All Fans Are Welcome to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Member.

The Haim sisters performing together
The Band: "Performing as a unit is where our true purpose will always reside."

"When are you speaking to Haim?" a text pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

There's just a key snag: I also desires to be the Haims' newest recruit. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Several famous fans have publicly coveted the honor.

One thing is obvious something is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award contenders.

In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a close gang. Their music videos repeatedly depict them walking in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I want to be part of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I bought a drum kit'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the biggest honor. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire young girls to form a group."

"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the honorary part of the family."

Haim performing at a large festival
The group's live shows have propelled them ascend to headliner status of line-ups across the world.

Historic Nod

The trio are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in the running for the award.

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I imagining things'?"

The significance of the nomination is deeply felt by the trio.

"We truly set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a major achievement," continues Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the female artists that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The project came out of a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that strange liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The words track endings and partings. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in the moment who they want to be.

"I love way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to actively work on shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The trio claimed victory in a prestigious breakthrough list in 2013, and have later secured multiple successful albums.

Evolution of Sound

That developed resilience required a fresh approach – more unpolished and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the percussion.

"Drums are such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.

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

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

Experiences and Collective Laughter

The band's openness inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal tales.

A former partner ended things with Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The band recently wrapped up a major tour, but state they hope to tour again in the future.

An Assured Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the music world.

They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an international audience.

Yet the band will always be their primary focus.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still making music."

Todd Rodriguez
Todd Rodriguez

A freelance writer and photographer passionate about documenting urban life and hidden gems in the UK.