Meet Late Stage Crush, the Raleigh-based music duo quickly carving out an indie niche. If you have not heard of them yet, you are in for a treat. They were formed in 2023 and feature singer Rebecca Sunnybrook and lyricist Susan Mahlburg. What they do is marry country noir traditions with contemporary indie flair. So, whether you like old-school country twang or something more indie – twisty, they got it right. And about their music – it is sparse with vocals which cut to the core – sparse with minimal flourishes.
Their debut EP High Noon Divorce is out now and is hitting homes for the right reasons. Expect raw storytelling, so truthful it almost seems as if they are narrating your own personal life. It is the music you put on whenever you want to feel and think. And in case you like heartfelt lyric driven narratives, this act is one you definitely do not want to sleep on. Go listen to them; You might actually find your next favorite track.
Meet the Duo Behind the Magic
Susan and Rebecca are the heart & soul of Late Stage Crush and incorporate an eclectic mix of experiences and abilities in their music. They met as mutual friends in 2023 and found their mutual love of different musical influences like Kacey Musgraves and Fleetwood Mac only began. Rebecca has classical training and adapts her vocal abilities to the minimal, emotion driven sound they are after. Susan, however, uses her experience as a published poet to craft lyrics that move listeners – these are words accompanied by stories and sentiments born of unsent letters and ideas on change. Together they produce music that is not afraid of heartbreak or even that mixes painful moments with swagger. Their relationship extends beyond making music; they share a greater relationship. It is a friendship forged through voice memos and lyric exchanges. What’s striking is their approach to songwriting: restraint and emotional swells referencing life’s unresolved narratives. Their songs deal with the aftermath of breakups – not the damage in itself – but the way living changes and becomes apparent. This true camaraderie manifests in their music – a world which is intimate but universally resonant.
What Makes Their Music Stand Out
Storytelling is at the core of Late Stage Crush’s music. Each song is written with words occupying the center seat to the lyrics. You will discover after hearing their tracks that it almost seems as if you are hearing an intimate story instead of a tune. In an industry where fancy production takes the show today, it is good to hear a duo who care about their words. So, in case you like a great story and like stories in music, you will really like Late Stage Crush. Imagine listening to a song that reminds you of reading through a loved book ; their lyrics tell a personal, relatable but universal tale. This approach is apparent even in their first EP, High Noon Divorce. It manages to balance Americana raw honesty with modern indie songwriting. This particular mix makes their music new yet familiar – like a contemporary take on a classic. It is not music just yet. It is an experience that remains with you, balancing freshness with timelessness in a manner that few artists manage.
An Independent Spirit
The coolest aspect of Late Stage Crush is how independent they are. They make something unique with each note and every lyric. All their songs are self-directed and self-written. It almost seems as though you are getting a glimpse inside their world from them. Songs which are directly from the artists themselves – not diluted by outside opinion or even modified by outside producers – have something very special. This authenticity means that whenever you listen to Late Stage Crush you’re hearing their real voice and message. Their music becomes more than sound. It is a sharing of experiences and feelings. This artistic freedom enables them to explore themes as diverse as the sweet attraction to love and resilience. You feel they put their souls into every track and also you are able to practically feel the room they had been sitting in when inspiration hit. It is that connection which makes listening to them feel as if an extremely personal affair. You’re more than a spectator – you’re an invited guest in their artistic journey. This makes each song memorable and appeals to fans who appreciate Late Stage Crush’s personal touch and sincerity. Thus, in case you love music which speaks straight from the heart, their work could be for you.
What Lies Ahead
The duo has several huge plans for the near future, which means you better watch these 2. They are working on their second EP to release early 2026. So if you loved the minimalist, emotionally charged style of their very first EP, High Noon Divorce, you are in for a real treat. They are remaining true to their roots but with a twist – they are incorporating thicker instrumentation this time around. Think upright bass and pedal steel layered with stuff. It will give their music more of that emotional punch we really like. And there is more to come! Late Stage Crush is performing small shows all through North Carolina and Tennessee in late 2025. In case you ever wanted to find out exactly how raw their music is live then this is the opportunity. Smaller venues are the ideal setting for their stripped back sound, giving a genuine intimate experience for their music. So, in case you are around, go see a show and experience their growing sound like live music could.
Connect with Late Stage Crush
If you’re interested in exploring their music and diving deeper into the raw and emotionally charged world of Late Stage Crush, there’s no better place to start than their Instagram page. They’re active there, and you can get a sneak peek into their creative process, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on what they’re cooking up in the studio. So go ahead and check it out .
For those who are eager to jump straight into their music, the obvious go-to is their artist profile on Spotify. Listening to their debut record, High Noon Divorce, is an experience you don’t want to miss. It’s not just music; it’s an emotional journey that captures the intricate dance of love and loss, presented in a way that leaves space for personal reflection and connection. With every listen, you discover something new, something raw and real that sticks with you.
And they simply have this capability to express vulnerability and tell stories, which truly helps make them stand out. So, if you need something new and deep to replace that faded playlist with something genuine and deep, Late Stage Crush may just be your brand new favorite. Surprised? you may find yourself enjoying several of their songs on repeat. Spin it and fall in to the world they have created – it is a choice you will certainly not regret!