All Fans Are Invited to Be the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"When are you speaking to Haim?" a text pops up. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."
There is only a key snag: The author likewise desires to be Haim's additional sibling. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Multiple famous admirers have openly begged for the position.
The evidence suggests something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path doing sets at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy hopefuls.
In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their music videos frequently feature them walking in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered happiness you find yourself thinking, "I want to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," says Alana, the youngest of the trio. "It is the biggest honor. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate others to make music."
"So all is invited to be the next part of the family."
Grammy Nod
The trio are connecting from home, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the trophy.
"I follow the nominations 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, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"
The importance of the accolade is deeply felt by the sisters.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major step," says Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."
Emotional Upheaval and Laughter
The album emerged from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that strange in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to let go.
The lyrics detail endings and partings. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they want to be.
"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Development of Sound
That newfound resilience demanded a new sound – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drum sound.
"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."
Anecdotes and Shared Laughter
The band's honesty inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.
One man broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of flying 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 light," explains Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Path
One can easily sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.
They're major draws, with hit albums and an international fan base.
Yet the sister act will consistently be their top commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," says Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still making music."
