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"When are you chatting with Haim?" an inquiry pops up. "My request was to ask if I can become their fourth member."

However, there remains a single issue: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' newest recruit. What's more, we are in plentiful company. A host of celebrated supporters have publicly begged for the role.

It's clear a special quality is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career performing shows at small eateries with their parents. Today, they are multi-time Grammy hopefuls.

Like all the greatest groups, they're a close trio. Their visuals often show them walking in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such pure exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the biggest honor. That is recognition in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage young girls to form a group."

"And thus everyone is invited to be the next member of Haim."

Award Recognition

The band are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-female band ever in contention for the award.

"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

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

"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," adds Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the women that paved the way."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The record emerged from a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that unique transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.

The lyrics follow endings and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they aspire to be.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to make an effort in ignoring the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Refinement of Sound

That newfound toughness required a fresh approach – more raw and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the drums.

"The drum sound is such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

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

Experiences and Collective Laughter

The band's candor fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic horror stories.

One man ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Legacy

One can easily sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their position in the music world.

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

However the sister act will always be their top focus.

"We have been performing since I was four," shares Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."