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"Any idea when you're chatting with Haim?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There's just one problem: I also longs to be Haim's fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. Multiple celebrated admirers have openly coveted the role.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy Award contenders.

Similar to the best groups, they're a tight-knit trio. Their visuals often show them walking in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure joy you find yourself thinking, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "It is the biggest honour. That is recognition in itself. We've done our job if we can encourage young girls to start a band."

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

Historic Nod

The group are speaking from home, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.

They're currently reeling from the news it's been nominated for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in the running for the prize.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The weight of the honor isn't lost on the band.

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

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The project emerged from a period of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music captures that odd liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The lyrics follow departures and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.

"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Style

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

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

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the ideal drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Laughter

The trio's candor fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating tales.

A former partner left Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"When you're going through these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

A Confident Legacy

One can easily sense a evolution in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their standing in the music world.

They're festival headliners, with hit albums and an international following.

But the band will forever be their number one priority.

"We have been performing since I was little," concludes Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."