“It was huge for us, being from the country and totally oblivious to the musical landscape in Sydney,” Curtis recalls. “It was actually quite a shock coming to Sydney and being part of that. Everyone else was classically trained, having lessons from a younger age, and then here’s Jeff and I. We actually got accepted together as twins, so we both got in on each other’s merit.”

Fear of missing out

After studying music, the twins continued playing together before forming PIRRA a decade ago with singer Jess Beck (also Curtis’s wife) and guitar player James McKendry. While they’ve all been playing together long enough to feel like “one big family”, Curtis admits it can take a while for other musicians to get used to the twins’ particular brand of closeness.

“We can be really short and blunt with each other. In rehearsal we’ve been known to argue at times about how it should be. Some people probably find that a shock.”

But with a new album about to be released and a run of shows planned for the coming months, they still get an obvious kick out of sharing the entire experience with one another.

“Whether we’re on tour or playing weekend shows, I’ll think, ‘Curtis is going, this is going to be sweet,’ it’s good to share the experiences,” Jeffrey says. “You get the fear of missing out, FOMO, if one of us is doing something and the other one doesn’t get the experience.”

Curtis agrees. “Playing gigs together is still so fun, because we’re always pretty much in the same head space, whether we’re performing in a certain way or stressing over the same thing. We get off on the successes too – if it’s a cool gig, we both feel exactly the same way. That’s something pretty unique.”

Seeing eye to eye

While they’re in sync on most topics, one question leaves both Jeffrey and Curtis stumped: in what ways are they most alike, and how are they different?

“Oooh,” says Jeffrey. “Can we phone a friend?”

After some hesitation, he offers: “I think we’re most similar in our ambition, our drive in what we want to achieve in life.”

And the differences? “People seem to think I’m more sensitive,” says Curtis. “I might be a bit more willing to express my emotions than Jeff. But then again, Jeffrey’s probably more level headed and more together.”

“We’re around each other so much, I think what Curtis does rubs off on me and probably vice versa. It’s almost like this mirror effect going on,” Jeffrey says.

He pauses then. Always thinking of his brother, he adds: “I don’t want to say the wrong thing.”

There’s no nicer feeling than finding success in the field you’re most passionate about – and who better to share that with than your own sibling.

What makes us truly rich? Saturday Lotto knows there’s no nicer feeling than sharing special moments with those we love most. Play now via The Lott, in-store, online on the app.

Gamble Responsibly. Gamblers Help 1800 858 858.