All Fans is Welcome to Become the Extra Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a text pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."
There's just one problem: I also longs to be the Haims' additional sibling. Furthermore, we are not alone. Several high-profile supporters have publicly petitioned for the position.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their path performing shows at small eateries with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the greatest bands, they're a inseparable trio. Their music videos repeatedly depict them marching in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I want to be part of that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a bass'," states Alana, the youngest of the trio. "It is the biggest honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate others to start a band."
"So anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."
Award Milestone
The band are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're right now processing the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I follow the nominations every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the band.
"We truly set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the women that inspired us."
Heartbreak and Humour
The project was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that strange in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.
The themes follow breakups and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.
"I love summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Music
That recent confidence called for a fresh approach – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drums.
"Percussion is such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," laughs Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the ideal drum sound."
Anecdotes and Shared Laughter
The band's candor shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their dating horror stories.
Someone left Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Path
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their position in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an international fan base.
However the sister act will consistently be their primary focus.
"We have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "There is no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."