🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a text reads. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There is only a key snag: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're far from alone. Multiple celebrated admirers have also coveted the honor.

The evidence suggests a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path doing sets at small eateries with their family. Today, they are repeated Grammy hopefuls.

In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a close gang. Their videos frequently feature them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such unfettered joy you inevitably think, "I want to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the greatest honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire others to make music."

"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the honorary member of Haim."

Historic Nod

The trio are speaking from home, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in consideration for the award.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

The significance of the nomination resonates with the trio.

"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major milestone," continues Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The record emerged from a period of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that strange transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The themes track departures and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them determining in the moment who they want to be.

"I love summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Music

That developed resilience called for a different sonic direction – more unpolished and immediate than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drums.

"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our biography," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

The band's honesty fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating misadventures.

One man broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Path

You can clearly sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their position in the industry.

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

Yet Haim will consistently be their number one commitment.

"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was four," shares Alana. "There is nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still going strong."