🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're speaking to Haim?" a text reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There's just a single issue: The author likewise desires to be Haim's additional sibling. What's more, we are far from alone. A host of famous fans have openly petitioned for the honor.

The evidence suggests a special quality is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy contenders.

Like all the most iconic groups, they're a close gang. Their music videos often show them striding in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such boundless exuberance you can't help but think, "I wish to be a piece of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that fans told us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "It is the biggest honour. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to form a group."

"So all gets an invitation to be the fourth member of Haim."

Award Recognition

The group have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

They're right now celebrating the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in contention for the prize.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the accolade isn't lost on the sisters.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant milestone," continues Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the pioneers that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The project came out of a period of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that unique transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The themes track departures and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"I love way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on shutting out the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Evolution of Style

That developed confidence demanded a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drum sound.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," jokes Alana. "Our motto is, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

The band's openness shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their personal misadventures.

A former partner ended things with Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."

A Secure Path

You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the rock pantheon.

They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an international audience.

But Haim will forever be their primary focus.

"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "There is no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still going strong."