Hailing from the San Fernando Valley in California, HAIM — Este, Danielle and Alana— grew up playing rock music with their parents in a family band called Rockinhaim.
Bundled up in the sonic power of Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks, not to mention the distinct sounds of ’90s R&B, they eventually set out on their own.

HAIM has been shaking things up in Los Angeles for the past four years now, which has led to one of many crowning achievements: the title of BBC’s Sound of 2013, an honor rarely bestowed on an American band. They pride themselves on switching from instrument to instrument with complete confidence, all while singing in perfect three-part harmony. And to think, all of this glory without a full-length album, which will be released this fall. FAULT sat down with Este, HAIM’s eldest sister, for a closer look…

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FAULT: What can you tell us about the sister dynamic in the band?

Este: We’ve been doing this together for 15 years now. We started out playing with our Mom and Dad even before we had our own band. I thought every family had a band with their parents. Over time, we just learned how to best work together so it’s more conducive to creativity. If there’s ever a tiff or an argument, we try to work it out during rehearsals. In the end, if it works, it works. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

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What is the writing process like when there are three people involved?

It really depends on the song. We don’t really have a formula, and it’s not like each of us brings a specific thing to the table. We all sit together and, if one of us has an idea, we’ll think about it in terms of the lyrics and melodies. It’s a constant back-and-forth with feedback. We’re all in it together, and we’re all responsible for the whole thing.

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What can you reveal about your full-length debut album?

Be prepared to have some fun! We had a lot of fun making it, so I hope it sounds fun. There are a bunch of new songs as well as songs that we released before.

 

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