All Fans Are Invited to Become the Fourth Haim Member.
"Any idea when you're chatting with the band?" a text reads. "My request was to ask if I can be their extra sister."
However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise desires to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Several celebrated supporters have also petitioned for the honor.
One thing is obvious a special quality is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos repeatedly depict them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such boundless exuberance you can't help but think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'After your show, I got a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the ultimate honor. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to start a band."
"Therefore all is invited to be the next Haim sister."
Historic Recognition
The group are connecting from home, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently processing the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammys β with Haim the first all-woman band ever in contention for the trophy.
"I watch the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the band.
"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "However we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."
Emotional Upheaval and Candor
The record emerged from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that unique transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.
The words track breakups and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them working out in the moment who they want to be.
"That's a perfect description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Evolution of Sound
That recent resilience called for a fresh approach β more raw and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the percussion.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Humor
The band's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their dating tales.
Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."
An Assured Path
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their position in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international fan base.
However Haim will always be their primary focus.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "There is no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still kicking."