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"When are you speaking to Haim?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their extra sister."

However, there remains a single issue: I also longs to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile fans have publicly coveted the honor.

It's clear something is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey performing shows at small eateries with their family. Today, they are repeated Grammy contenders.

Like all the greatest bands, they're a close unit. Their music videos frequently show them walking in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such unfettered happiness you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a bass'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the sisters. "It is the greatest honour. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate young girls to make music."

"Therefore anyone is invited to be the next member of Haim."

Historic Milestone

The band are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're currently reeling from the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the award.

"I watch the announcements every year, so it kind of 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 hallucinating'?"

The weight of the accolade isn't lost on the band.

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major achievement," continues Alana. "But we're just thankful for the female artists that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The project emerged from a period of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that strange in-between place where you're relieved 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 had. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.

"I adore summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a mantra. You have to make an effort in shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Sound

That developed toughness demanded a different sonic direction – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the drum sound.

"Percussion is 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. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's openness shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their personal misadventures.

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

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Secure Future

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their place in the rock pantheon.

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

Yet the band will forever be their number one commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."