Everyone is Encouraged to Join as the Extra Haim Sisters Sister.
"Any idea when you're interviewing Haim?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
There's just one problem: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' additional sibling. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile admirers have publicly coveted the honor.
One thing is obvious something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their path performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy Award nominees.
In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a close gang. Their visuals frequently show them walking in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered exuberance you inevitably think, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'After your show, I bought a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That is the ultimate compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate young girls to make music."
"So all gets an invitation to be the honorary member of Haim."
Grammy Recognition
The group are connecting from a break, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in contention for the trophy.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the honor resonates with the band.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major milestone," says Alana. "However we're just grateful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Candor
The record was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that strange transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.
The lyrics detail endings and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in real time who they want to be.
"I adore way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to make an effort in blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Music
That developed resilience required a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the right drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Laughter
The band's candor fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their personal tales.
Someone broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Legacy
You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.
However the band will forever be their number one commitment.
"We have been playing music since I was little," shares Alana. "There is no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still making music."
