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"Do you know when you'll be speaking to Haim?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can become their fourth member."

There's just one problem: The author likewise wants to be Haim's newest recruit. What's more, we are far from alone. A host of high-profile supporters have openly coveted the role.

The evidence suggests a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy hopefuls.

Similar to the greatest bands, they're a close unit. Their music videos frequently show them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the biggest honour. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate young girls to form a group."

"Therefore all gets an invitation to be the next member of Haim."

Historic Recognition

The band are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the prize.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is called," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

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

"We really set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge milestone," adds Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the women that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Laughter

The project was born from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that odd transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.

The words follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"I adore summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to consciously practice ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Style

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

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

"Percussion is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's candor shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic misadventures.

One man ended things with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Therefore to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."

A Secure Future

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

They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an international fan base.

But the band will consistently be their primary commitment.

"My sisters and I have been performing since I was a young child," concludes Alana. "There is nothing else that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still making music."