Everyone is Welcome to Become the Extra Haim Bandmate.

The Haim sisters performing together
The Sister Trio: "Being in a rock band is where our heart and soul will forever be found."

"Any idea when you're interviewing Haim?" an inquiry reads. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."

However, there remains a single issue: I also desires to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are not alone. A host of high-profile admirers have also coveted the position.

The evidence suggests a special quality is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their path doing sets at local delicatessens with their family. Now they're multiple Grammy contenders.

In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a close gang. Their visuals repeatedly feature them walking in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such pure exuberance you can't help but think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That's the ultimate honor. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage people to form a group."

"Therefore anyone is invited to be the next part of the family."

Haim performing at a large festival
The trio's live shows have helped them become staples of festival bills around Europe.

Historic Nod

The group are connecting from a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the prize.

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

The importance of the accolade resonates with the band.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the female artists that paved the way."

Personal Turmoil and Candor

The album was born from a period of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that odd liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to move on.

The lyrics detail departures and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.

"I love description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to make an effort in ignoring the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The band won a prestigious new artist poll in 2013, and have subsequently secured four top 10 albums.

Evolution of Music

That newfound resilience demanded a fresh approach – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drum sound.

"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our memoir," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the right drum sound."

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit hones the band's characteristic style, combining organic instrumentation with rhythmic beats and memorable pop hooks.

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their personal horror stories.

Someone ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The band recently wrapped up a major tour, but mention they aim to hit the road in the future.

An Assured Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their position in the rock pantheon.

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

However the sister act will always be their primary commitment.

"We have been making music since I was four," concludes Alana. "There is no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still kicking."

Mary Perez
Mary Perez

Milieu-expert en duurzaamheidsadviseur, schrijft over eco-vriendelijk wonen en groene technologie.