🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're interviewing Haim?" a message arrives. "My request was to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

However, there remains one problem: I also wants to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile supporters have publicly begged for the position.

The evidence suggests something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their path doing sets at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy Award contenders.

In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a close gang. Their videos frequently feature them walking in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless happiness you inevitably think, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that fans approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate others to form a group."

"Therefore anyone is invited to be the fourth part of the family."

Historic Nod

The trio are connecting from their homes, where they're recovering after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.

They're right now celebrating the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the nomination isn't lost on the band.

"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge milestone," adds Alana. "But we're just grateful for the women that paved the way."

Heartbreak and Laughter

The project was born from a phase of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that unique in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The themes follow departures and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in real time who they are becoming.

"I love way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to consciously practice shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Refinement of Music

That developed confidence called for a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the percussion.

"Percussion is such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the right drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Laughter

The band's candor inspired the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their personal horror stories.

A former partner broke up with Este over a medical consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"When you're going through these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

An Assured Legacy

One can easily sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their place in the music world.

They're major draws, with hit albums and an global fan base.

Yet Haim will consistently be their number one priority.

"We have been playing music since I was four," shares Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still going strong."