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"Any idea when you're speaking to the Haim sisters?" an inquiry arrives. "My request was to ask if I can be their newest bandmate."

There is only a single issue: I also longs to be Haim's fourth member. Furthermore, we are not alone. Multiple high-profile admirers have openly coveted the role.

It's clear something is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at small eateries with their family. Today, they are repeated Grammy hopefuls.

Like all the greatest ensembles, they're a close unit. Their visuals repeatedly feature them marching in harmony down the streets of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such unfettered joy you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"How often on tour that fans told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a drum kit'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That's the greatest honor. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire people to form a group."

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

Historic Nod

The trio are speaking from a break, where they're recovering after an lengthy tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the pioneering female band ever in consideration for the trophy.

"I follow the announcements every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is announced," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did we just hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The weight of the nomination resonates with the band.

"We deliberately set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge milestone," says Alana. "However we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."

Personal Turmoil and Candor

The record emerged from a time of emotional upheaval. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music explores that odd in-between place where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to move on.

The themes track departures and partings. The sisters want love, but not the kind of 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 essentially a personal statement. You have to make an effort in shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Refinement of Sound

That recent toughness called for a new sound – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.

For Danielle, who co-produced the album, that was founded on the drums.

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

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

Experiences and Shared Camaraderie

The band's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their romantic horror stories.

Someone broke up with Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"When you're going through these breakups, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's so amazing."

An Assured Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more assured of their position in the music world.

They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an worldwide fan base.

Yet the sister act will consistently be their top priority.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was four," says Alana. "There is nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really thankful we've gotten here and we're still kicking."