The World is Invited to Join as the Fourth Haim Sister.
"Do you know when you'll be interviewing the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
There's just one problem: I also longs to be Haim's fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple celebrated admirers have openly coveted the position.
One thing is obvious a special quality is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy hopefuls.
In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a inseparable gang. Their visuals frequently depict them striding in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," says Alana, the youngest of the trio. "It is the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to start a band."
"So anyone are welcome to be the honorary member of Haim."
Award Recognition
The trio are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.
They're presently processing the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in consideration for the prize.
"I follow the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"
The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the band.
"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant achievement," continues Alana. "However we're just grateful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Heartbreak and Candor
The project came out of a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that odd liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The lyrics track endings and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they aspire to be.
"That's a perfect description, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to actively work on ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Refinement of Sound
That newfound confidence demanded a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the percussion.
"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," jokes Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Shared Humor
The band's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their personal tales.
One man left Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."
A Confident Legacy
It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their position in the industry.
They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an worldwide fan base.
However the band will always be their number one priority.
"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."
