🔗 Share this article

"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their extra sister."

However, there remains a single issue: The sender also wants to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Several celebrated supporters have publicly petitioned for the honor.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their path doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multiple Grammy hopefuls.

In the tradition of the best bands, they're a inseparable gang. Their music videos repeatedly depict them walking in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire others to form a group."

"Therefore everyone is invited to be the next member of Haim."

Grammy Recognition

The trio have called into their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're currently processing the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in contention for the award.

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The weight of the honor is deeply felt by the trio.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," adds Alana. "But we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Candor

The project came out of a period of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that unique liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The words track breakups and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they are becoming.

"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That newfound toughness demanded a new sound – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.

"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the ideal drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Humor

The band's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic horror stories.

A former partner ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."

A Confident Legacy

It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their place in the industry.

They're major draws, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.

However the band will always be their number one commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was four," shares Alana. "There is no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still going strong."