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"Any idea when you're speaking to the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "My request was to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There's just one problem: I also desires to be Haim's fourth member. And we're far from alone. Several high-profile admirers have also begged for the position.

One thing is obvious an irresistible appeal is going on. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana launched their path performing shows at neighborhood delis with their family. Today, they are multi-time Grammy Award contenders.

Like all the most iconic ensembles, they're a inseparable unit. Their music videos often feature them striding in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they perform with such boundless happiness you can't help but think, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a guitar'," says Alana, the youngest of the Haim siblings. "That is the ultimate honor. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to start a band."

"And thus anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."

Award Milestone

The band are speaking from home, where they're resting up after an major tour in support of their latest album, I Quit.

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

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I hallucinating'?"

The importance of the nomination is deeply felt by the sisters.

"We deliberately set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a major milestone," adds Alana. "Yet we're just grateful for the women that came before us."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The project came out of a period of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music inhabits that unique liminal space where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The lyrics track endings and partings. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them figuring out in real life who they want to be.

"That's a perfect summary, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a slogan. You have to make an effort in ignoring the outside opinions and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Development of Sound

That developed confidence called for a new sound – more unpolished and direct than any of the music the band had done before.

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

"Percussion is such a detailed thing, and I focus so intensely about it," she says.

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

Experiences and Collective Humor

The trio's honesty shaped the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their dating horror stories.

A former partner left Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a friendly slap at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Therefore to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's incredible."

A Confident Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their place in the rock pantheon.

They're top-billed acts, with successful albums and an worldwide following.

Yet Haim will always be their primary focus.

"My sisters and I have been playing music since I was a young child," shares Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still making music."