🔗 Share this article

"Do you know when you'll be interviewing the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

There is only a single issue: The author likewise desires to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're in plentiful company. Several high-profile supporters have also begged for the position.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy contenders.

Similar to the best groups, they're a inseparable gang. Their videos repeatedly depict them striding in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered exuberance you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That's the greatest honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to make music."

"So everyone is invited to be the fourth member of Haim."

Grammy Milestone

The group have called into home, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in for their new album, I Quit.

They're right now processing the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in consideration for the trophy.

"I follow the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the nomination isn't lost on the sisters.

"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge step," continues Alana. "However we're just grateful for the pioneers that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The album came out of a period of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that odd in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.

The lyrics track endings and partings. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them determining in the moment who they are becoming.

"I adore summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That developed toughness demanded a different sonic direction – more raw and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drums.

"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 subject of our biography," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Camaraderie

The band's honesty inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic horror stories.

A former partner broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "So 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 evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their position in the industry.

They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an international fan base.

But the band will forever be their number one priority.

"We have been playing music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still going strong."