The World is Encouraged to Be the Extra Haim Member.

"When are you speaking to the band?" a message arrives. "My request was to ask if I can become their extra sister."

However, there remains one problem: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. And we're far from alone. A host of famous fans have openly coveted the position.

The evidence suggests a special quality is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their parents. Now they're multi-time Grammy contenders.

In the tradition of the greatest ensembles, they're a close trio. Their videos often show them striding in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I bought a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That's the biggest compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate others to start a band."

"Therefore all are welcome to be the honorary member of Haim."

Award Recognition

The group have called into their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in for their new album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first female band ever in contention for the trophy.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I dreaming'?"

The importance of the nomination isn't lost on the band.

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge step," continues Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the female artists that came before us."

Emotional Upheaval and Candor

The record came out of a period of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

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

"I adore summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to make an effort in blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Refinement of Sound

That newfound toughness required a different sonic direction – more unpolished and immediate than anything the band had done before.

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

"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.

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

Stories and Shared Camaraderie

The band's candor shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic tales.

A former partner ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"Experiencing these setbacks, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."

A Secure Legacy

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

They're major draws, with successful albums and an global fan base.

But the sister act will forever be their primary priority.

"We have been making music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still making music."