🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There is only a single issue: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. A host of celebrated supporters have openly coveted the role.

The evidence suggests a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their career performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy contenders.

Similar to the greatest ensembles, they're a inseparable gang. Their visuals repeatedly show them marching in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such pure joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a bass'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the biggest honor. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage young girls to start a band."

"So all is invited to be the fourth part of the family."

Grammy Nod

The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in for their fourth album, I Quit.

They're currently reeling from the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in contention for the prize.

"I follow the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the accolade isn't lost on the trio.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," adds Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the women that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The project came out of a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that unique liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The lyrics detail endings and farewells. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they are becoming.

"I adore summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Development of Style

That developed toughness called for a fresh approach – more organic and immediate than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that began with the drum sound.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our memoir," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Humor

The trio's openness shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating horror stories.

Someone left Este over a medical consideration. Alana told a story of travelling to celebrate 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," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

A Secure Path

You can clearly sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their position in the music world.

They're major draws, with successful albums and an worldwide following.

But the sister act will forever be their number one focus.

"My sisters and I have been making music since I was little," shares Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still going strong."