like the classics of yesteryear. Thanx girls! ¡Las amo! ⚡🇲🇽🤟🏻

[@figuerio1]

The Warning is 100% 🔥 !!!🎵ole ole ole oleeee Warning Warning🎵¡¡¡. Greetings from Argentina.

[@brentkelsay3439]

Just watched this again and it's even more fascinating the second time. Pau is so talented and yet so humble and appreciative, and does a great job of expressing her and the band's musical journey. Props to her (and Dany and Ale) for acknowledging their parents, teachers, producers, co-writers, musical idols, etc and each other! And props to David and Carolina for asking such perceptive questions and for really "getting it." Congrats Pau and the entire The Warning Team! 🙌🙌🙌

[@DavidRodriguez-mp9nh]

Super talent. Song writer, classicly trained musician, lyricist, vocalist, video director, heavyweight hitting drummer. A real rock n roll hurricane! Also hearing Pau compliment Ale's timing is why the live sound is so amazing. Their live performances are incredible.

[@SDsailor7]

They were performing in the land of the Beatles on the 24th of this month and they killed it. The song Sharks its killer live!!

[@DavidRodriguez-mp9nh]

Amen to that. The more I listen to Keep Me Fed start to finish the more I really love and appreciate the growth they have gone thru. I love Escapism and Satisfied back to back on track list. I hope they stay healthy and grounded because incredible days are still ahead.

[@oskarfunes2505]

Yup, even if you don't have a trained ear. Even a layman person can feel the tightness in their rhythm, that gut feeling is what captures your attention in their live performances. Just chech their Atlas Rise Live cover in whiskey a gogo I think was the venue. It's jaw dropping.

[@donaquinilator4959]

@@SDsailor7i think The Warning is the first hispanic band that has performed in Liverpool

[@pedrometal1597]

Love Pau ❤ super drummer super musician love the warning 🤘

[@FullTexanEffect]

Luis "The Bionic Ear" Villarreal is a modern day super hero. 🤘⚡🔥

[@gmantw]

I was wondering if this would ever be published. Long time waiting for it, but thankful it was. ⚡

[@danacoleman4007]

goodness gracious, their parents must be so incredibly proud of what terrific people they've raised!

[@sjung66510]

This is awesome. Pau is the greatest.❤❤❤

[@EllieAngharad91]

Her drumming and her singing are fantastic but my favourite thing about Pau is her songwritting!

[@ytwatcher8288]

Thanks for bringing this interview with Pau and The Warning!!!

[@paulsmith7062]

Love Pau she is one of the most confident, intelligent, talented women and hopefully an inspiration for young girls.

[@krash66]

Pau is a world class vocalist and drummer. And her and her sisters are not only the best pure rock band of their generation, they are also the best songwriters of their generation! Phenomenal talent and and incredibly hard work to get to where they are now!

[@SirCamsmorethanalot]

Agree but not just their generation, several generations!

[@petrstindl2703]

Survive my fav song thanks to Pau lead vocal

[@tlawton783]

I love her singing too !

[@Lantern7100]

Mine is 23! What a song!

[@reactionsaccount3955]

I was just expecting Pau, so super fun to see the other sisters included, as Ale and Dany are a big part of Pau's journey and since all 3 write all the instruments parts together, they should be included.

[@Chris-eg3fw]

I am OBSESSED 4LIFE with these 3 AMAZING sisters, LOVE their music, the energy, the songwriting, the sound, the talent. Have'nt been this exited about a "new" band since the 80's. 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@christiancea6]

Great interview and great story. Hard work and passion and following their dreams, not to mention they ROCK. \m/

[@danw1955]

Heh heh, love this! Pau is so passionate about everything she does. I still remember them on the Ellen Show, and Pau literally slapping herself in the face when they brought those $10,000 checks out to send them to Berklee School of Music!🤣👍👍👍

[@armandogarza6181]

The Warning is a marvelous and talented band, but for the most part, the songs start with Paulina... what a multi-talented woman! They deserve all the opportunities that come their way. Viva The Warning!!

[@lazybones8783]

These girls are going to rule the world of Rock n Roll.

[@CarlD70]

Absolute genius/prodigy musician....easily one of the best drummers on the planet at now age 21...just the way it is like it or not. "Girls" can't be drummers she was told...LMAO...eat them words please. Thanks for this, can listen to this brilliant young lady talk all day....

