Everyone Are Encouraged to Join as the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"When are you interviewing the band?" a text reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their newest bandmate."
There is only one problem: The sender also wants to be the Haims' newest recruit. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile fans have also coveted the honor.
It's clear something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy hopefuls.
Like all the most iconic groups, they're a close trio. Their music videos frequently depict them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such pure happiness you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"How often on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "It is the biggest compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage others to start a band."
"Therefore all is invited to be the honorary Haim sister."
Award Recognition
The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I follow the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the band.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major step," says Alana. "But we're just grateful for the women that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The record was born from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that odd in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to move on.
The words detail endings and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them working out in real life who they are becoming.
"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to actively work on ignoring the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Sound
That recent confidence required a different sonic direction – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the percussion.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Shared Laughter
The band's candor fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic tales.
Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Path
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their place in the rock pantheon.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an international following.
However the sister act will forever be their primary focus.
"We have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still kicking."