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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "My request was to ask if I can be their fourth member."

There's just one problem: I also longs to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. A host of celebrated supporters have also coveted the position.

The evidence suggests a special quality is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their family. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the most iconic ensembles, they're a tight-knit trio. Their visuals frequently feature them walking in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they play with such boundless exuberance you inevitably think, "I want to be a piece of that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls told us and said, 'After your show, I got a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That is the biggest compliment. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can motivate young girls to form a group."

"So all gets an invitation to be the fourth member of Haim."

Historic Milestone

The group are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

They're currently reeling from the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first all-woman band ever in contention for the award.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it kind 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 we just hear this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The significance of the nomination resonates with the band.

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a huge milestone," continues Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the pioneers that came before us."

Emotional Upheaval and Candor

The project came out of a period of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that odd in-between place where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The themes track departures and partings. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a mantra. You have to actively work on shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Development of Style

That recent resilience called for a different sonic direction – more organic and powerful than any of the music the band had done before.

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

"Drums are such a nuanced thing, and I am so passionate about it," she states.

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Laughter

The trio's honesty shaped the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating misadventures.

Someone ended things with Este over a health concern. Alana told a story of travelling 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," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Legacy

It's not difficult sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their position in the rock pantheon.

They're major draws, with successful albums and an international following.

But Haim will forever be their primary commitment.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was four," says Alana. "There is no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."