The World is Encouraged to Be the Extra Haim Sisters Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the Haim sisters?" a message arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."
There's just a key snag: I also wants to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're not alone. A host of high-profile supporters have publicly petitioned for the role.
One thing is obvious a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey doing sets at local delicatessens with their family. Now they're multiple Grammy nominees.
Similar to the most iconic ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their music videos repeatedly show them marching in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such pure joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a bass'," says Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That's the ultimate honor. That is recognition in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate others to make music."
"So anyone is invited to be the fourth Haim sister."
Historic Recognition
The group are speaking from a break, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the honor is deeply felt by the band.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge achievement," adds Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the women that came before us."
Heartbreak and Candor
The record was born from a period of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that strange transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.
The words follow departures and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in real life who they want to be.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Evolution of Style
That developed toughness demanded a fresh approach – more organic and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drum sound.
"The drum sound is such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Collective Camaraderie
The band's honesty fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters revealed some of their dating tales.
A former partner ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of flying 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 only darkness," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Legacy
It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their position in the industry.
They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an international following.
Yet Haim will forever be their primary priority.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still going strong."