The World Are Encouraged to Join as the Additional Haim Sisters Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be chatting with the band?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."
There's just one problem: I also longs to be the Haims' additional sibling. And we're in plentiful company. Several famous supporters have openly petitioned for the role.
It's clear something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy Award contenders.
In the tradition of the best groups, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos often depict them striding in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such boundless joy you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that fans told us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a guitar'," states Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the greatest honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to start a band."
"Therefore all is invited to be the next Haim sister."
Award Nod
The group are connecting from a break, where they're recovering after an major tour in for their new album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the prize.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the trio.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the pioneers that came before us."
Heartbreak and Candor
The record came out of a time of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that strange liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.
The themes track departures and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to make an effort in blocking the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Development of Style
That newfound resilience demanded a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Shared Laughter
The band's candor shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their personal horror stories.
Someone broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."
An Assured Legacy
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their standing in the music world.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an worldwide fan base.
Yet Haim will consistently be their number one priority.
"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was little," says Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."