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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

However, there remains one problem: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. A host of high-profile fans have publicly coveted the role.

The evidence suggests something is happening. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at local delicatessens with their family. Today, they are repeated Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the best groups, they're a tight-knit unit. Their music videos often show them walking in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such pure exuberance you inevitably think, "I'd love to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the biggest honor. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate others to form a group."

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

Historic Recognition

The group have called into their homes, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in contention for the trophy.

"I follow the announcements every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," notes Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"

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

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," continues Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the pioneers that paved the way."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The project came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The themes track endings and farewells. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them working out in real time who they aspire to be.

"I adore way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Development of Style

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

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that began with the drum sound.

"Drums are such a specific thing, and I care so much about it," she says.

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

Stories and Collective Humor

The trio's honesty shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic tales.

One man ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Path

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

They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an global fan base.

Yet the sister act will always be their number one commitment.

"My sisters and I have been making music since I was four," shares Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."