The World is Invited to Be the Extra Haim Sisters Sister.
"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a message reads. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."
There is only a single issue: I also desires to be Haim's additional sibling. Furthermore, we are far from alone. A host of famous fans have also coveted the role.
The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy contenders.
Similar to the most iconic groups, they're a close gang. Their music videos often show them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless exuberance you can't help but think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that fans told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a bass'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "It is the greatest compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire people to start a band."
"Therefore anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."
Grammy Recognition
The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're recovering after an major tour in for their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in consideration for the trophy.
"I tune into the announcements every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the band.
"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major step," continues Alana. "However we're just thankful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Candor
The record was born from a time of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to let go.
The lyrics track breakups and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them determining in real life who they aspire to be.
"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Refinement of Style
That recent resilience called for a different sonic direction – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the percussion.
"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."
Anecdotes and Shared Laughter
The band's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their dating tales.
Someone ended things with Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Secure Future
One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their standing in the industry.
They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an international audience.
However the band will consistently be their primary priority.
"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was little," shares Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still going strong."