The World Are Invited to Join as the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"When are you chatting with Haim?" an inquiry arrives. "My request was to ask if I can become their fourth member."
There is only a key snag: I also desires to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are not alone. Several celebrated fans have also coveted the role.
One thing is obvious a special quality is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy Award contenders.
In the tradition of the greatest bands, they're a inseparable trio. Their music videos often depict them striding in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such pure happiness you can't help but think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," says Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the greatest compliment. That is recognition in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage people to start a band."
"So all are welcome to be the next part of the family."
Grammy Recognition
The trio are connecting from home, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I tune into the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the honor isn't lost on the trio.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant achievement," continues Alana. "However we're just grateful for the female artists that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The album came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that strange in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to let go.
The themes detail departures and partings. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they aspire to be.
"I love summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to actively work on blocking the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Style
That developed toughness called for a fresh approach – more raw and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the percussion.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the ideal drum sound."
Stories and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's openness fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic tales.
One man left Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."
An Assured Legacy
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their position in the rock pantheon.
They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an global audience.
Yet the band will consistently be their primary focus.
"My sisters and I have been making music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."
