The World Are Encouraged to Be the Additional Haim Bandmate.

The Haim sisters performing together
The Band: "Performing as a unit is where our passion will always reside."

"When are you interviewing the Haim sisters?" a message reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only one problem: I also longs to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Several famous supporters have publicly coveted the position.

One thing is obvious a special quality is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career performing shows at neighborhood delis with their family. Today, they are multiple Grammy contenders.

Like all the greatest bands, they're a inseparable gang. Their videos repeatedly depict them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such unfettered happiness you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "That's the biggest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire others to form a group."

"So all are welcome to be the next part of the family."

Haim performing at a large festival
The band's gigs have propelled them ascend to headliner status of major events throughout the world.

Award Recognition

The group are connecting from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're right now processing the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I follow the announcements every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the accolade is deeply felt by the band.

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major milestone," says Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the female artists that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Laughter

The album was born from a phase of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that odd liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The themes track endings and partings. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"I love description, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to actively work on blocking the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The group won a prestigious breakthrough survey in 2013, and have subsequently achieved several chart-topping albums.

Development of Sound

That developed confidence called for a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the percussion.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our biography," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit evolves Haim's signature sound, combining organic instrumentation with rhythmic rhythms and catchy pop tunes.

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

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

A former partner broke up with 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.

"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The band recently wrapped up a lengthy tour, but say they aim to tour again in the coming years.

A Secure Path

It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the rock pantheon.

They're major draws, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.

Yet the band will consistently be their primary commitment.

"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "There is no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."

Isaac Davis
Isaac Davis

A cultural critic and music journalist with over a decade of experience covering the UK arts scene.