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"When are you chatting with the band?" an inquiry arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise wants to be Haim's fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. Several celebrated fans have openly coveted the honor.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're multiple Grammy contenders.

Similar to the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit gang. Their music videos frequently show them striding in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such pure joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I got a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That's the greatest honor. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage others to form a group."

"And thus everyone gets an invitation to be the next Haim sister."

Historic Nod

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

They're right now celebrating the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

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

"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant achievement," adds Alana. "However we're just grateful for the women that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Laughter

The record emerged from a time of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that strange liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.

The words track breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've had. You can hear them determining in real time who they are becoming.

"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to actively work on shutting out the noise and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Refinement of Sound

That developed toughness demanded a different sonic direction – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that started with the drum sound.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our book," quips Alana. "Our motto is, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

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

Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's therapeutic."

A Secure Future

You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their place in the music world.

They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an worldwide following.

But the band will consistently be their number one priority.

"We have been playing music since I was four," concludes Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."