All Fans is Encouraged to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to Haim?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their fourth member."
However, there remains one problem: The author likewise desires to be Haim's fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple celebrated fans have openly petitioned for the position.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Today, they are repeated Grammy nominees.
In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a inseparable unit. Their videos repeatedly show them marching in harmony down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such unfettered exuberance you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," says Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "It is the ultimate honour. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to start a band."
"So anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth member of Haim."
Grammy Milestone
The group are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're right now celebrating the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in consideration for the prize.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"
The significance of the nomination isn't lost on the trio.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge achievement," says Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the women that inspired us."
Emotional Upheaval and Laughter
The record came out of a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that unique in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The lyrics follow breakups and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they want to be.
"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to make an effort in shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Development of Music
That newfound confidence demanded a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the drums.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's candor inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic tales.
Someone broke up with Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."
A Secure Path
You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an worldwide following.
Yet the sister act will consistently be their top commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."
