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"Any idea when you're speaking to the Haim sisters?" an inquiry pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can join as their newest bandmate."

There is only a single issue: The sender also wants to be the Haims' newest recruit. And we're in plentiful company. Several high-profile supporters have also petitioned for the role.

The evidence suggests a special quality is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana started their path performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy Award hopefuls.

In the tradition of the best groups, they're a close trio. Their visuals frequently show them walking in sync down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such pure exuberance you find yourself thinking, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a guitar'," states Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That is the biggest honor. It is a prize in itself. We have succeeded if we can inspire others to start a band."

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

Grammy Recognition

The group are speaking from a break, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in for their new album, I Quit.

They're currently processing the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammys – with Haim the very first all-female band ever in contention for the trophy.

"I tune into the announcements every year, so it almost feels like an out-of-body experience when your name is announced," notes Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I dreaming'?"

The significance of the nomination is deeply felt by the trio.

"We truly set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a significant achievement," says Alana. "However we're just thankful for the female artists that paved the way."

Emotional Upheaval and Laughter

The project was born from a phase of transition. All three sisters ended up single, and the music explores that unique transitional period where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to move on.

The lyrics track departures and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the relationships they've experienced. You can hear them working out in the moment who they want to be.

"That's a perfect description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a personal statement. You have to make an effort in blocking the criticism and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Evolution of Style

That developed toughness demanded a different sonic direction – more organic and direct than anything the band had done before.

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

"The drum sound is such a detailed thing, and I care so much about it," she states.

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

Stories and Shared Camaraderie

The band's honesty fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters shared some of their dating misadventures.

Someone broke up with Este over a medical consideration. Alana recalled a story of flying to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"During these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no hope," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you even crazier stories, it's therapeutic."

A Secure Path

You can clearly sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their standing in the rock pantheon.

They're festival headliners, with successful albums and an worldwide audience.

But Haim will forever be their primary focus.

"Me and my siblings have been playing music since I was little," shares Alana. "There is no other path that we were supposed to do. And I'm really thankful we've made it and we're still kicking."