🔗 Share this article

"Any idea when you're chatting with the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There is only one problem: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' additional sibling. And we're far from alone. Multiple high-profile admirers have openly coveted the role.

It's clear a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy contenders.

Similar to the best groups, they're a close trio. Their videos frequently feature them walking in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure joy you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That's the biggest honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire others to make music."

"Therefore all is invited to be the honorary part of the family."

Grammy Milestone

The trio are speaking from home, where they're recovering after an major tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.

They're currently reeling from the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the award.

"I follow the lists every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"

The significance of the nomination isn't lost on the band.

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

Heartbreak and Candor

The record came out of a time of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that strange liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The lyrics detail breakups and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them determining in real life who they are becoming.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice shutting out the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Development of Sound

That newfound resilience demanded a new sound – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that began with the drum sound.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums won't commence until we find the ideal drum sound."

Anecdotes and Shared Camaraderie

The band's candor shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic tales.

Someone broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

A Secure Legacy

One can easily sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their position in the rock pantheon.

They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an international following.

However the band will consistently be their number one focus.

"We have been making music since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still kicking."