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"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" a text reads. "My request was to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."

However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are not alone. Several high-profile supporters have openly coveted the role.

It's clear a special quality is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their career doing sets at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy nominees.

In the tradition of the greatest ensembles, they're a tight-knit gang. Their music videos often show them striding in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such pure joy you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a guitar'," states Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage others to start a band."

"Therefore anyone is invited to be the honorary Haim sister."

Grammy Nod

The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're recovering after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're currently processing the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I watch the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I dreaming'?"

The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the trio.

"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant milestone," adds Alana. "However we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."

Heartbreak and Humour

The project came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that odd liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The themes follow departures and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.

"I love summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That recent 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 drum sound.

"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Laughter

The trio's openness shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating horror stories.

One man left Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."

A Confident Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their standing in the music world.

They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an international audience.

But the band will forever be their top commitment.

"We have been performing since I was little," shares Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still making music."