All Fans Are Invited to Become the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"Do you know when you'll be chatting with the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."
However, there remains one problem: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' additional sibling. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Several high-profile supporters have also petitioned for the honor.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their path playing gigs at small eateries with their family. Today, they are repeated Grammy contenders.
In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a inseparable trio. Their visuals repeatedly depict them striding in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such unfettered happiness you inevitably think, "I want to be involved in that, too."
"The amount of times on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That is the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to make music."
"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the honorary part of the family."
Historic Milestone
The band have called into home, where they're recovering after an extensive tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're currently celebrating the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the prize.
"I watch the nominations every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"
The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the band.
"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant milestone," adds Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the women that came before us."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The album was born from a time of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that odd in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to let go.
The lyrics detail departures and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.
"I love summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."
Development of Music
That newfound confidence required a new sound – more organic and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the drum sound.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," quips Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."
Anecdotes and Collective Humor
The band's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating tales.
A former partner broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"Experiencing these setbacks, 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."
An Assured Legacy
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their standing in the rock pantheon.
They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global audience.
But Haim will always be their top commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."