🔗 Share this article

"When are you chatting with the band?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."

However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile admirers have openly coveted the honor.

The evidence suggests a special quality is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at small eateries with their family. Today, they are multi-time Grammy contenders.

In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a inseparable unit. Their music videos often show them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered exuberance you can't help but think, "I want 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'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "It is the ultimate honor. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate others to make music."

"So anyone are welcome to be the next member of Haim."

Grammy Recognition

The band are speaking from a break, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're currently celebrating the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in contention for the trophy.

"I follow the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the nomination resonates with the band.

"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant milestone," continues Alana. "But we're just thankful for the women that paved the way."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The project was born from a phase of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that unique in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The words follow endings and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in real life who they are becoming.

"I love summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Sound

That recent resilience required a fresh approach – more raw and immediate than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the percussion.

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

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

Stories and Collective Laughter

The trio's honesty inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their dating misadventures.

A former partner broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

A Secure Path

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

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

But the band will always be their primary commitment.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "There is no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."