Everyone Are Welcome to Become the Extra Haim Member.

The Haim sisters performing together
The Band: "Performing as a unit is where our passion will always reside."

"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their extra sister."

However, there remains one problem: The author likewise desires to be Haim's additional sibling. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile admirers have publicly begged for the role.

It's clear a special quality is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Now they're multiple Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the best bands, they're a close gang. Their music videos repeatedly depict them striding in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such unfettered joy you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the ultimate compliment. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to start a band."

"And thus all is invited to be the next member of Haim."

Haim performing at a large festival
The group's live shows have propelled them ascend to headliner status of festival bills across Europe.

Historic Nod

The band have called into a break, where they're recovering after an major tour in promoting their new album, I Quit.

They're right now processing the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"

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

"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant achievement," continues Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the female artists that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Candor

The album came out of a phase of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that unique liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The lyrics track endings and farewells. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"I love way of putting it, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Haim album covers and career milestones
The trio claimed victory in a notable breakthrough list in 2013, and have later scored several top 10 albums.

Evolution of Music

That developed resilience called for a different sonic direction – more unpolished and immediate than anything the band had done before.

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

"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."

Haim in the studio working on music
I Quit evolves the band's characteristic style, combining organic instrumentation with hip-hop adjacent beats and catchy pop melodies.

Experiences and Shared Humor

The band's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating horror stories.

One man left Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

Haim on stage during their recent tour
The group concluded a major tour, but mention they plan to hit the road in the coming years.

A Confident Future

One can easily sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the industry.

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global audience.

However Haim will always be their top focus.

"Me and my siblings have been making music since I was little," says Alana. "There is no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still making music."

Robyn Johnston
Robyn Johnston

Lara is a community manager and workspace enthusiast who loves connecting freelancers and entrepreneurs in Breda's creative hub.