🔗 Share this article

"When are you interviewing the band?" a message arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

There is only one problem: I also wants to be Haim's fourth member. And we're far from alone. A host of celebrated supporters have publicly begged for the honor.

One thing is obvious something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award hopefuls.

In the tradition of the best bands, they're a inseparable gang. Their visuals frequently feature them striding in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure exuberance you can't help but think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," states Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That's the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to form a group."

"Therefore all are welcome to be the honorary Haim sister."

Historic Recognition

The band are speaking from their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in for their new album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in consideration for the award.

"I follow the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The significance of the nomination isn't lost on the band.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," continues Alana. "But we're just grateful for the pioneers that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Laughter

The record emerged from a period of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that odd in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

The words follow breakups and farewells. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them working out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"I adore way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to actively work on blocking the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Development of Music

That recent confidence demanded a different sonic direction – more organic and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the percussion.

"Drums are such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Humor

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

Someone left Este over a medical consideration. 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 no light," explains Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Future

One can easily sense a evolution in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their standing in the industry.

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global fan base.

However Haim will forever be their top focus.

"My sisters and I have been making music since I was four," shares Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."