[@AchimE]

Thanks for this nice and interesting interview! Pau is greatly multi-talented, video-director, songwriter, lyricist, pianist, great singer, and an awesome drummer just getting the recognition and prices she deserves! Greetings from Germany 👍⚡️🤘

[@terryandrews7271]

Have been following these girls for 5 years and better, Simply love them I'm 72 and they're one of the best bands I've ever heard in my lifetime. And I live through the best time there was for music the 60s and the 70s. VAYA CON DIOS The warning band⚡️⚡️⚡️🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🤟🤟🤟

[@Biomirth]

This is really really cool. I feel like Pau really uncorks herself here and shows her true outward self. So much passion for music, and gratitude and of course the indomitable Pau energy. She is a truly natural drummer and happens to also be an epic songwriter, film director, and class vocalist. But it's her personality that shines here. As she said in her TED talk from 2017: Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams. There will be a positive outcome in the end". So fiercely believing and also completely pragmatic, Paulina is a force.

[@Bernardo-c2j]

She´s a TRULY PHENOMENON

[@OriginalGaucho]

She's great!

[@Indo1030]

Great interview! Love to ‘watch’ how Pau’s brain works. She’s someone Special who comes along once in a millennium. Also love to see her give accolades to her sisters, especially Alé. There was another trio (out of Canada) who had an amazing (BEST EVER) drummer. He and the bass player had phenomenal timing! The guitar player was pretty damn good, too! I think The Warning will ultimately goes as far as Rush (who knows…maybe further!) in the long run!

[@jatodd3746]

There was Rush, there is The Warning, and then there is the rest.

[@briankrafczyk523]

Great comparison with Rush. Can definitely see her following Neil

[@jenmo4evr]

What an amazing interview. I knew they put in a lot of work but it’s crazy to hear that they were putting in about 5 hours a day of practice as teenagers while also going to school. Honestly it all makes sense tho they have become such amazing musicians as a result of all that hard work.

[@Marmelo01]

Thanks for publishing this and congratulations to Paulina, my fav drummer!

[@samcam9960]

Best youngest drummer ever and she's a doll

[@MrAnimal1971]

The desire and passion for something at a young age is very strong. When parents dont nurture that passion, it slowly dies. Her parents did a great job to commit to their kids passion and know their kids enough to know that there was a passion there.

[@Robert_Herring]

Love these fantastic human beings.

[@theexiles100]

Really great band, I can't get over how nice they are as people, very down to earth. They interview really well. Good job by the interviewer.

[@SDsailor7]

Amazing band and amazing sisters! their new album is great, and the song Sharks kicks so hard!!

[@MichaelHoward-sos21]

Thank you. Love all your music. Could watch you drumming all day. Your passion and ability is like the pull of a strong gravity. ❤

[@Victorxfactor]

She is a little badass for sure, beating the skins like thay stole something, then she can melt your heart with a tasty piano piece, outstanding. ❤The Warning

[@peterreyes7289]

Awesome interview Thanks David!! Pau is absolutely 100% ENERGY ⚡️Viva Paulina🤘🏼⚡️

[@jasonremy1627]

Thank you for highlighting this amazing musician and songwriter. Such an amazing future for The Warning!

[@romeoromo-kt5vn]

Excellent my friends the Modern Drummer...excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JusticeConstantine]

What a wonderful interview with Pau and The Warning.

[@TheDunadan01]

Their newest album is out now. It's called "Keep Me Fed" and they are currently touring Europe in support of it and will be playing "Wacken Open Air" in less than a week. If anyone reading this who doesn't know the band gets the chance to see these ladies live...do it, you won't regret it.

[@jo_g.germany]

Certainly looking forward to Wacken! Can't go, but will certainly watch the live stream!

[@starmartir]

What an amazing job their parents are doing that has made it possible for the world to enjoy these 3 talents ❤❤❤

[@aquaracer65]

Great interview. Pau is amazing, as are her sisters. So incredibly talented. Compliments also to the interviewer, really good.

[@stoneysopranoyukon9398]

Pau's drumming and sound was what first pulled me into The Warning. I am now a fan ! 🤘❤️🇨🇦

[@jerrywagner4690]

Love these sisters... and man she hits those drums hard... and sings and writes.

[@friendlyface4044]

Great interview with a great drummer!

[@SDsailor7]

Look at Ale talking a mile a minute hahaha, about time girl.😊👍♥♥♥

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

She’s been talking more recently, although there were the odd moments in the past too, e.g., the two TEDx performances in 2016/2017.

[@Indo1030]

She’s definitely getting more comfortable in interviews!

[@KansaSCaymanS]

Great interview and Ale talks! 😎👍

[@Caldyman]

Pau is amazing. So talented. I see her as the Karen Carpenter of this generation. All three of them in The Warning are incredible. Their live shows are already legendary.

[@Mari000]

😂

[@donaquinilator4959]

She is like Phil Collins she is not just a drummer, she is an artist and a front woman. She has some similarities with Keith Moon too, very energetic drummers

[@3designsam]

I loved this interview, thank you.

