The World Are Encouraged to Become the Fourth Haim Member.
"Any idea when you're chatting with Haim?" a text arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can become their fourth member."
However, there remains a key snag: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' additional sibling. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Multiple famous admirers have also begged for the role.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy nominees.
In the tradition of the best groups, they're a inseparable gang. Their music videos often show them striding in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I want to be a piece of that, too."
"How often on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a drum kit'," states Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the biggest honor. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to make music."
"Therefore all are welcome to be the honorary Haim sister."
Historic Milestone
The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant step," continues Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Candor
The record emerged from a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that unique in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.
The lyrics follow departures and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in the moment who they are becoming.
"I love way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That newfound resilience demanded a new sound – more raw and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Collective Humor
The band's honesty 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 medical concern. Alana told a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."
An Assured Future
One can easily sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their place in the rock pantheon.
They're festival headliners, with successful albums and an worldwide following.
But the sister act will always be their primary commitment.
"My sisters and I have been making music since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still going strong."