The World is Invited to Be the Fourth Haim Sisters Member.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."
There is only one problem: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Several famous fans have openly coveted the role.
The evidence suggests a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their career doing sets at small eateries with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy contenders.
Like all the greatest ensembles, they're a inseparable trio. Their visuals repeatedly show them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," states Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the ultimate compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate others to form a group."
"Therefore everyone are welcome to be the honorary part of the family."
Grammy Nod
The band are speaking from home, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in for their new album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in contention for the award.
"I tune into the announcements every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the trio.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge milestone," continues Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The project was born from a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that unique in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.
The words track departures and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.
"That's a perfect way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Music
That newfound resilience required a new sound – more organic and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drums.
"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our biography," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Collective Laughter
The band's openness inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic horror stories.
A former partner ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana recalled a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Legacy
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their place in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an worldwide following.
However Haim will consistently be their primary commitment.
"My sisters and I have been making music since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still making music."