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"When are you speaking to the Haim sisters?" a message reads. "I wanted to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only a key snag: I also wants to be the Haims' fourth member. Furthermore, we are in plentiful company. Multiple high-profile admirers have also coveted the role.

The evidence suggests something is at play. The siblings Este, Danielle and Alana began their musical journey performing shows at neighborhood delis with their parents. Now they're repeated Grammy hopefuls.

Similar to the most iconic bands, they're a close gang. Their visuals often depict them striding in unison down the streets of Los Angeles. During performances, they play with such unfettered exuberance you can't help but think, "I want to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that young girls came up to us and said, 'After your show, I bought a guitar'," remarks Alana, the youngest of the trio. "That is the ultimate honour. That's an award in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can motivate people to form a group."

"Therefore all is invited to be the fourth Haim sister."

Historic Milestone

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

They're currently celebrating the news it's been shortlisted for Best Rock Album at the Grammys – with Haim the first female band ever in consideration for the prize.

"I watch the lists every year, so it almost feels like The Truman Show when your name is called," says Alana. "I needed to phone my sisters to say, 'Am I hearing this right or am I imagining things'?"

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

"We truly set out to make a rock record this time, so it's a significant achievement," says Alana. "However we're just grateful for the female artists that came before us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The record came out of a phase of personal change. All three sisters ended up single, and the music captures that odd liminal space where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The words detail breakups and farewells. The sisters want love, but not the relationships they've had. You can hear them determining in the moment who they are becoming.

"I love description, yes," agrees Danielle. "I Quit is kind of like a slogan. You have to actively work on ignoring the criticism and saying, 'I couldn't care less what people think'."

Evolution of Music

That newfound resilience required a new sound – more unpolished and immediate than any of the music the band had done before.

For Danielle, who worked on producing the album, that began with the percussion.

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

"'Journey of the drum sound' will be the subject of our book," quips Alana. "I've said it, our albums don't start until we find the perfect drum sound."

Anecdotes and Collective Camaraderie

The trio's candor inspired the album's marketing, where the sisters revealed some of their dating tales.

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

"During 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 wilder stories, it's therapeutic."

A Confident Legacy

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more confident of their place in the music world.

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

Yet the band will forever be their top priority.

"We have been making music since I was four," concludes Alana. "There is no alternative that we were destined for. And I'm really grateful we've made it and we're still making music."