All Fans Are Welcome to Become the Extra Haim Bandmate.

The Haim sisters performing together
The Sister Trio: "Being in a rock band is where our passion will always lie."

"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can be their fourth member."

However, there remains one problem: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile admirers have publicly coveted the position.

The evidence suggests something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy nominees.

Similar to the greatest groups, they're a tight-knit trio. Their visuals repeatedly show them marching in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such boundless joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I got a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the ultimate compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate young girls to form a group."

"So anyone is invited to be the next part of the family."

Haim performing at a large festival
The group's live shows have seen them become staples of festival bills throughout Europe.

Grammy Milestone

The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in consideration for the award.

"I watch the announcements every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the nomination is deeply felt by the band.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major milestone," says Alana. "But we're just grateful for the female artists that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The album was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The lyrics detail endings and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in real life who they aspire to be.

"That's a perfect description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The group topped a major breakthrough survey in 2013, and have subsequently achieved four chart-topping albums.

Refinement of Sound

That developed confidence required a new sound – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the percussion.

"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit refines the band's signature sound, merging acoustic rock with rhythmic rhythms and memorable pop melodies.

Anecdotes and Shared Humor

The band's openness fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their romantic tales.

A former partner ended things with Este over a health consideration. Alana told 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 setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The band recently wrapped up a major tour, but say they hope to hit the road in the future.

A Confident Legacy

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

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an international audience.

However the band will forever be their top priority.

"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still kicking."

Trevor Boone
Trevor Boone

A tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital transformation.