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"When are you chatting with Haim?" a text arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their fourth member."

There's just one problem: The sender also desires to be Haim's newest recruit. And we're not alone. Multiple famous fans have also petitioned for the position.

It's clear an irresistible appeal is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at local delicatessens with their family. Today, they are multiple Grammy nominees.

In the tradition of the most iconic groups, they're a close unit. Their music videos repeatedly depict them walking in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure exuberance you inevitably think, "I wish to be a piece of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I bought a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the sisters. "That is the greatest honour. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate others to form a group."

"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the fourth part of the family."

Historic Milestone

The trio are connecting from their homes, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently celebrating the news it's been in the running for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the first all-female band ever in the running for the trophy.

"I tune into the lists every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is read out," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the honor resonates with the band.

"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant milestone," says Alana. "But we're just thankful for the women that inspired us."

Heartbreak and Candor

The record was born from a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that unique transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to let go.

The lyrics follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters want love, but not the kind of love they've had. You can hear them working out in real time who they aspire to be.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to consciously practice shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Sound

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

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that began with the percussion.

"The drum sound is such a nuanced thing, and I care so much about it," she emphasizes.

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

Stories and Collective Laughter

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

A former partner left Este over a health consideration. Alana told a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"Experiencing these breakups, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's therapeutic."

An Assured Legacy

It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Now, Haim are more assured of their position in the industry.

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an worldwide following.

But the sister act will consistently be their number one commitment.

"We have been making music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "There is no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still making music."