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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a text arrives. "I wanted to ask if I can become their extra sister."

However, there remains one problem: I also desires to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. Several high-profile admirers have also begged for the role.

The evidence suggests something is going on. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Presently, they stand as multi-time Grammy hopefuls.

Like all the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit unit. Their videos often show them marching in unison down the avenues of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such pure happiness you inevitably think, "I wish to be part of that, too."

"The numerous instances on tour that audience members told us and said, 'Watching you live, I bought a guitar'," says Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest honour. It is a prize in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire young girls to form a group."

"Therefore everyone gets an invitation to be the fourth Haim sister."

Grammy Nod

The group have called into a break, where they're recovering after an extensive tour in promoting their latest album, I Quit.

They're right now celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in contention for the trophy.

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

The weight of the nomination resonates with the band.

"We really set out to make a guitar-driven album this time, so it's a huge achievement," says Alana. "But we're just thankful for the pioneers that came before us."

Heartbreak and Humour

The project emerged from a time of transition. All three sisters were single, and the music explores that strange liminal space where you're glad to be free, but not yet ready to let go.

The themes follow endings and goodbyes. The sisters desire love, but not the kind of love they've got. You can hear them determining in real time who they want to be.

"I love summary, yes," says Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in blocking the outside opinions and saying, 'I don't give what people think'."

Refinement of Music

That developed toughness demanded a new sound – more organic and direct than anything the band had done before.

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

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

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

Anecdotes and Shared Laughter

The band's honesty fueled the album's marketing, where the sisters disclosed some of their dating horror stories.

A former partner broke up with Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a casual gesture at midnight.

"Experiencing these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's no light," explains Alana. "So to be able to find humor in those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's so amazing."

A Confident Legacy

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. These days, Haim are more certain of their standing in the industry.

They're major draws, with hit albums and an worldwide audience.

But the sister act will consistently be their top commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was a young child," says Alana. "It's like no alternative that we were meant to do. And I'm really grateful we've gotten here and we're still going strong."