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"Do you know when you'll be interviewing the Haim sisters?" a message arrives. "My request was to ask if I can be their extra sister."

However, there remains a key snag: The author likewise longs to be the Haims' newest recruit. What's more, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile supporters have also coveted the honor.

One thing is obvious something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at small eateries with their family. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy hopefuls.

Similar to the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their music videos repeatedly depict them striding in harmony down the roads of Los Angeles. On stage, they perform with such unfettered joy you inevitably think, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a guitar'," states Alana, the youngest of the trio. "It is the ultimate compliment. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate others to start a band."

"So everyone is invited to be the honorary member of Haim."

Grammy Milestone

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

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

"I follow the lists every year, so it sort of feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The significance of the accolade is deeply felt by the sisters.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge milestone," continues Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that came before us."

Heartbreak and Laughter

The project came out of a phase of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that strange transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not entirely ready to start anew.

The themes track endings and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That recent toughness called for a new sound – more organic and immediate 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 specific thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

"'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 openness shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their romantic horror stories.

Someone left Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of flying to celebrate 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 hope," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Future

It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their standing in the rock pantheon.

They're major draws, with hit albums and an worldwide fan base.

Yet Haim will always be their number one priority.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was little," concludes Alana. "There is no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've reached this point and we're still going strong."