All Fans is Invited to Be the Extra Haim Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
However, there remains a key snag: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're far from alone. Several celebrated admirers have also petitioned for the honor.
One thing is obvious a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path doing sets at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy contenders.
Like all the best bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their music videos frequently show them marching in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered happiness you can't help but think, "I wish to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate people to start a band."
"And thus all gets an invitation to be the next member of Haim."
Historic Milestone
The band are speaking from home, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the accolade isn't lost on the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major step," adds Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."
Emotional Upheaval and Humour
The record emerged from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to move on.
The lyrics detail endings and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they want to be.
"I adore way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Music
That developed confidence demanded a fresh approach – more unpolished and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the percussion.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our memoir," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the ideal drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Laughter
The trio's openness fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic horror stories.
One man ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Path
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their standing in the industry.
They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an worldwide following.
Yet Haim will always be their primary focus.
"My sisters and I have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still going strong."
