Everyone Are Encouraged to Join as the Extra Haim Sisters Bandmate.
"When are you chatting with Haim?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."
However, there remains one problem: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. A host of celebrated supporters have also begged for the role.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their path doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy contenders.
Like all the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit gang. Their music videos often show them striding in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such pure exuberance you inevitably think, "I want to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'After your show, I bought a bass'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "It is the biggest compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate people to start a band."
"Therefore anyone gets an invitation to be the honorary Haim sister."
Historic Milestone
The band 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 currently processing the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I dreaming'?"
The weight of the honor is deeply felt by the trio.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major achievement," continues Alana. "But we're just grateful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Emotional Upheaval and Humour
The record emerged from a phase of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that odd liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.
The words track departures and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I adore summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to consciously practice shutting out the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Development of Style
That newfound toughness required a different sonic direction – more raw and powerful than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the drums.
"Percussion is such a detailed thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Stories and Shared Humor
The trio's openness fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal horror stories.
Someone ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Future
One can easily sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their place in the music world.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an international audience.
But the band will always be their number one commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still making music."