🔗 Share this article

"When are you chatting with the band?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

However, there remains a key snag: The sender also longs to be the Haims' newest recruit. What's more, we are far from alone. Several famous admirers have publicly coveted the position.

One thing is obvious something is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their career doing sets at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy hopefuls.

In the tradition of the greatest groups, they're a close unit. Their videos frequently feature them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the greatest compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage others to make music."

"And thus anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth part of the family."

Historic Recognition

The band have called into their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently processing the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in consideration for the trophy.

"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 I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the band.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "But we're just grateful for the pioneers that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Candor

The album emerged from a time of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that odd in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The themes follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they aspire to be.

"That's a perfect way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That newfound toughness required a new sound – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the percussion.

"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.

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

Anecdotes and Collective Humor

The band's honesty inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their dating tales.

A former partner ended things with Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

A Confident Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their position in the music world.

They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an international following.

Yet Haim will consistently be their number one commitment.

"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."