All Fans is Invited to Join as the Additional Haim Sister.
"When are you speaking to Haim?" a message pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can become their newest bandmate."
There is only a single issue: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are not alone. Multiple celebrated fans have also petitioned for the role.
It's clear something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy nominees.
In the tradition of the greatest ensembles, they're a close gang. Their visuals frequently feature them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such unfettered happiness you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That is the ultimate compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to start a band."
"So everyone is invited to be the next part of the family."
Historic Milestone
The group are speaking from a break, where they're recovering after an extensive tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I follow the lists every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant milestone," adds Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that came before us."
Heartbreak and Humour
The record emerged from a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that strange liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to let go.
The words track breakups and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I adore summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to make an effort in blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Music
That newfound toughness required a new sound – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the drums.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Shared Camaraderie
The trio's openness fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their dating misadventures.
A former partner left Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Path
One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their standing in the music world.
They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an international fan base.
However the band will forever be their top priority.
"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was a young child," says Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still making music."