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"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the band?" an inquiry pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their newest bandmate."

There is only a key snag: The author likewise desires to be Haim's fourth member. And we're in plentiful company. Several high-profile admirers have also begged for the role.

The evidence suggests something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy Award nominees.

Like all the greatest ensembles, they're a close gang. Their videos frequently feature them walking in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such boundless joy you can't help but think, "I wish to be a piece of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that audience members came up to us and said, 'Watching you live, I got a bass'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "That's the greatest honor. That's an award in itself. We've done our job if we can inspire young girls to start a band."

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

Historic Nod

The trio are connecting from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in promoting their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the prize.

"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this correctly or am I hallucinating'?"

The significance of the accolade resonates with the trio.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant step," continues Alana. "However we're just thankful for the pioneers that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Candor

The project emerged from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters ended up single, and the music inhabits that strange transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

The lyrics detail departures and goodbyes. 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 summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to consciously practice blocking the noise and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Refinement of Sound

That newfound confidence required a new sound – more unpolished and immediate than anything the band had done before.

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

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our memoir," jokes Alana. "Our motto is, our albums won't commence until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Collective Humor

The trio's honesty fueled the album's rollout, where the sisters shared some of their romantic misadventures.

Someone left Este over a medical consideration. Alana recalled a story of travelling 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," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."

An Assured Path

One can easily sense a shift in the band. Now, Haim are more confident of their position in the industry.

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

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

"We have been performing since I was four," concludes Alana. "It feels as if no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really fortunate we've reached this point and we're still kicking."