All Fans is Encouraged to Become the Extra Haim Member.
"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."
There's just a key snag: The author likewise wants to be Haim's newest recruit. What's more, we are not alone. A host of famous fans have openly begged for the role.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the most iconic groups, they're a close trio. Their music videos frequently feature them walking in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such boundless joy you find yourself thinking, "I'd love 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'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "It is the ultimate honour. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate young girls to make music."
"So everyone are welcome to be the next member of Haim."
Historic Nod
The group are connecting from a break, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're right now celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the prize.
"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"
The weight of the nomination isn't lost on the band.
"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge achievement," continues Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the pioneers that came before us."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The album was born from a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music inhabits that unique liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.
The lyrics track endings and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them determining in the moment who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to actively work on blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Evolution of Sound
That recent confidence called for a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our biography," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the ideal drum sound."
Experiences and Collective Laughter
The band's honesty fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating misadventures.
Someone broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."
A Secure Future
You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their standing in the rock pantheon.
They're major draws, with hit albums and an worldwide following.
Yet the sister act will forever be their number one priority.
"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was little," concludes Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."
