All Fans Are Invited to Be the Fourth Haim Sisters Member.
"Any idea when you're chatting with Haim?" an inquiry arrives. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."
There's just one problem: The sender also wants to be the Haims' additional sibling. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile admirers have also coveted the position.
The evidence suggests something is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their family. Now they're multiple Grammy contenders.
Similar to the most iconic bands, they're a close gang. Their music videos often show them marching in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a drum kit'," states Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That is the greatest honor. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate young girls to make music."
"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."
Grammy Recognition
The band have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in contention for the prize.
"I watch the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The weight of the nomination isn't lost on the sisters.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The record was born from a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that odd transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.
The words detail departures and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.
"I adore summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Music
That recent toughness demanded a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the percussion.
"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating horror stories.
One man broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."
A Confident Path
One can easily sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their position in the industry.
They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an worldwide following.
Yet Haim will always be their top priority.
"We have been making music since I was a young child," says Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still making music."