The World is Encouraged to Become the Extra Haim Sisters Sister.

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

"When are you speaking to Haim?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their fourth member."

There is only one problem: The sender also desires to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're not alone. Multiple celebrated supporters have openly petitioned for the role.

One thing is obvious something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career playing gigs at small eateries with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy contenders.

In the tradition of the greatest ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their videos often show them striding in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "It is the biggest honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire people to make music."

"And thus everyone are welcome to be the honorary part of the family."

Haim performing at a large festival
The band's concert performances have seen them rise to the top of festival bills throughout Europe.

Grammy Recognition

The trio have called into home, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in promoting their new 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 all-woman band ever in the running for the prize.

"I tune into the lists every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the accolade is deeply felt by the sisters.

"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant achievement," adds Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the women that came before us."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The album was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that strange liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.

The lyrics track breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they want to be.

"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The band topped a major breakthrough survey in 2013, and have later scored several successful albums.

Evolution of Style

That developed confidence required a fresh approach – more organic and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the drums.

"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.

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

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit hones Haim's trademark blend, combining acoustic rock with rhythmic beats and memorable pop hooks.

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

The band's openness shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters revealed some of their personal horror stories.

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

"When you're going through these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The band concluded a six-month tour, but mention they hope to tour again in the coming years.

A Secure Legacy

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their position in the music world.

They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international following.

However Haim will always be their primary priority.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was four," says Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."

Cynthia Montgomery
Cynthia Montgomery

A city planner and lifestyle blogger passionate about sustainable urban living and creative home solutions.

Popular Post