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"When are you speaking to Haim?" a text reads. "I wanted to ask if I can be their fourth member."

There's just a single issue: The author likewise desires to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're not alone. Several celebrated supporters have publicly coveted the honor.

It's clear a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their career playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy contenders.

Like all the greatest groups, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos repeatedly show them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered happiness you can't help but think, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that fans approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That's the ultimate compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage people to start a band."

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

Historic Recognition

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

They're presently reeling from the news it's been nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in consideration for the prize.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The importance of the nomination resonates with the band.

"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge step," continues Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the women that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The album came out of a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that odd liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

The words detail endings and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they want to be.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Evolution of Style

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

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

"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I am so passionate about it," she says.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the title of our memoir," laughs Alana. "I always say, our albums won't commence until we find the right drum sound."

Anecdotes and Shared Laughter

The trio's candor shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their dating horror stories.

A former partner ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Future

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their standing in the music world.

They're major draws, with successful albums and an international following.

But Haim will forever be their number one focus.

"My sisters and I have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still going strong."