Everyone Are Invited to Be the Extra Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile supporters have openly petitioned for the honor.
One thing is obvious something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Now they're multiple Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the best groups, they're a close unit. Their videos often feature them marching in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered exuberance you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "It is the greatest honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to make music."
"And thus all gets an invitation to be the next part of the family."
Award Recognition
The band have called into a break, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I follow the nominations every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the accolade resonates with the trio.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," continues Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The album was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that strange in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.
The words track endings and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I adore summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Development of Music
That recent resilience required a fresh approach – more unpolished and powerful 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 care so much about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our biography," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."
Stories and Shared Humor
The trio's candor shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic tales.
Someone left Este over a medical consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Future
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their standing in the industry.
They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an global fan base.
However the sister act will always be their primary focus.
"My sisters and I have been making music since I was a young child," 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 making music."
