The World Are Invited to Become the Fourth Haim Sisters Member.
"Do you know when you'll be chatting with Haim?" an inquiry reads. "I wanted to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."
There's just a key snag: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. A host of celebrated admirers have openly petitioned for the role.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their career playing gigs at small eateries with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy nominees.
Like all the best bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their visuals frequently feature them walking in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I want to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That's the ultimate honour. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate young girls to start a band."
"Therefore anyone gets an invitation to be the honorary part of the family."
Grammy Nod
The trio are connecting from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in for their new album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the nomination resonates with the band.
"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge achievement," continues Alana. "But we're just thankful for the women that came before us."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The record came out of a time of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that odd liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The lyrics detail breakups and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them determining in real life who they aspire to be.
"I love summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of 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 Music
That developed toughness called for a fresh approach – more unpolished and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the percussion.
"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Laughter
The trio's honesty shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their romantic horror stories.
A former partner left Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."
A Confident Future
You can clearly sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their position in the industry.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an international following.
Yet the sister act will always be their primary commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "There is no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still making music."
