Everyone is Encouraged to Be the Additional Haim Sisters Member.
"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a message arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."
There's just one problem: I also longs to be the Haims' additional sibling. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Several celebrated admirers have openly begged for the role.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their path doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy hopefuls.
Like all the most iconic groups, they're a close unit. Their music videos often feature them striding in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I wish to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a bass'," states Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to make music."
"So everyone are welcome to be the honorary member of Haim."
Grammy Recognition
The band are speaking from home, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're currently reeling from the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in contention for the prize.
"I watch the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade resonates with the trio.
"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major achievement," says Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the pioneers that inspired us."
Emotional Upheaval and Laughter
The record came out of a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that strange liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.
The words detail departures and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them working out in real time who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice shutting out the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That recent toughness required a new sound – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Laughter
The band's candor fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their personal tales.
Someone left Este over a medical concern. Alana recalled a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."
A Confident Future
It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their position in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international audience.
However the band will always be their number one priority.
"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was four," shares Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."