Everyone is Encouraged to Become the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" a text reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
However, there remains a key snag: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' additional sibling. What's more, we are not alone. A host of celebrated fans have openly petitioned for the position.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey doing sets at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're multiple Grammy nominees.
Similar to the greatest ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their videos repeatedly depict them striding in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play 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 came up to us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That is the greatest compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate people to form a group."
"And thus anyone is invited to be the fourth member of Haim."
Grammy Milestone
The trio have called into home, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're presently reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The weight of the honor isn't lost on the band.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The album emerged from a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to move on.
The themes follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them working out in real life who they are becoming.
"I adore summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to actively work on shutting out the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Style
That recent toughness required a fresh approach – more unpolished and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the percussion.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their personal horror stories.
One man ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Future
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their standing in the music world.
They're festival headliners, with successful albums and an international audience.
Yet the band will always be their number one priority.
"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was little," shares Alana. "There is no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."
