All Fans Are Encouraged to Become the Additional Haim Sister.

The Haim sisters performing together
Haim: "Performing as a unit is where our true purpose will forever lie."

"Any idea when you're chatting with the band?" an inquiry reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."

There's just one problem: I also desires to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're far from alone. Several celebrated fans have openly petitioned for the role.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Now they're repeated Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the most iconic bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos repeatedly show them striding in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such boundless exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'After your show, I got a guitar'," states Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That is the ultimate honor. It is a prize in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire young girls to make music."

"Therefore everyone are welcome to be the fourth part of the family."

Haim performing at a large festival
The band's concert performances have propelled them rise to the top of line-ups across Europe.

Grammy Nod

The band are connecting from their homes, where they're recovering after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in contention for the trophy.

"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"

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

"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a major achievement," continues Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the women that came before us."

Heartbreak and Laughter

The project emerged from a period of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that strange transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

The words follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"I love way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to consciously practice blocking the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The trio topped a notable new artist list in 2013, and have subsequently scored multiple successful albums.

Evolution of Style

That newfound toughness required a fresh approach – more organic and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

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

"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit evolves the band's signature sound, mixing acoustic rock with rhythmic rhythms and hooky pop melodies.

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

The band's candor shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their personal tales.

One man left Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"When you're going through these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The group recently wrapped up a six-month tour, but say they plan to tour again in the coming years.

A Confident Legacy

You can clearly sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their place in the industry.

They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an international fan base.

But the band will forever be their number one commitment.

"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It's like no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still going strong."

Chris Ellis
Chris Ellis

Lena Visser is a freelance writer and digital nomad exploring the intersection of technology and everyday life.