The World is Invited to Become the Fourth Haim Bandmate.
"When are you interviewing the Haim sisters?" a text reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
However, there remains a key snag: I also wants to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're not alone. A host of high-profile fans have also petitioned for the honor.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey performing shows at neighborhood delis with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the best groups, they're a close gang. Their visuals repeatedly show them walking in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure joy you can't help but think, "I want to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I got a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the biggest compliment. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire people to start a band."
"Therefore all is invited to be the honorary Haim sister."
Award Recognition
The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in contention for the award.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade resonates with the sisters.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge milestone," adds Alana. "However we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The project came out of a phase of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that unique in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to move on.
The themes detail endings and farewells. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to actively work on shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Development of Sound
That developed resilience required a fresh approach – more raw and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our biography," laughs Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic horror stories.
A former partner broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"When you're going through these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Path
One can easily sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.
Yet the band will always be their primary priority.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was four," concludes Alana. "There is no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."