🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're speaking to Haim?" an inquiry arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only a key snag: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are not alone. Multiple high-profile admirers have also coveted the position.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are repeated Grammy nominees.

In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a close trio. Their videos repeatedly show them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such boundless exuberance you can't help but think, "I wish to be a piece of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that fans approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That's the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate people to start a band."

"So anyone is invited to be the fourth Haim sister."

Grammy Recognition

The group are speaking from home, where they're resting up after an major tour in for their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I tune into the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The significance of the accolade resonates with the band.

"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the female artists that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The project came out of a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that strange transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The lyrics follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them determining in real time who they want to be.

"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to make an effort in shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Development of Style

That recent resilience demanded a different sonic direction – more organic and immediate than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the drums.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Stories and Shared Laughter

The trio's openness shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating tales.

One man left Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of flying to spend 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 no light," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

A Secure Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.

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

However the sister act will forever be their primary focus.

"We have been performing since I was four," shares Alana. "There is nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."