Everyone is Invited to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're speaking to Haim?" a message reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."
There is only one problem: The author likewise wants to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile supporters have also begged for the role.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey doing sets at local delicatessens with their family. Today, they are multiple Grammy contenders.
Like all the best ensembles, they're a inseparable unit. Their music videos repeatedly show them striding in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such pure happiness you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that fans approached us and said, 'After your show, I got a bass'," states Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That's the biggest honour. That is recognition in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage others to form a group."
"Therefore all gets an invitation to be the honorary part of the family."
Historic Milestone
The band are connecting from their homes, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the award.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The weight of the accolade isn't lost on the sisters.
"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major step," says Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Heartbreak and Humour
The album came out of a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that strange liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.
The lyrics follow endings and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them working out in real time who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to make an effort in shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Music
That developed toughness demanded a new sound – more unpolished and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that began with the percussion.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Anecdotes and Shared Laughter
The band's candor inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their personal tales.
Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of travelling 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 light," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
An Assured Future
You can clearly sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their position in the music world.
They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an international audience.
But the sister act will always be their top focus.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was four," shares Alana. "There is no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still making music."
