All Fans Are Welcome to Be the Fourth Haim Member.
"Any idea when you're chatting with Haim?" a message reads. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
There is only a single issue: The sender also longs to be Haim's additional sibling. And we're far from alone. Multiple high-profile admirers have also begged for the role.
One thing is obvious a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award nominees.
Similar to the best groups, they're a inseparable trio. Their videos frequently depict them walking in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "It is the ultimate compliment. That is recognition in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire others to form a group."
"Therefore everyone are welcome to be the next member of Haim."
Award Nod
The band are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.
They're right now celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in contention for the award.
"I watch the announcements every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"
The importance of the accolade isn't lost on the band.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," continues Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the female artists that paved the way."
Heartbreak and Candor
The project came out of a period of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that unique transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.
The words track endings and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them working out in real time who they want to be.
"I love summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Evolution of Sound
That developed confidence demanded a new sound – more organic and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Collective Laughter
The trio's openness fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their dating misadventures.
One man left 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.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."
A Secure Path
You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their standing in the industry.
They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an global fan base.
Yet the sister act will always be their number one commitment.
"My sisters and I have been performing since I was little," concludes Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still making music."