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"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the band?" a message arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

There is only one problem: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're far from alone. Several celebrated fans have openly coveted the honor.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey doing sets at small eateries with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy hopefuls.

In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a close gang. Their music videos repeatedly show them walking in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such pure exuberance you can't help but think, "I want to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that fans told us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the ultimate honour. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire others to make music."

"So all are welcome to be the next member of Haim."

Grammy Nod

The group are speaking from their homes, where they're recovering after an major tour in for their new album, I Quit.

They're currently processing the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"

The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the band.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge achievement," adds Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The project came out of a time of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that odd in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.

The words detail departures and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've had. 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 blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Sound

That newfound toughness called for a different sonic direction – 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 percussion.

"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.

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

Experiences and Collective Laughter

The band's honesty fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their dating tales.

A former partner broke up with Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Future

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their standing in the industry.

They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an global following.

However Haim will consistently be their top focus.

"My sisters and I have been performing since I was little," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still going strong."