Walk into any high-end boutique in Silver Lake or a dive bar in Echo Park, and you’ll eventually hear that syncopated, Fleetwood Mac-adjacent groove that defines the HAIM sound. It’s unavoidable. The Haim sisters—Este, Danielle, and Alana—didn't just stumble into the zeitgeist. They basically built a permanent residence there.
Honestly, it’s hard to remember a time when they weren't the "it" girls of indie rock. They’ve managed to do something almost impossible in the 2020s: stay cool without being aloof. Most bands burn out after two albums or get stuck playing the nostalgia circuit. Not these three. From their early days playing the Troubadour to headlining massive festivals like Glastonbury, the trajectory has been a masterclass in organic growth.
The San Fernando Valley Roots Nobody Mentions Anymore
People love to talk about the "overnight" success of Days Are Gone back in 2013. That’s total nonsense. Before they were HAIM, they were Rockinhaim, a family cover band fronted by their parents, Moti and Donna. Imagine being a teenager and spending your weekends playing Billy Joel and Santana covers at local fairs. That’s where the "telepathic" chemistry comes from. It isn't some marketing gimmick. When you spend a decade playing classic rock covers with your siblings before ever writing an original song, you learn how to lock in.
Danielle Haim’s stint as a touring guitarist for Julian Casablancas and Jenny Lewis was the real turning point. She wasn't just some session player; she was absorbing the mechanics of how a professional touring operation works. When she came back to the Valley to focus on the band with her sisters, they weren't just kids with guitars. They were a polished machine.
That Specific HAIM Sound: It's Not Just 70s Worship
If you ask a casual listener, they’ll tell you HAIM sounds like Fleetwood Mac. Sure. The vocal harmonies on songs like "The Wire" or "Little of Your Love" definitely lean into that Rumours era. But that’s a lazy comparison if you actually listen to the production.
Ariel Rechtshaid, who has been a long-time collaborator, helped them bake in elements of 90s R&B and 80s pop. Think about the percussion on "Forever." It’s got more in common with En Vogue or Destiny’s Child than it does with Stevie Nicks. They use gated reverb and sharp, percussive guitar stabs that feel incredibly modern. It’s this weird, beautiful hybrid of Laurel Canyon folk and New York City art-pop.
The bass lines? That’s all Este. Her "bass face" became a meme for a reason—she’s actually playing the instrument with a level of aggression you don't usually see in "indie pop." She’s the anchor. While Alana provides the texture and Danielle handles the virtuosic leads, Este keeps it from floating off into "too pretty" territory.
Why Women in Music Pt. III Changed Everything
By 2020, there was a risk of the band becoming a caricature of themselves. The sun-drenched California vibes were great, but were they deep? Then Women in Music Pt. III dropped.
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It was raw.
The album tackled depression, the grind of the music industry, and the death of a close friend. "Summer Girl" was a standout, not just because of that Lou Reed-inspired saxophone line, but because it felt vulnerable in a way their earlier work didn't. They stopped trying to be the "perfect" sisters and started being real people who deal with chronic illness (Alana and Danielle have been open about various health struggles) and the isolation of fame.
Paul Thomas Anderson—yes, that Paul Thomas Anderson—started directing their music videos and eventually cast Alana in Licorice Pizza. That wasn't just a side quest. It solidified the HAIM brand as an essential part of California's artistic lineage. They aren't just a band anymore; they are the face of a specific kind of Los Angeles cool that feels authentic because it's rooted in their actual childhood neighborhoods.
The Logic of Their Live Show
If you haven't seen them live, you're missing half the story. Most indie bands stand behind their mics and sway. HAIM is a full-blown rhythmic assault. They usually end their sets with a synchronized drum circle. It's loud, it's sweaty, and it’s a reminder that at their core, they are musicians first and celebrities second.
They’ve also mastered the art of the collaboration. Whether it’s featuring on a Taylor Swift track ("no body, no crime") or hopping on a remix with Tame Impala, they know how to play well with others. This isn't just about networking. It's about staying relevant across different fanbases. You might find a HAIM fan who only listens to folk, and another who only listens to Top 40. That's a rare bridge to build.
Common Misconceptions About the Band
- They're an "Industry Plant": This is the most common critique. People see the high-profile friends and the polished videos and assume it was handed to them. It ignores the years of playing to empty rooms and the fact that they can actually out-play most of their peers.
- It’s just "Soft Rock": Call them soft until you hear the fuzz-drenched bridge of "My Song 5." They have a heavy side that rarely gets enough credit.
- They only write about breakups: While "The Wire" is a classic breakup anthem, songs like "Hallelujah" and "Now I'm In It" deal with sisterhood, grief, and mental health.
How to Get Into HAIM the Right Way
Don't just start with the hits. If you want to understand why they matter, you have to look at the evolution.
Start with Days Are Gone to get the pop sensibilities down. Then, move straight to Women in Music Pt. III. Skip the middle for a second. Contrast the bright optimism of "Falling" with the gritty, desperate energy of "The Steps." You’ll see a band that learned how to stop hiding behind perfect production and start letting the cracks show.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Musicians
- Study the Rhythm Section: If you’re a musician, pay attention to how HAIM uses silence and staccato rhythms. They don't overplay. They leave room for the song to breathe.
- Support Independent Venues: The sisters are huge advocates for the small stages where they started. Checking out local shows in your city is the best way to find the "next" HAIM.
- Listen to the Influences: To really "get" them, go back and listen to Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark or Shania Twain’s The Woman in Me. The DNA of HAIM is a mix of high-art folk and unapologetic 90s pop.
- Watch the PTA Directed Videos: Watch "Valentine" or "Right Now." These are shot on film and show the band in a rehearsal space. It strips away the glamour and shows the actual work that goes into the arrangements.
The legacy of HAIM isn't just about catchy hooks. It's about three sisters who refused to be categorized as a "girl band" or a "gimmick." They proved that if you have the chops and the work ethic, you can make 70s-inspired rock sound like the future. They didn't follow a trend; they became the standard.