🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" an inquiry pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only a key snag: I also wants to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're not alone. Several famous fans have also begged for the position.

It's clear something is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey playing gigs at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy nominees.

In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their music videos often feature them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such unfettered joy you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'After your show, I bought a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the biggest compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to form a group."

"And thus anyone gets an invitation to be the next Haim sister."

Award Milestone

The trio are speaking from home, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're currently processing the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first female band ever in the running for the award.

"I follow the lists every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The significance of the honor resonates with the sisters.

"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant step," continues Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the women that paved the way."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The album was born from a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that unique in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The lyrics detail breakups and partings. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they want to be.

"That's a perfect description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to actively work on blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Style

That developed toughness called for a new sound – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.

"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she states.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Shared Laughter

The band's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their dating misadventures.

One man ended things with Este over a medical consideration. Alana told a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."

An Assured Path

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their position in the rock pantheon.

They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an international audience.

However the sister act will forever be their number one priority.

"My sisters and I have been making music since I was little," 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."