All Fans is Invited to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Sister.
"When are you speaking to Haim?" an inquiry arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their fourth member."
However, there remains one problem: The sender also wants to be the Haims' newest recruit. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Multiple celebrated admirers have openly petitioned for the role.
One thing is obvious something is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Today, they are multiple Grammy nominees.
Like all the greatest ensembles, they're a close gang. Their videos often show them walking in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure exuberance you can't help but think, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the trio. "It is the ultimate honor. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate people to make music."
"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."
Grammy Milestone
The trio have called into their homes, where they're recovering after an extensive tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're right now processing the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I watch the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the honor isn't lost on the sisters.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," adds Alana. "However we're just thankful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Emotional Upheaval and Humour
The album was born from a phase of emotional upheaval. 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 words detail departures and partings. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them working out in real life who they want to be.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to actively work on ignoring the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That developed resilience demanded a fresh approach – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Collective Laughter
The band's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.
One man left Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."
A Secure Legacy
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their standing in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international audience.
However the sister act will forever be their primary commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was four," says Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still going strong."