The World is Encouraged to Be the Additional Haim Sisters Sister.
"Any idea when you're interviewing the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can be their extra sister."
However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise desires to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. A host of high-profile fans have publicly begged for the honor.
The evidence suggests a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy hopefuls.
Similar to the most iconic groups, they're a tight-knit trio. Their videos frequently depict them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such boundless happiness you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the ultimate compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to start a band."
"Therefore all are welcome to be the honorary Haim sister."
Grammy Recognition
The trio are connecting from a break, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in for their new album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first female band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," notes 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 sisters.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant achievement," continues Alana. "However we're just grateful for the women that came before us."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The album was born from a time of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that strange liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.
The themes track breakups and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in the moment who they are becoming.
"I adore description, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to make an effort in shutting out the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That developed resilience demanded a new sound – more organic and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie
The band's candor shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their dating misadventures.
Someone broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."
A Confident Legacy
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their place in the industry.
They're major draws, with hit albums and an international fan base.
But the band will consistently be their primary priority.
"We have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still making music."