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"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can be their fourth member."

There is only a single issue: I also desires to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are not alone. Multiple famous fans have also begged for the role.

It's clear something is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana began their path playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their family. Now they're multi-time Grammy Award contenders.

In the tradition of the most iconic bands, they're a close gang. Their videos often depict them walking in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a drum kit'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That's the ultimate honor. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can encourage young girls to make music."

"So all are welcome to be the honorary member of Haim."

Historic Nod

The group are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

They're currently celebrating the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in contention for the award.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," says Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the trio.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant achievement," adds Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the women that inspired us."

Heartbreak and Candor

The record came out of a period of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music inhabits that strange liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The themes track breakups and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them determining in real time who they want to be.

"That's a perfect description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to consciously practice ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Development of Sound

That developed toughness demanded a new sound – more raw and powerful than anything the band had done before.

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

"Drums are such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.

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

Experiences and Shared Camaraderie

The trio's honesty inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their romantic misadventures.

A former partner ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana shared 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 no hope," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's so amazing."

A Secure Path

One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their place in the music world.

They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an global following.

But Haim will forever be their number one commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "It's like no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."