The World is Encouraged to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Bandmate.
"Do you know when you'll be interviewing Haim?" a message arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their extra sister."
There is only one problem: The sender also longs to be Haim's additional sibling. What's more, we are far from alone. Several celebrated fans have publicly begged for the position.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey doing sets at local delicatessens with their parents. Today, they are multiple Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their visuals often show them walking in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such boundless joy you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a drum kit'," states Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "It is the greatest honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate people to form a group."
"Therefore everyone are welcome to be the next Haim sister."
Historic Recognition
The trio have called into their homes, where they're recovering after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're currently processing the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I watch the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the accolade resonates with the sisters.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," continues Alana. "But we're just grateful for the women that inspired us."
Emotional Upheaval and Laughter
The record came out of a period of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that odd in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.
The themes detail breakups and farewells. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Refinement of Music
That newfound toughness demanded a new sound – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.
"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our biography," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Laughter
The band's candor shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic misadventures.
A former partner broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."
A Secure Legacy
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their position in the music world.
They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an worldwide audience.
However the band will consistently be their top priority.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was little," shares Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still making music."