🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're chatting with the band?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their newest bandmate."

There is only a key snag: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' newest recruit. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Multiple famous supporters have openly coveted the role.

The evidence suggests a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey doing sets at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award contenders.

Similar to the best bands, they're a inseparable unit. Their videos frequently show them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a guitar'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the biggest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage people to start a band."

"So anyone gets an invitation to be the next member of Haim."

Historic Nod

The band are connecting from a break, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're presently processing the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in consideration for the trophy.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the honor isn't lost on the trio.

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," adds Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the female artists that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The project was born from a period of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that odd liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The themes detail breakups and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.

"I love description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Development of Music

That developed toughness demanded a fresh approach – more organic and immediate than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drum sound.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our biography," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the ideal drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Humor

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

A former partner broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana recalled a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

A Secure Path

You can clearly sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the industry.

They're major draws, with hit albums and an international fan base.

Yet the sister act will forever be their top focus.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was little," shares Alana. "There is nothing else that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still making music."