🔗 Share this article

"When are you interviewing the band?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

There's just a single issue: I also desires to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're not alone. Multiple high-profile supporters have openly begged for the position.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey doing sets at small eateries with their family. Now they're multiple Grammy hopefuls.

Similar to the greatest groups, they're a inseparable trio. Their videos often show them striding in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such pure joy you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage others to form a group."

"Therefore all gets an invitation to be the next part of the family."

Historic Nod

The trio are connecting from a break, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently celebrating the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I follow the announcements every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The significance of the honor resonates with the trio.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant achievement," continues Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the women that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The album emerged from a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that odd transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

The lyrics follow breakups and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them working out in real life who they are becoming.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Music

That recent toughness required a different sonic direction – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drum sound.

"Percussion is such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our biography," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Humor

The band's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal tales.

Someone broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Legacy

One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their position in the industry.

They're major draws, with hit albums and an international following.

However Haim will always be their top commitment.

"My sisters and I have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still going strong."