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"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" a text pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

There's just a key snag: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're far from alone. Several high-profile admirers have also begged for the honor.

The evidence suggests a special quality is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their career performing shows at neighborhood delis with their family. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy hopefuls.

In the tradition of the greatest ensembles, they're a inseparable trio. Their music videos often show them striding in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I bought a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to start a band."

"Therefore all is invited to be the next Haim sister."

Historic Milestone

The group have called into home, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're currently processing the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in contention for the award.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it kind of feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

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 major milestone," adds Alana. "However we're just thankful for the women that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The album came out of a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that odd in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The lyrics follow departures and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they want to be.

"I adore summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to actively work on blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That newfound toughness required a fresh approach – more organic and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that started with the drums.

"The drum sound is such a detailed thing, and I am so passionate about it," she emphasizes.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the name of our book," laughs Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their personal tales.

A former partner ended things 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.

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Legacy

You can clearly sense a change in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their position in the rock pantheon.

They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an international following.

But the sister act will forever be their top priority.

"Me and my siblings have been performing since I was four," says Alana. "It feels as if no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."