The World is Welcome to Be the Fourth Haim Bandmate.
"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" an inquiry arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."
There is only one problem: The sender also desires to be Haim's fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. Several high-profile fans have publicly petitioned for the role.
It's clear an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their parents. Today, they are repeated Grammy contenders.
Similar to the greatest groups, they're a inseparable trio. Their videos often show them striding in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such unfettered joy you can't help but think, "I wish to be part of that, too."
"How often on tour that fans approached us and said, 'After your show, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the ultimate compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire people to start a band."
"So all gets an invitation to be the next Haim sister."
Historic Nod
The band are connecting from a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in support of their new album, I Quit.
They're currently reeling from the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in the running for the award.
"I tune into the nominations every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"
The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the trio.
"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge achievement," adds Alana. "However we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."
Personal Turmoil and Laughter
The album emerged from a period of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that odd in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.
The words detail departures and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in the moment who they aspire to be.
"I love summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to actively work on shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."
Development of Music
That developed resilience called for a new sound – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.
For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the drums.
"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.
"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the right drum sound."
Stories and Collective Humor
The band's honesty shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.
A former partner broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana recalled a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.
"When you're going through these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."
An Assured Path
One can easily sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their position in the industry.
They're major draws, with hit albums and an international fan base.
However the sister act will forever be their primary commitment.
"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "There is no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."