All Fans is Invited to Join as the Fourth Haim Sisters Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're interviewing Haim?" an inquiry pops up. "My request was to ask if I can become their newest bandmate."
However, there remains a single issue: I also desires to be the Haims' newest recruit. What's more, we are not alone. Several famous fans have publicly coveted the role.
One thing is obvious something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy nominees.
In the tradition of the greatest ensembles, they're a close unit. Their videos repeatedly feature them marching in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such boundless exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I want to be a piece of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that fans told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "It is the greatest honour. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire others to make music."
"So everyone are welcome to be the fourth Haim sister."
Award Milestone
The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in for their latest album, I Quit.
They're currently processing the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.
"I follow the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the nomination is deeply felt by the band.
"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge step," continues Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the pioneers that came before us."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The album came out of a time of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The lyrics track departures and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them determining in real life who they want to be.
"I love summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in shutting out the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Evolution of Style
That developed toughness demanded a new sound – more unpolished and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the percussion.
"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Collective Laughter
The band's honesty inspired the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal misadventures.
One man 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.
"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Confident Legacy
It's not difficult sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their standing in the industry.
They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an international fan base.
But Haim will forever be their primary focus.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," says Alana. "There is nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still going strong."
