All Fans is Encouraged to Become the Extra Haim Bandmate.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to Haim?" an inquiry arrives. "My request was to ask if I can join as their extra sister."
There is only a key snag: The author likewise longs to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are not alone. A host of high-profile supporters have also petitioned for the honor.
The evidence suggests something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy Award contenders.
Similar to the greatest bands, they're a inseparable unit. Their music videos frequently show them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be part of that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire people to make music."
"So all are welcome to be the honorary part of the family."
Historic Nod
The group are connecting from home, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in for their latest album, I Quit.
They're currently reeling from the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in the running for the prize.
"I watch the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The weight of the honor isn't lost on the trio.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge milestone," says Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The project came out of a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The words detail endings and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in real life who they are becoming.
"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to actively work on blocking the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Music
That developed toughness required a different sonic direction – more raw and immediate than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the percussion.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our biography," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Shared Humor
The trio's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their personal horror stories.
Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Secure Legacy
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an international following.
But Haim will always be their primary priority.
"We have been performing since I was four," shares Alana. "It's like no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still going strong."