Everyone Are Encouraged to Be the Extra Haim Sisters Sister.

The Haim sisters performing together
The Sister Trio: "Playing music together is where our passion will forever lie."

"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There is only a single issue: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. And we're not alone. Several celebrated fans have also begged for the role.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy contenders.

Like all the greatest bands, they're a tight-knit trio. Their music videos frequently show them marching in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they jam with such pure joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that fans told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the greatest honour. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage people to make music."

"And thus anyone are welcome to be the honorary Haim sister."

Haim performing at a large festival
The group's live shows have seen them rise to the top of festival bills across Europe.

Grammy Milestone

The group have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.

They're currently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the trophy.

"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the accolade isn't lost on the trio.

"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," adds Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the pioneers that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Laughter

The record was born from a time of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that unique liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The words track endings and partings. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them determining in real life who they aspire to be.

"I love way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to actively work on ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The trio topped a prestigious new artist survey in 2013, and have since then scored four successful albums.

Evolution of Music

That recent resilience demanded a fresh approach – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that was founded on the drums.

"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," laughs Alana. "Our motto is, our albums cannot begin until we find the ideal drum sound."

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit hones the band's trademark blend, merging guitar-driven rock with contemporary beats and hooky pop hooks.

Anecdotes and Shared Camaraderie

The trio's honesty shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their personal tales.

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

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's therapeutic."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The group concluded a six-month tour, but say they plan to hit the road in the coming years.

An Assured Path

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

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

Yet the sister act will consistently be their primary commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was little," shares Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."

Joseph Riddle
Joseph Riddle

Urban explorer and lifestyle blogger passionate about uncovering city secrets and sharing money-saving tips.