All Fans is Encouraged to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Bandmate.
"When are you interviewing Haim?" a message pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can become their newest bandmate."
There's just one problem: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. And we're far from alone. A host of famous admirers have also petitioned for the position.
The evidence suggests a special quality is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy hopefuls.
Like all the best bands, they're a close gang. Their videos frequently depict them striding in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that fans approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the ultimate honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage others to make music."
"And thus anyone is invited to be the honorary part of the family."
Grammy Milestone
The band are speaking from their homes, where they're recovering after an extensive tour in for their new album, I Quit.
They're presently reeling from the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The importance of the honor resonates with the trio.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," adds Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the female artists that paved the way."
Emotional Upheaval and Humour
The album emerged from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that unique in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.
The themes follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them working out in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to actively work on shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That developed resilience called for a fresh approach – more raw and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the drums.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our biography," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Shared Camaraderie
The trio's candor inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal tales.
Someone broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana recalled a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Future
One can easily sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their standing in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an worldwide following.
Yet the band will always be their top commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was four," says Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still making music."