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"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

There's just one problem: The author likewise longs to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile admirers have publicly begged for the position.

One thing is obvious something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their path doing sets at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're repeated Grammy Award contenders.

In the tradition of the most iconic ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their visuals often show them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered happiness you inevitably think, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the ultimate honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate young girls to form a group."

"So all are welcome to be the fourth part of the family."

Historic Recognition

The trio have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in for their new album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I follow the announcements every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the sisters.

"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant milestone," says Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The project emerged from a phase of emotional upheaval. 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 detail departures and partings. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they are becoming.

"I adore description, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to make an effort in shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Evolution of Sound

That developed toughness required a new sound – more unpolished and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that was founded on the percussion.

"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the right drum sound."

Anecdotes and Shared Laughter

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

Someone ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."

A Secure Future

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their place in the industry.

They're festival headliners, with successful albums and an worldwide fan base.

However Haim will consistently be their top priority.

"My sisters and I have been performing since I was little," says Alana. "There is no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."