All Fans is Encouraged to Join as the Additional Haim Sisters Bandmate.
"When are you chatting with the band?" a text pops up. "My request was to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
There is only a key snag: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are not alone. A host of celebrated fans have publicly coveted the honor.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy Award hopefuls.
In the tradition of the most iconic groups, they're a close trio. Their visuals often depict them walking in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That's the ultimate honour. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire people to form a group."
"So everyone are welcome to be the honorary Haim sister."
Grammy Nod
The trio have called into a break, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently processing the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the award.
"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I imagining things'?"
The importance of the nomination isn't lost on the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant milestone," continues Alana. "However we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The project emerged from a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that odd transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The words follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they are becoming.
"I love way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to make an effort in blocking the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Style
That newfound confidence called for a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on 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 title of our book," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Collective Humor
The trio's honesty shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters revealed some of their personal tales.
A former partner broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Future
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their standing in the rock pantheon.
They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an worldwide fan base.
But the sister act will forever be their number one priority.
"We have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "There is nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still going strong."