🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're interviewing the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only one problem: The author likewise desires to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. A host of famous fans have also begged for the honor.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career performing shows at local delicatessens with their family. Now they're multi-time Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the greatest bands, they're a close unit. Their visuals frequently depict them walking in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that fans approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the biggest honour. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage others to make music."

"And thus anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth member of Haim."

Historic Milestone

The band are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're presently processing the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I follow the lists every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The weight of the accolade is deeply felt by the trio.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge step," says Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the women that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Candor

The record was born from a period of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that strange transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.

The words track breakups and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them working out in real time who they want to be.

"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to actively work on shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That developed confidence called for a different sonic direction – more raw and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the percussion.

"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

The band's candor shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic tales.

A former partner left Este over a medical concern. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," says Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."

A Confident Path

One can easily sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their position in the music world.

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global fan base.

Yet the sister act will forever be their number one priority.

"My sisters and I have been making music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It's like no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still kicking."