Everyone Are Welcome to Become the Fourth Haim Sisters Sister.
"When are you chatting with the band?" a message reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
However, there remains one problem: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple celebrated fans have openly begged for the position.
The evidence suggests something is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their path playing gigs at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy Award contenders.
In the tradition of the best bands, they're a inseparable trio. Their visuals often feature them striding in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless exuberance you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest honour. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage people to form a group."
"Therefore anyone gets an invitation to be the honorary Haim sister."
Historic Nod
The band are speaking from home, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the trophy.
"I follow the lists every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the honor isn't lost on the sisters.
"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge milestone," adds Alana. "But we're just thankful for the female artists that paved the way."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The album was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that unique in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.
The words detail endings and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them determining in the moment who they want to be.
"I love summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That recent confidence demanded a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drums.
"Percussion is such a nuanced 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."
Anecdotes and Shared Camaraderie
The trio's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic misadventures.
A former partner ended things 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.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Future
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their position in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global fan base.
However the band will consistently be their primary focus.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."