All Fans Are Encouraged to Be the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"Do you know when you'll be chatting with the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
There's just a key snag: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're not alone. A host of celebrated admirers have publicly begged for the role.
One thing is obvious something is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy nominees.
Similar to the most iconic ensembles, they're a close unit. Their music videos frequently depict them striding in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that fans approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That is the greatest honor. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage people to make music."
"Therefore all are welcome to be the honorary member of Haim."
Grammy Milestone
The band are connecting from their homes, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in support of their new album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I tune into the announcements every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The weight of the honor isn't lost on the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major milestone," says Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that came before us."
Emotional Upheaval and Candor
The project came out of a period of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that odd in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to move on.
The words detail endings and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them determining in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I love way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Evolution of Style
That developed resilience demanded a new sound – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the percussion.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating horror stories.
A former partner broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana shared 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 breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "Therefore to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."
A Confident Future
It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the rock pantheon.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an international following.
But the band will always be their primary focus.
"We have been making music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still making music."