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"When are you chatting with the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

There is only one problem: I also wants to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're far from alone. Several celebrated supporters have also coveted the role.

The evidence suggests something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy Award hopefuls.

Similar to the greatest bands, they're a tight-knit trio. Their music videos often feature them marching in unison down the roads of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such pure exuberance you can't help but think, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that fans came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That's the biggest honour. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire young girls to start a band."

"And thus everyone gets an invitation to be the fourth member of Haim."

Historic Recognition

The band have called into a break, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in contention for the prize.

"I watch the lists every year, so it sort of feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the sisters.

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

Heartbreak and Humour

The record came out of a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that unique in-between place where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to start anew.

The themes track breakups and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they are becoming.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to make an effort in blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Style

That recent toughness required a different sonic direction – more unpolished and direct than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that was founded on the drum sound.

"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.

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

Stories and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's candor inspired the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their dating misadventures.

One man left Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."

A Secure Path

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

They're festival headliners, with chart-topping albums and an international fan base.

But the band will always be their primary priority.

"My sisters and I have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still kicking."