Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Sombr
American singer and songwriter (born 2005) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Shane Michael Boose (born July 5, 2005), known professionally as sombr (stylized in all lowercase),[1] is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer.[2] He released his debut single "Nothing Left to Say" in 2021 and his first extended play (EP) In Another Life in 2023, through Warner Records and his own imprint SMB.[3][4]
.jpg)
In 2025, sombr's singles "Back to Friends" and "Undressed" gained virality on TikTok and became his breakout hits, reaching the top 20 of the Billboard Global 200 and the top 40 of the Hot 100.[5][6] Internationally, both songs also achieved notable success, charting within the top ten in multiple countries. His debut studio album, I Barely Know Her (2025), which includes the two previous singles as well as the follow-up singles "We Never Dated" and "12 to 12",[7] was a commercial success. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, sombr was nominated for three categories, including Best New Artist, winning Best Alternative Video for "Back to Friends".
Remove ads
Early life
Shane Michael Boose was born on July 5, 2005,[8] in New York City, and raised on the Lower East Side, to parents Bennah Serfaty and Andy Boose.[9][10] Boose attended LaGuardia High School as a vocal major but dropped out during his junior year after releasing the song "Caroline" in June 2022.[11][12] He is currently based in Los Angeles, California.
Boose was introduced to GarageBand at the end of elementary school and began experimenting with layering tracks and harmonies. In middle school, he advanced to using Logic Pro X and learning production techniques through online tutorials. By high school, he had started pursuing music more seriously and focused on producing his own material rather than working with outside producers.[13]
Remove ads
Career
Summarize
Perspective
2021–2025: Career beginnings
Boose adopted the stage name "Sombr" upon the release of his debut single, explaining that the name incorporated his initials (SMB) and reflected his emotional state at the time.[1] He released his debut single "Nothing Left to Say" in October 2021.[14] In early 2023, following the virality of his fourth single "Caroline" (2022), Sombr signed a record deal with Warner Records and released "Weak", his first single with the record label.[15][16] In September 2023, he released his debut EP In Another Life, co-produced by Tony Berg.[3][4][17]
2025–present: Breakthrough and I Barely Know Her
In March 2025, Sombr earned widespread attention when two of his songs "Back to Friends" and "Undressed" gained popularity after going viral on the video-sharing app TikTok.[5] The virality led to increased on-demand streams and chart appearances in multiple countries. In Sombr's home country, both songs reached the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top 20 on the Billboard Global 200.[6][18] "Undressed" topped the Irish Singles Chart and entered the top five in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. "Back to Friends" also landed within the top five in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.[19][20][21] The success of both songs led to Sombr's first major award recognition, earning three nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best New Artist, winning one for Best Alternative Video (for "Back to Friends").[22][23][24] He was also among the performers at the award ceremony, which took place on September 7, 2025.[25][26]
Sombr surpassed 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify on March 28, 2025, with the number rising to over 20 million by April 21. As of August 2025, he has earned over 50 million monthly listeners.[27] He has scored five songs to reach 100 million streams on the platform, with the first being "Back to Friends" on April 19,[28] followed by "Would’ve Been You" on April 22,[29] "Undressed" on May 13,[30] "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" on June 20,[31] and "12 to 12" on September 14.[32]
Having previously performed as a supporting act on tours for Nessa Barrett and Daniel Seavey,[33][34] in April 2025, Sombr announced his first solo concert tour, set to cover North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.[34][35] The North American and European legs began on May 25 in Dublin and is scheduled to conclude on October 28 in Los Angeles.[34] It will then continue with the Australia and New Zealand legs, starting on December 2 in Auckland and ending on December 14 in Gold Coast.[35] Additional European dates were announced in July 2025, with performances planned from February to March 2026, beginning in Stockholm and concluding in Dublin.[36]
In May 2025, Sombr was featured on Billboard's annual 21 Under 21 list.[37] He made his live television performance debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 20, performing "Back to Friends".[38][10] On June 3, he appeared on the BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, performing "Undressed" and a cover of "Ribs" by Lorde.[39] In July, he also performed "Undressed" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Additionally, he has appeared on the Sirius XM and Audiotree live segments, which included a cover of "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star and "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead, respectively.[40][41]
On June 17, 2025, Sombr announced the single "We Never Dated", released on June 20,[42] and became his third top 40 in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.[19] In July 2025, he achieved his first number-one on both the US and Global Spotify Daily Charts with "Back to Friends".[43][44] The song also topped the Global Weekly Chart for the week ending July 10.[45] On July 25, he released the single "12 to 12", accompanied by a music video featuring Addison Rae.[46] The song marked another notable success for Sombr, reaching the top ten in Australia,[47] Ireland,[19] Norway,[48] Sweden,[49] and the United Kingdom,[19] and becoming his third song to enter the top 50 on the Billboard Global 200.[18]
On August 11, 2025, Sombr announced his debut album I Barely Know Her, released on August 22, 2025, which included the aforementioned four singles.[7] It received positive reviews from publications including Rolling Stone,[50] NME,[51] and Variety.[52]
Remove ads
Artistry
Sombr's musical genres have been described as alternative rock,[26] indie rock,[53] alternative pop,[54] and rock 'n' roll.[55] His musical influences include Jeff Buckley, Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead,[15] John Lennon, David Bowie, Elton John, Billie Eilish, Brian Wilson, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground, Prince, and Oasis.[56]
Sombr's songwriting often deals with heartbreak, unrequited love, and emotional introspection, drawing inspiration from romantic films such as The Notebook and Call Me By Your Name.[57]
Discography
Studio albums
- I Barely Know Her (2025)
Extended-plays
- In Another Life (2023)
Tours
Headlining
- The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour (2025–2026)[34]
Supporting
- Daniel Seavey – Second Wind Tour (2025)[34]
- Nessa Barrett – Aftercare World Tour (2025)[33]
Awards and nominations
Remove ads
Notes
External links
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads