The World Are Invited to Be the Extra Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're interviewing the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."
However, there remains one problem: I also desires to be Haim's fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. Several high-profile supporters have also petitioned for the position.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multiple Grammy nominees.
Similar to the greatest bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos often show them marching in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless exuberance you inevitably think, "I want to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a drum kit'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the greatest compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to start a band."
"Therefore all gets an invitation to be the next Haim sister."
Grammy Milestone
The trio have called into a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the prize.
"I tune into the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the nomination isn't lost on the trio.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major milestone," continues Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the women that paved the way."
Heartbreak and Candor
The project emerged from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that strange liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The themes track departures and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they want to be.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That developed toughness required a fresh approach – more unpolished and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.
"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Shared Laughter
The band's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.
Someone ended things with Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of flying to celebrate 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 hope," notes Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
An Assured Path
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international fan base.
Yet the sister act will always be their primary commitment.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "There is nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still kicking."