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"Any idea when you're speaking to the band?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There's just a single issue: The author likewise desires to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're not alone. A host of high-profile admirers have publicly petitioned for the role.

The evidence suggests an irresistible appeal is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana launched their career doing sets at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as multiple Grammy contenders.

In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a close trio. Their music videos frequently show them marching in sync down the roads of Los Angeles. In concert, they play with such boundless happiness you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a guitar'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the greatest compliment. That's an award in itself. We have succeeded if we can encourage young girls to form a group."

"And thus all gets an invitation to be the next Haim sister."

Historic Nod

The band have called into a break, where they're resting up after an lengthy tour in for their fourth album, I Quit.

They're right now celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for best rock album at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-woman band ever in contention for the award.

"I follow the nominations every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is called," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I dreaming'?"

The significance of the nomination isn't lost on the trio.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a significant milestone," says Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the pioneers that paved the way."

Heartbreak and Humour

The record emerged from a period of transition. 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 words follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them working out in real time who they want to be.

"I love way of putting it, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to consciously practice shutting out the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That developed toughness called for a different sonic direction – more unpolished and immediate than anything the band had done before.

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

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our memoir," jokes Alana. "I've said it, our albums cannot begin until we find the ideal drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Laughter

The band's honesty shaped the album's rollout, where the sisters revealed some of their dating misadventures.

One man left Este over a medical consideration. Alana told 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 light," says Alana. "Thus to be able to laugh at those stories and have them tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Future

You can clearly sense a evolution in the band. Today, Haim are more confident of their standing in the industry.

They're top-billed acts, with chart-topping albums and an international following.

Yet the sister act will always be their number one commitment.

"We have been performing since I was a young child," shares Alana. "There is no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really fortunate we've made it and we're still making music."