[@brentkelsay3439]

Another great and fascinating interview! TW have put in the time and the highly-focused, effective work to become a great band. Thanks Modern Drummer! 🙌🤘

[@christopherrmcarter1809]

This young lady is phenomenal. Power drummer and such a wonderful personality. Highly intelligent and focused. Wow. Love her ❤️

[@boxychubbo6922]

Great drummer. Excellent feel. Puts on a show. Great vocalist as well. A+

[@javadan]

I love watching interviews with these fantastic ladies. Great job.

[@hardknox1917]

PaU is so talented . Amazing drummer and artist and singer

[@mrstock7986]

So, yeah... 24:54 "Ale has insane timing..." and everything Pau says after that... No kidding! These two are so amazingly tight and precise, it's truly incredible. I haven't heard such awesome drum & bass synchronicity since Bruford & Levin. Seriously. Respect for what these ladies accomplished. Already. And this synchronicity is something that one doesn't normally notice. You notice when it _fails_ to work. But in all of the songs, and live performances (... think about that...) i have heard and seen since 'ERROR' came out, it never, ever, failed once. These ladies are absolutely extraordinary musicians. Already. 🤯

[@solarvanlife8177]

I like when some people get upset when someone like you make such a bold statement. Of course they're not at that level yet. I don't think that's what you're saying. They don't have the historical careers and bodies of work as some of the greats, but they certainly have the drive, talent and potential to be just as influential some day. These ladies are a once in a generation phenomenon. And on top of that, they're just wonderful human beings.

[@jamessummerlin9516]

Thank you to Modern Drummer for having Pau, Ale, and Dany on your podcast. We always love seeing them interact and giving us a glimpse into the inner workings of The Warning. So young, so talented, and so much hard work.

[@mikejohnson7473]

I love seeing Ale getting more and more comfortable and talking more.

[@kietero]

Little did mom and dad know they were raising who is quickly becoming one of the best drummers in the world today! Literally.

[@tennesseebear9798]

Love these young ladies. I have been listening to them for several years now. I think it was during COVID. They are amazing and if you haven't listened to them, then you owe yourself a treat.

[@kylebatisch1028]

Neil Peart was an idol for me. When we lost him I was lost for music for many years. I found the Warning and it has filled a void. Pau is an amazing talent.

[@solarvanlife8177]

Neil is one of her biggest influences too. She stated it in several interviews. Probably why you feel the connection....:)

[@fantus01]

what a wonderful video, thank you

[@texadan314]

Love the interview. I keep coming back. But I can only like one time. So here is some interaction for the algorythm.

[@spanishgray]

I love these sisters so much ❤ They deserve all the recognition in the world 🌎

[@thontor]

What a wonderful interview. Thanks for posting it!

[@donaquinilator4959]

Pau is an amazing drummer and an amazing woman, nice interview

[@MannyGonzalezReyna]

All three girls are GENIUSES and together they are the ROCK OF THE FUTURE

[@espinozasergio]

Excelente entrevista y sumamente reveladora. Demostrando nuevamente que nada fue por azar. Voluntad, trabajo y esfuerzo. Las hermanas Villarreal son profesionales en lo suyo. Gran respeto y admiración. Saludos desde la Patagonia Argentina.

[@genboyer]

A great interview that reinforces many of the facts of their lives and artistic process we've heard before.

[@sergiodelatejaytejeda]

Pau, in addition to having the energy of a nuclear reactor, is full of art and too much sensitivity from her heart to the surface of her skin and a brilliant mind. She, along with her sisters, have a determined character and as human beings they are exemplary. They are the new masters of rock... God save The Warning!! 🤘😁✌️

[@MrDesdecado]

She really is brilliant.

[@randymarple9830]

It is so much fun, as a fan, to hear these girls just being themselves. They have always been so open to any question asked. Very humble. Family oriented. Team oriented. They share their success with every member of their team. Their mom and dad have raised them right. And the fans FEEL it. Pau is amazing. Dany,along with being a great musician/singer, is also one the best front women in rock. And Ale is the driving foundation in every song. She can play lead runs and riffs, note for note with Dany.

[@giorgiocozzani9320]

I love you Pau 😍, as a drummer of course 😀

[@dotfactory3012]

Admiración total a estas 3 chicas tan talentosas, brillantes, con los pies en la tierra, educadas. Pero también una felicitación al papá y mamá de estas chicas, han hecho un trabajo impecable.

[@DavidJohnson-cp1pu]

Also, Pau could not/would not exist without Dani. Dani is the older sister who never expresses anything but love for her sisters. She had the job of deflecting everything negative and protecting her sisters as they matured, in addition to being a really good guitarist and singer herself. I constantly watch her in these interviews, seeing nothing but love for her sisters and family. We could all use a "Dani" in our own lives.

[@thebigleone1066]

So good. She is a powerhouse and what a great band.

[@agutierrez20]

Awesome to see Pau here

[@SDsailor7]

This was a great interview.👍