Everyone is Invited to Join as the Fourth Haim Sisters Sister.
"Any idea when you're interviewing the Haim sisters?" a message reads. "My request was to ask if I can be their fourth member."
There is only one problem: I also desires to be the Haims' newest recruit. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Several famous admirers have also begged for the role.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy contenders.
Similar to the most iconic ensembles, they're a close gang. Their music videos frequently depict them walking in harmony down the roads of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such unfettered happiness you can't help but think, "I want to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the biggest honour. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire young girls to form a group."
"And thus all are welcome to be the fourth part of the family."
Grammy Milestone
The band are connecting from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently reeling from the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I tune into the nominations every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the accolade is deeply felt by the sisters.
"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge milestone," continues Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the pioneers that inspired us."
Heartbreak and Humour
The album came out of a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that strange transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.
The lyrics track breakups and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in the moment who they are becoming.
"I adore description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism 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 helped produce the album, that started with the percussion.
"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our biography," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Shared Laughter
The trio's honesty fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their dating tales.
Someone left Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."
An Assured Future
One can easily sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their position in the rock pantheon.
They're major draws, with hit albums and an global fan base.
But the sister act will always be their primary priority.
"We have been playing music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still going strong."
