The World is Invited to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Sister.
"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
There's just one problem: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' additional sibling. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Several celebrated fans have publicly coveted the honor.
The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey playing gigs at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy Award contenders.
Like all the most iconic groups, they're a close unit. Their videos repeatedly feature them marching in harmony down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such pure exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"How often on tour that fans told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That's the biggest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to make music."
"And thus all gets an invitation to be the next part of the family."
Historic Milestone
The group are speaking from home, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.
They're right now celebrating the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in contention for the prize.
"I tune into the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The importance of the accolade is deeply felt by the sisters.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," continues Alana. "But we're just grateful for the female artists that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Candor
The record emerged from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.
The lyrics detail breakups and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.
"I adore way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to make an effort in ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Evolution of Style
That developed confidence called for a fresh approach – more raw and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drums.
"The drum sound is such a detailed thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Laughter
The band's candor inspired the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal horror stories.
A former partner left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."
An Assured Future
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their place in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.
But Haim will consistently be their top priority.
"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still making music."
