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"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a message arrives. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There is only a single issue: I also longs to be Haim's fourth member. And we're far from alone. Several celebrated supporters have openly coveted the honor.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award contenders.

In the tradition of the best groups, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos frequently depict them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they perform with such unfettered joy you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that audience members told us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "It is the ultimate compliment. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire others to start a band."

"Therefore anyone is invited to be the honorary member of Haim."

Grammy Recognition

The band have called into home, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The weight of the honor isn't lost on the band.

"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant step," says Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the women that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The album came out of a time of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that unique transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

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

"I love description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to make an effort in blocking the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Refinement of Style

That recent confidence required a different sonic direction – more organic and immediate than anything 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 states.

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

Experiences and Shared Humor

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

A former partner broke up with Este over a health concern. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five 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 wilder stories, it's so amazing."

An Assured Future

You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their position in the rock pantheon.

They're festival headliners, with successful albums and an international following.

But the band will forever be their top focus.

"We have been making music since I was four," says Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."