Sombr
American singer and songwriter (born 2005)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shane Michael Boose (born July 5, 2005), known professionally as Sombr (stylized in lowercase), is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer.[1] 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.[2][3]
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July 5, 2005
- Singer
- songwriter
- record producer
Sombr | |
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Sombr performing in London in 2025 | |
| Born | Shane Michael Boose July 5, 2005 New York City, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2021–present |
| Works | Discography |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
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| Labels |
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| Website | www |
In 2025, Sombr released his debut studio album, I Barely Know Her,[4] which included his two breakout hits "Back to Friends" and "Undressed",[5] both of which reached the top 20 of the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Hot 100.[6][7] Internationally, both songs also had notable success, charting within the top ten in several countries. He subsequently released two followup singles, "We Never Dated" and "12 to 12". Sombr received nominations for Best New Artist at the 68th Grammy Awards and 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. At the VMAs, he was nominated in two additional categories, winning Best Alternative Video for "Back to Friends". In 2026, he released "Homewrecker", the first single since his debut album.
Early life
Shane Michael Boose was born on July 5, 2005,[8] in New York City, and raised on the Lower East Side.[9] He is the son of Bennah Serfaty and Andy Boose, who have both worked for amfAR.[10] His father is German and his mother is Jewish.[11] Shane Boose attended LaGuardia High School as a vocal major but dropped out during his junior year after releasing "Caroline" in 2022.[12][13] He is now based in Los Angeles.[14]
Boose was introduced to GarageBand at the end of elementary school and began experimenting with layering tracks and harmonies. In middle school, he began using Logic Pro 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.[15]
Career
2021–2024: 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.[3] He released his debut single, "Nothing Left to Say", in October 2021.[16] In early 2023, after his fourth single, "Caroline", went viral, Sombr signed a record deal with Warner Records and released "Weak", his first single with the record label.[17][18] In September 2023, he released his debut EP, In Another Life, co-produced by Tony Berg.[2][3] On November 17, 2023, he released the single "Would've Been You", which samples Flawed Mangoes' "The Begging".[19]
2025–present: Breakthrough and I Barely Know Her
In March 2025, Sombr earned widespread attention when 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 several countries. The songs reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200.[6][7] "Undressed" topped the Irish Singles Chart and entered the top five in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. "Back to Friends" also reached the top five in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.[20][21][22] The songs' success 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").[23][24][25] He was also among the performers at the award ceremony on September 7, 2025.[26][27]
In April 2025, having previously performed as a supporting act on tours for Nessa Barrett and Daniel Seavey,[28][29] Sombr announced his first solo concert tour, set to cover North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.[29][30] The North American and European legs began on May 25 in Dublin and are scheduled to conclude in Los Angeles on October 28.[29] The Australia and New Zealand legs start on December 2 in Auckland and end on December 14 in Gold Coast.[30] Additional European dates were announced in July 2025, with performances from February to March 2026, beginning in Stockholm and concluding in Dublin.[31]
In May 2025, Sombr was featured on Billboard's annual 21 Under 21 list.[32] He made his live television performance debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 20, performing "Back to Friends".[33][9] On June 3, he appeared on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, performing "Undressed" and a cover of "Ribs" by Lorde.[34] In July, he performed "Undressed" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Sombr has appeared on the SiriusXM and Audiotree live segments, which included covers of Mazzy Star's "Fade into You" and Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees", respectively.[35][36] On June 17, 2025, Sombr announced the single "We Never Dated", released on June 20,[37][38] which became his third top-40 hit in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.[20] On July 25, he released the single "12 to 12", accompanied by a video featuring Addison Rae.[39] The song was another notable success for Sombr, reaching the top ten in Australia,[40] Ireland,[20] Norway,[41] Sweden,[42] and the United Kingdom,[20] and becoming his third song to enter the top 50 on the Hot 100 and Global 200.[43]
On August 11, 2025, Sombr announced his debut album, I Barely Know Her, released on August 22. It includes the aforementioned four singles.[4] It was favorably reviewed by Rolling Stone,[44] NME,[45] and Variety,[46] and reached the top ten of several sales charts, including the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards Sombr was nominated for Best New Artist. On February 6, 2026, he released the single "Homewrecker", his first release since his debut album.[47]
Artistry
Sombr's musical genres have been described as alternative rock,[27] indie rock,[48] alternative pop,[49] and rock 'n' roll.[9] His musical influences include Jeff Buckley, the Velvet Underground, Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead,[17] John Lennon, David Bowie, Elton John, Billie Eilish, Brian Wilson, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Lana Del Rey, and Oasis.[50] The singer has been described as having a tenor vocal range.[51]
Discography
Studio albums
- I Barely Know Her (2025)
Tours
Headlining
- The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour (2025–2026)[29]
- You Are The Reason Tour (2026)[52]
Supporting
- Daniel Seavey – Second Wind Tour (2025)[29]
- Nessa Barrett – Aftercare World Tour (2025)[28]
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Nominee / Work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Music Awards | 2026 | Himself | New Artist of the Year | Nominated | [53] |
| Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist | Won | ||||
| "Back to Friends" | Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Best Rock/Alternative Song | Won | ||||
| "Homewrecker" | Song of the Summer | Nominated | |||
| I Barely Know Her | Breakthrough Album of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Best Rock/Alternative Album | Won | ||||
| BBC Radio 1 Sound of... | 2026 | Himself | Sound of 2026 | Third | [54] |
| Brit Awards | 2026 | International Artist of the Year | Nominated | [55] | |
| "Undressed" | Best International Song | Nominated | |||
| Grammy Awards | 2026 | Himself | Best New Artist | Nominated | [56] |
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2026 | Best New Artist (Pop) | Nominated | [57] | |
| Best New Artist (Alternative) | Won | ||||
| "Back to Friends" | Alternative Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| On the Verge - Alternative | Won | ||||
| "Undressed" | Best Lyrics | Nominated | |||
| On the Verge - Pop | Won | ||||
| I Barely Know Her | Favorite Debut Album | Nominated | |||
| Alternative Album of the Year | Won | ||||
| Los 40 Music Awards | 2025 | Himself | Best International New Artist | Nominated | [58] |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2025 | Best New Artist | Nominated | [25] | |
| "Back to Friends" | Best Alternative Video | Won | |||
| "12 to 12" | Song of Summer | Nominated | |||
| NRJ Music Award | 2025 | Himself | International Breakthrough of the Year | Nominated | [59] |
| Swiss Music Awards | 2026 | Best International Breaking Act | Nominated | [60] |
