All Fans is Encouraged to Become the Fourth Haim Member.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to Haim?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
There is only a single issue: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Multiple famous supporters have publicly coveted the role.
The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy Award nominees.
Similar to the most iconic bands, they're a tight-knit trio. Their visuals frequently depict them marching in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such unfettered happiness you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest honor. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire others to form a group."
"And thus everyone is invited to be the fourth Haim sister."
Historic Nod
The group have called into a break, where they're resting up after an major tour in for their new album, I Quit.
They're right now processing the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the prize.
"I tune into the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," notes Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"
The importance of the accolade is deeply felt by the trio.
"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the female artists that came before us."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The record emerged from a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that unique in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.
The words follow departures and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've had. You can hear them working out in real life who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Development of Music
That developed confidence demanded a different sonic direction – more raw and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that was founded on the drum sound.
"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 memoir," jokes Alana. "Our motto is, our albums don't start until we find the right drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Camaraderie
The band's candor shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic misadventures.
One man left Este over a medical consideration. Alana told a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Path
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their standing in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international fan base.
Yet Haim will consistently be their primary focus.
"We have been making music since I was a young child," says Alana. "There is no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."
