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"Do you know when you'll be speaking to the band?" a text pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."

However, there remains a key snag: The sender also longs to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are far from alone. Multiple high-profile supporters have also coveted the position.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path playing gigs at neighborhood delis with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy contenders.

Like all the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their music videos often feature them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such unfettered exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I want to be a piece of that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I picked up a bass'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the ultimate honour. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to form a group."

"So anyone is invited to be the honorary part of the family."

Historic Recognition

The band are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an major tour in support of their fourth album, I Quit.

They're presently reeling from the news it's been in the running for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the award.

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The importance of the nomination resonates with the sisters.

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major achievement," continues Alana. "But we're just grateful for the women that inspired us."

Emotional Upheaval and Humour

The album came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters found themselves 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 detail breakups and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the kind of love they've experienced. You can hear them determining in real life who they want to be.

"I adore way of putting it, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a slogan. You have to consciously practice blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That developed toughness called for a different sonic direction – more organic and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who helped produce the album, that was founded on the percussion.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," jokes Alana. "I always say, our albums cannot begin until we find the perfect drum sound."

Experiences and Shared Camaraderie

The band's openness fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their personal misadventures.

Someone left Este over a health consideration. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," says Alana. "Thus to be able to share those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's therapeutic."

A Secure Path

One can easily sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their standing in the rock pantheon.

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

But the band will forever be their primary commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was a young child," says Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."