All Fans is Encouraged to Become the Fourth Haim Sister.
"Any idea when you're interviewing Haim?" an inquiry arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
There is only a key snag: The sender also wants to be the Haims' newest recruit. Furthermore, we are not alone. A host of high-profile supporters have openly begged for the honor.
The evidence suggests something is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at small eateries with their parents. Now they're multiple Grammy hopefuls.
In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a close trio. Their visuals frequently feature them marching in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such pure happiness you inevitably think, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That's the biggest compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to make music."
"Therefore everyone is invited to be the honorary member of Haim."
Historic Recognition
The group are connecting from a break, where they're recovering after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're right now reeling from the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in consideration for the prize.
"I follow the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the honor is deeply felt by the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "However we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."
Heartbreak and Humour
The record emerged from a phase of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that odd transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.
The lyrics track endings and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in real life who they want to be.
"That's a perfect description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to consciously practice shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Style
That newfound toughness demanded a fresh approach – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drums.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Laughter
The trio's candor inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic tales.
One man broke up with Este over a medical consideration. Alana told a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Future
One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their standing in the music world.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.
Yet the band will consistently be their top priority.
"My sisters and I have been performing since I was little," concludes Alana. "There is no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still going strong."