Everyone Are Invited to Be the Extra Haim Member.
"When are you interviewing the band?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can become their fourth member."
However, there remains a single issue: The sender also wants to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Multiple celebrated supporters have publicly begged for the position.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy hopefuls.
Similar to the best bands, they're a inseparable trio. Their music videos often feature them walking in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I want to be a piece of that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the ultimate compliment. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate people to start a band."
"So everyone is invited to be the honorary Haim sister."
Grammy Milestone
The trio have called into home, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in consideration for the award.
"I follow the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the nomination resonates with the band.
"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant achievement," continues Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Candor
The project was born from a time of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that strange transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to let go.
The lyrics detail breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.
"I adore description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to consciously practice shutting out the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Development of Sound
That developed toughness called for a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drum sound.
"The drum sound is such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our biography," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."
Experiences and Shared Laughter
The trio's candor fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their romantic misadventures.
Someone ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."
A Secure Legacy
One can easily sense a evolution in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their place in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international following.
Yet Haim will forever be their number one focus.
"We have been making music since I was little," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still making music."
