Everyone Are Invited to Be the Extra Haim Member.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their fourth member."
However, there remains one problem: I also wants to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Several high-profile fans have also coveted the position.
The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy nominees.
In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a inseparable trio. Their videos often depict them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I wish to be involved in that, too."
"How often on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That is the ultimate compliment. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage others to start a band."
"And thus everyone are welcome to be the honorary member of Haim."
Historic Recognition
The group are connecting from a break, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in the running for the award.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"
The significance of the nomination is deeply felt by the trio.
"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge achievement," says Alana. "However we're just grateful for the female artists that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The project was born from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to move on.
The themes follow endings and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them determining in real life who they are becoming.
"I adore summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to actively work on blocking the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."
Development of Sound
That developed resilience called for a different sonic direction – more raw and immediate than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drums.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums cannot begin until we find the ideal drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's candor shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their personal horror stories.
Someone broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Future
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their standing in the rock pantheon.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an international audience.
But the band will consistently be their primary commitment.
"My sisters and I have been making music since I was four," shares Alana. "There is nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still kicking."