All Fans Are Invited to Become the Additional Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're interviewing the band?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."
However, there remains a single issue: I also longs to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're far from alone. A host of high-profile admirers have publicly petitioned for the role.
One thing is obvious something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy nominees.
In the tradition of the best bands, they're a close gang. Their visuals frequently depict them marching in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest compliment. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire people to start a band."
"Therefore anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."
Grammy Milestone
The trio have called into a break, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're right now processing the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in consideration for the award.
"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The weight of the honor is deeply felt by the trio.
"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge achievement," says Alana. "But we're just grateful for the pioneers that paved the way."
Emotional Upheaval and Laughter
The record emerged from a time of transition. 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 move on.
The lyrics track endings and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they are becoming.
"I adore summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to make an effort in ignoring the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Development of Sound
That developed confidence demanded a different sonic direction – more organic and immediate than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drum sound.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she states.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Collective Camaraderie
The band's honesty shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic misadventures.
A former partner broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.
"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Path
You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their standing in the industry.
They're festival headliners, with successful albums and an global fan base.
However Haim will always be their number one priority.
"We have been playing music since I was four," shares Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still making music."
