🔗 Share this article

"Do you know when you'll be chatting with the Haim sisters?" a text pops up. "My request was to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

There is only a single issue: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're far from alone. Several celebrated fans have openly petitioned for the position.

It's clear something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their family. Today, they are multi-time Grammy hopefuls.

Similar to the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their visuals frequently show them striding in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such boundless joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "It is the biggest compliment. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire people to start a band."

"And thus anyone is invited to be the next member of Haim."

Award Recognition

The group are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're presently processing the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in contention for the prize.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

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

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

Heartbreak and Humour

The album emerged from a phase of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that odd in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to move on.

The words detail endings and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"That's a perfect way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Sound

That recent confidence required a different sonic direction – more raw and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the percussion.

"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our memoir," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Shared Laughter

The trio's openness fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal misadventures.

One man left Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

An Assured Future

It's not difficult 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 global fan base.

Yet the sister act will always be their top commitment.

"We have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still making music."