Paulina “Pau” Villarreal is a Mexican musician and multi-instrumentalist who has made a name for herself as the drummer, vocalist, and principal songwriter for the hard rock band The Warning. Born on February 5, 2002, in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico, Paulina began her musical journey at a young age, taking classical piano lessons and later picking up the drums at six years old.
The Warning was formed in 2013 with her sisters Daniela and Alejandra. The band’s big break came in 2014 when their cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” went viral, earning praise from Metallica’s guitarist Kirk Hammett. This exposure led to appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and a five-week program at Berklee College of Music.
Beyond drumming, Paulina has showcased her versatility as a vocalist and pianist. She has sung lead on several songs, including “Narcisista” and “Consume,” and has collaborated with other bands like Eruca Sativa and Dead Poet Society. In 2024, she made her debut as an artistic director, co-directing the official video for The Warning’s song “Qué Más Quieres.”
Paulina’s talent and dedication have earned her numerous awards and recognitions. Some notable accolades include being voted number one in the “Up and Coming” category at the Modern Drummer Readers Poll 2023, named Rock Drummer of the Year at the Drumeo Awards 2023, and being included in the list of the 100 most powerful women in Mexico by Forbes Mexico in 2024.
Paulina’s drumming style is characterized by her use of DW Performance Series drums, Ludwig Black Beauty snare, and Sabian HHX series cymbals. She also incorporates electronics and MIDI pedals into her live performances, showcasing her creativity and innovation as a musician.
As a talented and influential musician, Paulina “Pau” Villarreal continues to inspire fans around the world with her passion, dedication, and creativity.
