Meet Late Stage Crush: The Indie Duo Bringing Fresh Storytelling to Country Noir
Late Stage Crush may be going to be the band everybody talks about more than coffee or dinner with friends. And let us face it – occasionally we just want relatable music right? This particular Raleigh-based pair – vocalist Rebecca Sunnybrook and lyricist Susan Mahlburg – appears to know how to do exactly that. Their sound? Well, it is like catching a breeze on a packed street, with classic country thrown in with a few contemporary indie righteousness. Seldom do you find artists who pull off traditional and contemporary without feeling rushed. Listening to them proves they’re not after glitzy sounds or overly dramatic effects. Instead they go for what matters – music that causes you to feel something – real. Know those moments when you want something simple and real – honest without distractions or pretense? That is actually where their music shines. Their songs transport you to a world where storytelling is the primary event and you love every word and note. So, in case you would like tunes for reflective evenings that involve introspection and honesty, then simply grab Late Stage Crush. It is like they wrote the soundtrack to those quiet, private moments we all treasure.
Discovering the Duo
We will go a bit deeper into who they are. Formed in 2023, they sprung from the indie scene of Raleigh and Sunnybrook and Mahlburg had a common goal: To create music for the soul. It is like they met just right. Drawing upon her classical vocal training, Rebecca Sunnybrook has done something different with the typical polish. Rather, she is choosing a style which lets her voice ring with a raw, real clarity. It is the type of voice which grabs you immediately since it gets straight to the point. However, you stop and you listen.
Then there is Susan Mahlburg, the other half of this particular pair. A published poet by background she lends their music a storytelling edge. Her lyrics touch upon loss, distance and beginnings. These are the life moments we all face and she manages to capture them all in a manner that seems familiar but new. But their music is not about dwelling in sadness. They sing with heartache, perhaps they even sneak hints at brand-new paths. That is what makes their work different.
Together they make something special – honest with a dash of mystery. It all comes wrapped around melodies which allow you to want to tune in to again after the song concludes. They produce emotional journeys with minimal arrangements that draw you in, unmoved. It is about being real and hitting those emotional notes that stick. They are on Spotify if you need new stuff to listen to next time you need something brand new to listen to. You will not be disappointed!
The EP: High Noon Divorce
High Noon Divorce is Late Stage Crush’s first EP and it is worth a listen. In case you love music which riffs on real world stuff from a fresh angle, this’s for you. The EP is not about breakups; It’s about what comes after – the clarity and resilience which come from those trying times. Imagine songs which do not simply wrack in heartbreak – they show you the other side – where you get where you left off. It is honest and raw and captures emotions we all feel but seldom discuss. This duo knows how to make songs stick with you: straightforward singing and seemingly intuitive lyrics. Know those moments where you simply lost in thought or need answers? This EP taps into that exact vibe. High Noon Divorce is like speaking with a friend who understands the chaos. So, next time you would like something which hits on those long drives or those peaceful evenings, get this EP. You will appreciate how it brings together very simple arrangements with down-to-earth storytelling touches.
Future Sounds and Plans
Pretty exciting stuff for Late Stage Crush next. They are working on their second EP and can release it early 2026. This new collection promises exactly the same emotional depth we like, but with deeper musical layers. Imagine a pedal steel guitar or an upright bass riffing on their tunes. It is a new element that keeps their music raw and truthful.
However , wait, more on the radar. Some shows Late Stage Crush will be on the road. They will be playing in more compact, intimate venues throughout North Carolina and Tennessee in late 2025. This is your opportunity to hear their evolved sound in something intimate and real-like a story told in a private room with just you and the artist. It is an opportunity to really connect with their music. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to hear music about life’s contradictions up close? Seeing these shows in case you are around when they happen is worth catching if you are nearby. So tune in for the next chapter in their musical journey – it looks like one to enjoy!
A Commitment to Craft
Something you should know about Late Stage Crush is they care about songwriting. In a music scene where sometimes hype-filled beats and heavy production dominate, these two are doing something different by placing the lyrics right on top. Each track they release is a song they composed and directed completely from their hearts. With Rebecca and Susan, it goes beyond catchy hooks or even radio hits ; They make stories that hit home and seem intimate and real. Their lyrics address themes which many of us have trouble with but might not openly discuss, similar to the complexity of love, the uncomfortable messy areas of breakups, or maybe just daily life and change. It is this genuine songwriting approach that makes Late Stage Crush relatable. You hear their music and you kind of feel like they are speaking to you about something real – honest. It is the type of music which causes you to take a seat and listen and you kind of feel as if you are with them, feeling all the feels.
Explore More
Want to dive deeper into their music? You can check out Late Stage Crush directly on Spotify for an immersive experience with their tracks. Their debut EP, “High Noon Divorce,” is a brilliant introduction to what they’re all about. The title track, in particular, is a must-listen. It really captures the essence of their style with its raw, honest storytelling and melody. It’s like they’re taking you on a journey through the ups and downs of relationships, with all its complexities. Don’t you sometimes just want music that speaks to the heart and soul?
Plus, keeping up with Late Stage Crush on Instagram offers a peek behind the curtain. They aren’t just sharing promotional stuff; you’ll find everything from small tidbits about their creative process to snippets from their everyday lives, adding a personal touch to their public persona. It’s a fun way to get updates on their next moves and see what inspires them.
So, if you’re on the hunt for something different yet deeply relatable, give Late Stage Crush a listen. Their music perfectly blends the style of country-noir with modern indie influences. It’s a refreshing break from the usual stuff and can truly resonate with anyone who loves music that’s both thoughtful and entertaining. Go ahead, hit play, and see where their sound takes you!
