This morning, Haim were announced as winners of the BBC’s Sound of 2013 prize, beating Aluna George and Angel Haze to the top spot.
Previous winners of the prize – voted for by over 200 music writers, bloggers and DJs – include Ellie Golding, Jessie J and Adele, so it’s fair to say the California band are going to be preeeeettty huge this year.
We’ve already tipped them for big things – and now here’s everything you need to know about the hottest new band around.
1. They’re a little bit like the Kardashians
Bear with us. Not only are there three sisters in the band – Este, Danielle and Alana (“and one mister” – Dash Hutton on drums), but when Grazia saw them playing in London last summer they hauled Mama Haim and Papa Haim up on stage with them. Turns out the whole family used to play in a band together called, amazingly, Rockinhaim. All they need now is a reality show.
2. They’re not named after Corey Haim
An easy assumption to make, but wrong. ‘I don’t think I was even alive for the whole Corey Haim/Feldman thing’ says middle sister Danielle of the ‘80s Bratpack actors. In fact, nearly everyone pronounces the band’s name wrong at first. It’s actually rhymes with ‘time’ – not ‘maim’.
3. They love R’n’B
Haim are much more than your average guitar band. They cite TLC and En Vogue as influences, and sound like Stevie Nicks fronting Destiny’s Child…i.e flippin’ amazing. If you haven’t heard them yet, download their latest single, <Don’t Save Me> immediately.
4. Harry Styles is a fan
He’s been tweeting youngest member Alana since last summer (don’t tell Taylor) and when Hazza went to see the band in LA last month he was so impressed that he posted this on Twitter. “Just saw @HAIMtheband in LA.. They are ridiculous. They're gonna have a big year next year.. So sick.” And what Harry says, goes.
5. They’re leading the female pop revival
The top five acts in the Sound of 2013 poll were all either female or female fronted (2. Aluna George, 3. Angel Haze, 4. Laura Mvula, 5. CHVRCHES). “I think it’s amazing,” says Este. “Obviously we’re all about the ladies. We love female vocalists and female musicians.” The brilliant Solange and Azealia Banks are also set to release two of this year’s hottest albums – and they’ll be new stuff from Beyonce and Gaga. Girl power indeed.
