The World is Invited to Become the Additional Haim Sisters Member.
"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the band?" a text pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."
There is only a single issue: The sender also longs to be Haim's fourth member. And we're far from alone. Multiple famous admirers have publicly petitioned for the position.
The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their career doing sets at small eateries with their family. Today, they are multi-time Grammy Award contenders.
In the tradition of the best groups, they're a tight-knit trio. Their music videos repeatedly depict them marching in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such pure happiness you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the greatest compliment. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire people to make music."
"And thus everyone are welcome to be the fourth member of Haim."
Award Milestone
The trio are speaking from a break, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.
They're presently reeling from the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first female band ever in contention for the trophy.
"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade resonates with the trio.
"We truly 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 female artists that paved the way."
Personal Turmoil and Humour
The record came out of a period of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that strange in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.
The words follow departures and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they aspire to be.
"That's a perfect description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on shutting out the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Evolution of Sound
That developed toughness demanded a fresh approach – more organic and immediate than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that was founded on the drum sound.
"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the ideal drum sound."
Stories and Collective Laughter
The band's openness fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.
A former partner ended things with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.
"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."
A Confident Future
It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their place in the music world.
They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an global following.
But the band will forever be their primary focus.
"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still making music."