All Fans is Invited to Join as the Extra Haim Sisters Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be chatting with Haim?" a text pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can be their extra sister."
There is only a single issue: The author likewise desires to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are far from alone. A host of famous supporters have openly coveted the role.
One thing is obvious a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their family. Now they're multiple Grammy Award contenders.
Like all the best ensembles, they're a inseparable gang. Their videos frequently feature them walking in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such pure happiness you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "It is the ultimate compliment. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage young girls to start a band."
"And thus all is invited to be the honorary part of the family."
Grammy Nod
The group are connecting from a break, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting 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 very first female band ever in the running for the award.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the nomination isn't lost on the sisters.
"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the pioneers that inspired us."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The album was born from a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that odd liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.
The themes follow endings and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to make an effort in blocking the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Evolution of Style
That developed toughness demanded a new sound – more organic and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the drum sound.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Camaraderie
The trio's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal tales.
Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."
A Confident Legacy
You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their position in the music world.
They're major draws, with hit albums and an international following.
But the sister act will forever be their number one commitment.
"We have been playing music since I was little," says Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still making music."