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"Any idea when you're chatting with the band?" an inquiry arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only a key snag: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are far from alone. Multiple high-profile fans have openly petitioned for the role.

The evidence suggests something is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy hopefuls.

Like all the greatest bands, they're a tight-knit gang. Their music videos often show them marching in harmony down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such pure happiness you can't help but think, "I wish to be a piece of that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'After your show, I bought a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the ultimate honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to make music."

"And thus all is invited to be the fourth Haim sister."

Historic Milestone

The group have called into home, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're currently celebrating 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 prize.

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

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

"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge achievement," says Alana. "Yet we're just thankful for the female artists that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The project emerged from a time of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that strange transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The themes detail endings and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they want to be.

"I adore description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Development of Style

That recent resilience demanded a new sound – more organic and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the percussion.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's candor shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their personal misadventures.

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

"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Future

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their position in the industry.

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

However the sister act will always be their top priority.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was little," says Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still kicking."