The World is Encouraged to Join as the Additional Haim Sister.
"Any idea when you're interviewing the band?" an inquiry reads. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."
However, there remains a key snag: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. A host of celebrated fans have publicly begged for the role.
One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their career doing sets at small eateries with their family. Today, they are multi-time Grammy Award nominees.
Similar to the best bands, they're a inseparable trio. Their visuals repeatedly depict them striding in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such pure happiness you inevitably think, "I want to be a piece of that, too."
"How often on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," states Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the ultimate honor. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire young girls to make music."
"And thus all are welcome to be the next part of the family."
Grammy Recognition
The trio have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.
They're presently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in contention for the trophy.
"I tune into the lists every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the trio.
"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge milestone," adds Alana. "But we're just grateful for the female artists that inspired us."
Heartbreak and Laughter
The record was born from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that odd liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.
The lyrics track departures and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they are becoming.
"That's a perfect description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Evolution of Sound
That recent resilience required a new sound – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the drum sound.
"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."
Stories and Shared Camaraderie
The band's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal misadventures.
Someone 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 high five at midnight.
"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."
A Secure Legacy
It's not difficult sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their place in the rock pantheon.
They're major draws, with successful albums and an global fan base.
However the band will consistently be their number one commitment.
"We have been performing since I was little," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still kicking."