Everyone is Encouraged to Join as the Fourth Haim Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be chatting with Haim?" a message pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
There's just one problem: The sender also desires to be the Haims' additional sibling. What's more, we are not alone. A host of high-profile admirers have openly coveted the position.
The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multiple Grammy nominees.
Like all the most iconic ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their music videos frequently depict them walking in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such unfettered exuberance you can't help but think, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest honor. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire young girls to make music."
"Therefore all are welcome to be the honorary part of the family."
Historic Milestone
The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in support of their fourth 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 very first female band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I follow the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"
The weight of the nomination is deeply felt by the trio.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "However we're just grateful for the female artists that inspired us."
Emotional Upheaval and Laughter
The album came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that unique liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.
The lyrics follow breakups and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.
"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to make an effort in blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Development of Sound
That developed confidence demanded a fresh approach – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drums.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."
Anecdotes and Shared Laughter
The band's openness inspired the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their dating 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 friendly slap at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."
A Secure Path
You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their position in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global audience.
But the sister act will consistently be their number one focus.
"My sisters and I have been performing since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still going strong."
