Everyone Are Encouraged to Become the Fourth Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're chatting with Haim?" an inquiry pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their extra sister."
However, there remains one problem: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile fans have also petitioned for the honor.
One thing is obvious a special quality is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career doing sets at small eateries with their family. Today, they are repeated Grammy hopefuls.
In the tradition of the best bands, they're a close trio. Their music videos frequently depict them walking in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure happiness you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the ultimate compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire people to make music."
"And thus anyone is invited to be the honorary part of the family."
Grammy Recognition
The band have called into home, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in the running for the award.
"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I hallucinating'?"
The importance of the accolade resonates with the band.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge achievement," says Alana. "However we're just grateful for the pioneers that came before us."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The album was born from a phase of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that unique transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to move on.
The words follow breakups and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them determining in the moment who they want to be.
"That's a perfect description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to actively work on shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Development of Style
That developed toughness called for a new sound – more organic and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the percussion.
"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our biography," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Anecdotes and Shared Laughter
The band's openness inspired the album's rollout, where the sisters revealed some of their dating misadventures.
A former partner broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."
A Secure Legacy
You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.
They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an international following.
Yet the band will consistently be their primary focus.
"My sisters and I have been performing since I was little," concludes Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still going strong."