It all started with a hand-me-down drumset given to them on their fifth birthday. Since then, twin sisters Courtney and Arden Kurhayez, ’21, have been involved in music. Eventually, Arden started playing the guitar. Courtney stuck with the drums and both of them began singing by the age of nine.
After playing in several groups over the years, they chose to break off and start their own band with just the two of them. Since then, they have been under the management of their dad. Because they’re twins, they decided to name their band “Double Identity.” Recently, they have welcomed another guitar player to the band.
Arden has developed a love for writing songs as well as playing the guitar. Courtney and Arden have both written several songs for their band. Some of the songs are on their current EP, including “Lights Out,” which they performed on nccLIVE on Oct. 23.
They first started performing at the Illinois Teen Battle of the Bands and Monsters of Rock. Now, they play different events such as festivals, parties, at Navy Pier and at The Union. Since they have been performing for around 10 years, stage fright is not a huge concern of theirs. “Once you get on stage, whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen,” said Courtney.
Even though they have sisterly disputes, they still love performing together and plan to continue to grow and improve their band. “Just like any creative process, it’s not all going to work out perfectly the first time, but eventually, it gets there,” said Courtney.
Some may be surprised that neither Arden nor Courtney are majoring in music. Instead, both are majoring in English and minoring in film studies. Courtney plans to use her degree to open up her own book publishing company. “I really like writing,” said Arden who hopes to do creative writing.
Even though their career paths are not quite the same, they both hope to keep the band and music incorporated into their lives.
