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 | sombrmusic |
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 achieved notable success, charting within the top ten in multiple countries. He subsequently released two follow-up 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 also 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] Boose attended LaGuardia High School as a vocal major but dropped out during his junior year after releasing "Caroline" in June 2022.[11][12] He is currently based in Los Angeles, California.[13]
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.[14]
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.[15] 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.[16][17] In September 2023, he released his debut EP, In Another Life, co-produced by Tony Berg.[2][3]
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, including reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200.[6][7] Additionally, "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.[18][19][20] 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").[21][22][23] He was also among the performers at the award ceremony, which took place on September 7, 2025.[24][25]
Having previously performed as a supporting act on tours for Nessa Barrett and Daniel Seavey,[26][27] in April 2025, Sombr announced his first solo concert tour, set to cover North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.[27][28] The North American and European legs began on May 25 in Dublin and is scheduled to conclude on October 28 in Los Angeles.[27] 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.[28] Additional European dates were announced in July 2025, with performances planned from February to March 2026, beginning in Stockholm and concluding in Dublin.[29]
In May 2025, Sombr was featured on Billboard's annual 21 Under 21 list.[30] He made his live television performance debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 20, performing "Back to Friends".[31][9] On June 3, he appeared on the BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, performing "Undressed" and a cover of "Ribs" by Lorde.[32] 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.[33][34]
On June 17, 2025, Sombr announced the single "We Never Dated", released on June 20,[35][36] which became his third top-40 hit in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.[18] On July 25, he released the single "12 to 12", accompanied by a music video featuring Addison Rae.[37] The song marked another notable success for Sombr, reaching the top ten in Australia,[38] Ireland,[18] Norway,[39] Sweden,[40] and the United Kingdom,[18] and becoming his third song to enter the top 50 on the Hot 100 and Global 200.[41]
On August 11, 2025, Sombr announced his debut album, I Barely Know Her, released on August 22, 2025, which included the aforementioned four singles.[4] It received positive reviews from publications such as Rolling Stone,[42] NME,[43] and Variety,[44] and reached the top ten of severals 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, Sombr released the single "Homewrecker", marking the first new release since his debut album.[45]
Artistry
Sombr's musical genres have been described as alternative rock,[25] indie rock,[46] alternative pop,[47] and rock 'n' roll.[9] His musical influences include Jeff Buckley, the Velvet Underground, Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead,[16] John Lennon, David Bowie, Elton John, Billie Eilish, Brian Wilson, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift and Oasis.[48] The singer has been described as having a tenor vocal range.[49]
Discography
Studio albums
- I Barely Know Her (2025)
Tours
Headlining
- The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour (2025–2026)[27]
Supporting
- Daniel Seavey – Second Wind Tour (2025)[27]
- Nessa Barrett – Aftercare World Tour (2025)[26]
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Nominee / Work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBC Radio 1 Sound of... | 2026 | Himself | Sound of 2026 | Third | [50] |
| Brit Awards | 2026 | International Artist of the Year | Nominated | [51] | |
| "Undressed" | Best International Song | Nominated | |||
| Grammy Awards | 2026 | Himself | Best New Artist | Nominated | [52] |
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2026 | Best New Artist (Pop) | Pending | [53] | |
| Best New Artist (Alternative) | Pending | ||||
| "Back to Friends" | Alternative Song of the Year | Pending | |||
| "Undressed" | Best Lyrics | Pending | |||
| I Barely Know Her | Favorite Debut Album | Pending | |||
| Los 40 Music Awards | 2025 | Himself | Best International New Artist | Nominated | [54] |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2025 | Best New Artist | Nominated | [23] | |
| "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 | [55] |