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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can be their extra sister."

However, there remains a key snag: The author likewise longs to be Haim's newest recruit. Furthermore, we are not alone. Multiple celebrated admirers have publicly coveted the honor.

The evidence suggests a special quality is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their career doing sets at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy Award hopefuls.

Like all the greatest bands, they're a inseparable trio. Their videos frequently show them marching in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless joy you inevitably think, "I want to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that fans approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a bass'," says Alana, the youngest of the trio. "It is the biggest honor. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate people to form a group."

"Therefore anyone are welcome to be the fourth Haim sister."

Award Milestone

The group are connecting from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in for their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-female band ever in consideration for the prize.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the nomination resonates with the sisters.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant step," adds Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The album emerged from a time of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The lyrics detail endings and partings. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in real time who they are becoming.

"I adore way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to actively work on shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Development of Sound

That developed confidence called for a different sonic direction – more unpolished and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that began with the drums.

"Percussion is such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she states.

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

Stories and Shared Laughter

The band's candor inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their dating horror stories.

Someone broke up with Este over a medical consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Future

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their position in the music world.

They're major draws, with successful albums and an international fan base.

But the band will always be their primary commitment.

"My sisters and I have been making music since I was little," says Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still kicking."