This is Late Stage Crush, a musical experiment you might have not heard of yet. Trying to find something new to groove with? this Raleigh based duo got you covered. It really is tougher to pin their sound to a label, though you must check it out. The duo – singer Rebecca Sunnybrook and lyricist Susan Mahlburg – pull something special together that is organic. Their music captures you with truthful storytelling which combines country noir meets contemporary indie influences. They keep it very simple – like their tunes are whispering in your ear, beckoning you with heartfelt lyrics and crisp vocals. Every song is similar to a private chat among two souls. So in case you wish to go much deeper, hit play and let Late Stage Crush take you on their journeys.
Finding Their Voice
What makes Late Stage Crush special is their ability to reach into these emotions with a raw honesty that feels personal and powerful. What is cool about Rebecca Sunnybrook is she’s a classically trained singer. Her voice simply draws you in. Then there is Susan Mahlburg, a published poet whose lyrics are not simply words to a tune but stories that grab. It is like they let you enter another world with every song they produce. They don’t need flashy production tricks; Rather, they let the voice & story come through naturally. Their first EP High Noon Divorce exhibits this less-is-more mindset, mixing Americana with indie influences. Each track is a journey, with breakups not necessarily being sad endings but beginnings for brand new beginnings and growth for the individual. It is music for the heart – it speaks to anybody that has gone through the bad and good of life and love.
Evolving Soundscapes
Late Stage Crush is not sat on their laurels with their debut EP, High Noon Divorce. They have grabbed listeners with their 1st collection, and are already working on their upcoming EP for early 2026. This time around they are likely to push that distinctive sound a lot more – that raw, emotional punch but with upright bass and pedal steel added in. It is like they are adding new textures to their already emotional musical canvas. Most exciting of all, they are bringing this emerging sound to the road with a run of tiny venue shows around North Carolina and Tennessee in late 2025. These are intimate gigs which enable you to see them hone your souls live. It is where their minimal yet powerful sound comes alive, leaving little trace of magic behind long after you leave the venue. Regardless if you are a longtime fan or simply discovering them, this next chapter seems to have to be expected.
A Personal Touch
Going beyond just sound, what makes Late Stage Crush’s music truly resonate is its unwavering independence. Creating their own tunes from start to finish is part of what sets them apart. They choose to steer clear of outside influences, which means every lyric, melody, and pause reflects their unique artistic vision. It’s music without pretense—raw, personal, and unpolished in the best way. This self-directed approach adds a layer of authenticity, inviting you to get lost in their world. When you listen, you’re not just hearing songs; you’re being drawn into rich stories about universal themes like love, loss, and the wild ride of inner turmoil. Late Stage Crush dive deep, crafting lyrics that hit home, encouraging you to see your own experiences mirrored in their music. Whether you’re in the mood to reflect or just lose yourself in the melodies, their tracks hit differently in a way that feels incredibly personal. And there’s something really freeing about music like that—music that lets you find your own story within its lines.
Making Connections
The release of High Noon Divorce introduced themes that are more than just personal experiences; they’re universal. Listening to Late Stage Crush is like having a conversation with a friend who gets what you’re going through. Their stories of breakup and clarity prompt introspection and resonate on a level that many artists struggle to reach. Rebecca and Susan’s synergy is apparent in each performance, meshing voice and word seamlessly to form a bond with their audience. It’s not just about listening; it’s about feeling every line and note, understanding that you’re not alone in your experiences.
If you’re curious to explore more about this duo, head over to their Spotify Artist Profile and Instagram profile to delve into their musical journey. Let their music resonate with you, unravel the stories within their lines, and enjoy the simplicity and beauty of their craft. Whether you’re a fan of country, indie, or just music with soul, Late Stage Crush offers something worth listening to.
