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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a message pops up. "My request was to ask if I can join as their extra sister."

However, there remains a key snag: The sender also wants to be the Haims' additional sibling. And we're not alone. A host of famous fans have openly petitioned for the role.

The evidence suggests a special quality is at play. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their musical journey performing shows at local delicatessens with their parents. Presently, they stand as repeated Grammy contenders.

Similar to the most iconic ensembles, they're a close trio. Their videos frequently feature them striding in sync down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they jam with such boundless happiness you inevitably think, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"The amount of times on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'Seeing you perform, I got a drum kit'," says Alana, the most junior of the Haim siblings. "That's the greatest honor. That is recognition in itself. We have succeeded if we can motivate young girls to form a group."

"And thus everyone are welcome to be the fourth part of the family."

Historic Nod

The group have called into a break, where they're resting up after an extensive tour in support of their new album, I Quit.

They're right now reeling from the news it's been in the running for a top rock honor at the Grammy Awards – with Haim the pioneering all-woman band ever in contention for the prize.

"I watch the nominations every year, so it almost feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," explains Alana. "I immediately called my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this right or am I imagining things'?"

The significance of the accolade isn't lost on the band.

"We really set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a huge step," adds Alana. "Yet we're just appreciative for the pioneers that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The project came out of a period of transition. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that odd transitional period where you're relieved to be free, but not quite ready to let go.

The words detail breakups and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the specific love they've got. You can hear them figuring out in the moment who they want to be.

"I adore description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is like a mantra. You have to make an effort in ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That developed confidence demanded a fresh approach – more organic and powerful than anything the band had done before.

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

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

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

Experiences and Shared Camaraderie

The band's candor inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters shared some of their personal misadventures.

Someone ended things with Este over a medical concern. Alana told a story of travelling to spend New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"When you're going through these heartbreaks, you just feel like there's only darkness," explains Alana. "Thus to be able to find humor in those stories and have them tell you more outrageous stories, it's therapeutic."

A Confident Path

You can clearly sense a shift in the band. Today, Haim are more certain of their place in the music world.

They're major draws, with chart-topping albums and an international audience.

But the band will consistently be their top commitment.

"We have been playing music since I was a young child," says Alana. "There is no other path that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've reached this point and we're still making music."