All Fans Are Encouraged to Join as the Fourth Haim Member.
"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" a text reads. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."
However, there remains a single issue: The sender also desires to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. Several famous fans have also begged for the role.
The evidence suggests something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy Award contenders.
Similar to the best ensembles, they're a inseparable trio. Their visuals frequently feature them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless exuberance you inevitably think, "I want to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a bass'," states Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage people to form a group."
"So all are welcome to be the fourth member of Haim."
Grammy Milestone
The group are connecting from a break, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I tune into the announcements every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the honor is deeply felt by the band.
"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the female artists that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The project emerged from a time of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to move on.
The lyrics track breakups and partings. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them determining in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to make an effort in blocking the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Refinement of Music
That newfound toughness required a fresh approach – more organic and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that began with the percussion.
"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start 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 personal tales.
One man left Este over a medical concern. Alana recalled a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
An Assured Legacy
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the industry.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an international audience.
But the sister act will consistently be their top commitment.
"We have been making music since I was four," shares Alana. "There is no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."
