Everyone is Invited to Be the Extra Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're interviewing the Haim sisters?" a text pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their fourth member."
There's just a key snag: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Several famous supporters have publicly begged for the position.
One thing is obvious something is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Today, they are multiple Grammy contenders.
Like all the best bands, they're a tight-knit trio. Their visuals frequently show them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such unfettered happiness you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I got a bass'," states Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "It is the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire people to start a band."
"And thus all gets an invitation to be the next member of Haim."
Historic Nod
The band have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in contention for the award.
"I watch the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the sisters.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge step," says Alana. "But we're just thankful for the women that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The project emerged from a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that strange in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.
The words follow endings and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they aspire to be.
"I love description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to actively work on blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Development of Sound
That developed confidence required a different sonic direction – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the percussion.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Camaraderie
The band's candor fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic misadventures.
Someone left Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Confident Legacy
One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their position in the music world.
They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an global fan base.
However the sister act will consistently be their number one priority.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still kicking."