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"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the band?" an inquiry pops up. "My request was to ask if I can become their fourth member."

There's just a key snag: I also longs to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're not alone. Multiple high-profile supporters have publicly petitioned for the honor.

The evidence suggests something is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy Award contenders.

In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a close gang. Their visuals frequently show them striding in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless joy you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the biggest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate others to form a group."

"Therefore all is invited to be the honorary part of the family."

Award Milestone

The trio are speaking from their homes, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're currently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in contention for the prize.

"I tune into the lists every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The weight of the accolade resonates with the trio.

"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge step," continues Alana. "But we're just grateful for the pioneers that came before us."

Heartbreak and Candor

The album came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music inhabits that unique liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.

The lyrics follow endings and goodbyes. The sisters seek love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them determining in the moment who they want to be.

"I adore description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Development of Music

That developed toughness demanded a fresh approach – more unpolished and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.

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

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

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

Anecdotes and Shared Humor

The band's candor inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters disclosed some of their personal misadventures.

Someone ended things with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying 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 only darkness," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Path

One can easily sense a change in the band. Now, Haim are more certain of their position in the industry.

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an global fan base.

However Haim will always be their primary priority.

"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was four," shares Alana. "It feels as if nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."