It started with a bang — or rather, a riff. A trio of teenage sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, uploaded a cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” to YouTube in 2014. Their raw talent, serious chops, and undeniable chemistry caught the attention of millions, including Metallica themselves. Nearly a decade later, The Warning — consisting of Daniela “Danny” Villarreal (vocals/guitar), Paulina “Pau” Villarreal (drums/vocals), and Alejandra “Ale” Villarreal (bass)—has gone from viral sensations to legitimate rock powerhouses.
On a recent episode of SPIN Presents Lipps Service, hosted by music industry veteran Scott Lipps, the sisters sat down to reflect on their meteoric rise, their sonic evolution, and their new album Keep Me Fed, which dropped to high anticipation and praise. The interview offered fans an intimate glimpse into the world of three young women who are not only redefining modern rock but doing it on their terms — and always together.
From Viral Cover to Global Stages
When Lipps opened the conversation with a nod to their famed Metallica cover, the sisters laughed in unison, their bond unshakable.
“That video changed our lives,” said Danny, now 24 and the group’s lead guitarist and vocalist. “We were just having fun, trying to learn a song we loved. We had no idea it would explode the way it did.”
The cover showcased not only their technical prowess at such a young age — Danny was 14, Pau was 12, and Ale was only 9 — but also their deep understanding of rock’s emotional energy. What followed was a whirlwind: praise from rock royalty, invitations to perform internationally, and a record deal that helped launch their career beyond the digital realm.
“We got the validation early on,” added Pau, the group’s high-energy drummer and often the heartbeat of their live performances. “But what mattered more was proving that we weren’t just a viral moment. We wanted longevity. We wanted to grow.”
Keep Me Fed: A New Era
Their latest album, Keep Me Fed, marks both a continuation and a departure. While The Warning’s signature intensity remains — full-throttle guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and emotionally-charged vocals — this album also leans into sonic experimentation and lyrical vulnerability.
“‘Automatic Sun’ is one of those tracks that just poured out of us,” said Ale, who has matured from a precocious bassist into a confident, commanding stage presence. “It’s about feeling stuck in a cycle, always on, always expected to shine even when you’re not okay. That theme kind of runs through the whole record.”
Another standout, “Six Feet Deep,” channels the angst and introspection of bands like Nine Inch Nails and Muse while still holding true to The Warning’s raw, unfiltered delivery.
“We’ve always written from a place of emotion, of urgency,” Pau explained. “But with this record, we dug deeper. We wrote not just to be loud, but to be honest.”
Language, Influence, and Identity
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Warning’s journey is its linguistic choice. Despite growing up in Mexico, the band predominantly writes and sings in English — a decision driven more by sound than strategy.
“Rock, especially the kind we grew up on, was in English,” said Danny. “It just felt natural. Not that Spanish can’t rock — it absolutely can. But for us, this is how the music comes out.”
That said, they aren’t averse to incorporating more Spanish into future projects, noting that their heritage is not only important but integral to their artistry.
“We’re Mexican women in rock — that’s a story in itself,” Ale emphasized. “But we’re also just musicians, artists who love what we do. We don’t want to be put in a box.”
As for influences, the sisters rattle off a spectrum that stretches from classic rock icons like Queen and Pink Floyd to modern alt-rockers like Muse and Royal Blood. Each member brings a unique flavor to the band’s DNA, and their songwriting process is a deeply collaborative effort.
Tour Tales and Sisterhood on the Road
Touring, they admit, is both a dream and a grind. From sold-out shows in Europe to sweaty sets at American rock festivals, The Warning has earned their stripes the old-fashioned way: relentless touring, killer performances, and connection with fans.
“We’ve slept in airports, eaten way too much fast food, and gotten lost in cities we can’t pronounce,” Pau laughed. “But we wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Their favorite memory? Opening for the Foo Fighters.
“Dave Grohl watched us from the side of the stage,” Danny recalled. “We were freaking out. He came up after and told us to keep going. That kind of encouragement… It’s surreal.”
And yes, as foodies, the sisters made sure to explore the local cuisine wherever they went. Their top five favorite restaurants, according to Ale, include everything from hole-in-the-wall taco joints in Mexico City to ramen bars in Tokyo.
Women in Rock: A Legacy Continued
When Lipps asked them to name their top five women in rock, the answers came fast:
“Joan Jett,” Danny said, without hesitation. “She paved the way.”
“Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale,” Pau added. “She’s powerful and unapologetic. Love her energy.”
They also cited Amy Lee of Evanescence, Shirley Manson of Garbage, and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless as key inspirations — women who defied norms, broke rules, and shredded expectations.
“They showed us that rock isn’t just for the boys,” said Ale. “It’s for anyone with something to say and the guts to scream it.”
More Than a Moment
What’s next for The Warning? More shows, more music, and more evolution. They’re already working on ideas for their next release and are planning a headlining world tour to support Keep Me Fed.
“We’re just getting started,” Danny said, smiling. “Every album is a chapter, and we’re writing this story together. As sisters, as musicians, as women.”
If their journey so far is any indication, The Warning isn’t just riding a wave—they’re building their storm.
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