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"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their fourth member."

There is only a single issue: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile admirers have publicly coveted the role.

One thing is obvious something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the best groups, they're a close trio. Their music videos often depict them marching in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure joy you inevitably think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a drum kit'," states Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the ultimate honor. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage people to form a group."

"So anyone is invited to be the next member of Haim."

Award Nod

The band are connecting from a break, where they're recovering after an major tour in for their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently processing the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I watch the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the accolade is deeply felt by the sisters.

"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge milestone," continues Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the female artists that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The project emerged from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that strange liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to move on.

The themes detail breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them determining in real life who they are becoming.

"That's a perfect description, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to make an effort in blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Sound

That newfound toughness demanded a new sound – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that started with the drum sound.

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

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

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

The band's candor fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.

Someone left Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Secure Legacy

You can clearly sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their place in the industry.

They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an worldwide fan base.

But the sister act will always be their primary focus.

"We have been performing since I was a young child," says Alana. "It's like no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."