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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I was hoping to ask if I can become their extra sister."

There's just one problem: The sender also longs to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're far from alone. A host of celebrated fans have openly begged for the position.

It's clear a special quality is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their path doing sets at neighborhood delis with their family. Now they're repeated Grammy Award contenders.

Similar to the best bands, they're a close trio. Their music videos repeatedly depict them marching in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless happiness you find yourself thinking, "I'd love to be a piece of that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'After your show, I got a guitar'," remarks Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the greatest compliment. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire young girls to form a group."

"Therefore all is invited to be the next part of the family."

Award Recognition

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

They're presently processing the news it's been nominated for best rock album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the very first female band ever in contention for the prize.

"I tune into the lists every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

The importance of the accolade resonates with the band.

"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a major milestone," adds Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the female artists that paved the way."

Heartbreak and Candor

The record came out of a time of personal change. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that odd liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not entirely ready to move on.

The words follow breakups and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've got. You can hear them figuring out in real time who they aspire to be.

"I love description, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a personal statement. You have to actively work on blocking the noise and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Development of Music

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

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

"Drums are such a specific thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she emphasizes.

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

Experiences and Shared Humor

The trio's openness shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters disclosed some of their romantic tales.

Someone left Este over a health concern. Alana shared a story of travelling to spend 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," notes Alana. "So to be able to share those stories and hear others tell you wilder stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Path

You can clearly sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their place in the music world.

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

But the sister act will consistently be their primary priority.

"We have been making music since I was four," says Alana. "It's like no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still kicking."