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"Any idea when you're chatting with the band?" a message pops up. "I wanted to ask if I can be their extra sister."

There is only a key snag: The author likewise wants to be the Haims' fourth member. What's more, we are in plentiful company. A host of high-profile fans have openly begged for the honor.

The evidence suggests something is happening. Sisters Este, Danielle and Alana started their path doing sets at neighborhood delis with their family. Today, they are multiple Grammy Award nominees.

In the tradition of the best ensembles, they're a tight-knit gang. Their videos repeatedly show them marching in harmony down the avenues of Los Angeles. On stage, they jam with such pure happiness you can't help but think, "I wish to be involved in that, too."

"How often on tour that audience members approached us and said, 'After your show, I picked up a bass'," states Alana, the most junior of the trio. "It is the biggest honor. That is recognition in itself. Our mission is accomplished if we can inspire young girls to start a band."

"So anyone gets an invitation to be the fourth part of the family."

Historic Nod

The band are speaking from their homes, where they're taking a pause after an extensive tour in for their fourth album, I Quit.

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

"I tune into the nominations every year, so it sort of feels like a surreal movie when your name is read out," says Alana. "I had to call my sisters to say, 'Did I hear this correctly or am I imagining things'?"

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

"We truly set out to make a rock album this time, so it's a major achievement," adds Alana. "But we're just appreciative for the women that inspired us."

Personal Turmoil and Humour

The album emerged from a phase of personal change. All three sisters found themselves single, and the music captures that strange transitional period where you're happy to be free, but not quite ready to start anew.

The lyrics detail endings and partings. The sisters seek love, but not the specific love they've had. You can hear them working out in the moment who they are becoming.

"I love description, yes," responds Danielle. "I Quit is essentially a personal statement. You have to make an effort in shutting out the outside opinions and saying, 'It doesn't matter to me what people think'."

Refinement of Style

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

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

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

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

Anecdotes and Collective Laughter

The trio's openness fueled the album's promotional campaign, where the sisters revealed some of their personal horror stories.

Someone left Este over a health consideration. Alana recalled a story of travelling to celebrate New Year's Eve with someone, only to receive a high five at midnight.

"During these setbacks, you just feel like there's no light," notes Alana. "So to be able to laugh at those stories and hear others tell you even crazier stories, it's incredible."

An Assured Legacy

It's not difficult sense a change in the band. These days, Haim are more assured of their place in the rock pantheon.

They're top-billed acts, with hit albums and an worldwide fan base.

Yet the sister act will forever be their primary priority.

"We have been performing since I was four," says Alana. "It's like nothing else that we were meant to do. And I'm really fortunate we've gotten here and we're still kicking."