Sombr

Last updated

Sombr
Sombr, Islington Academy, London (cropped).jpg
Sombr performing in London in 2025
Background information
Birth nameShane Michael Boose
Born (2005-07-05) July 5, 2005 (age 20)
New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
InstrumentVocals
Years active2021–present
Labels
Website sombrmusic.com

Shane Michael Boose (born July 5, 2005), known professionally as Sombr (stylized in all lowercase), [1] is an American singer and songwriter. [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]

Contents

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".

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]

Career

2021–2025: Career beginnings

Sombr performing in New York City in 2024 Sombr 2024.jpg
Sombr performing in New York City in 2024

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, the songs peaked at numbers 30 and 24, respectively, on the Billboard Hot 100. [6] Both songs also charted within the top 20 on the Billboard Global 200. [18] "Undressed" reached number one on 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 also 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 four songs to reach 100 million streams on the platform, with the first one being "Back to Friends" on April 19, [28] followed by "Would’ve Been You" on April 22, [29] "Undressed" on May 13, [30] and "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" on June 20. [31]

Having previously performed as a supporting act on tours for Nessa Barrett and Daniel Seavey, [32] [33] in April 2025, Sombr announced his first solo concert tour, set to cover North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. [33] [34] The North American and European legs began on May 25 in Dublin and is scheduled to conclude on October 28 in Los Angeles. [33] 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. [34] Additional European dates were announced in July 2025, with performances planned from February to March 2026, beginning in Stockholm and concluding in Dublin. [35]

In May 2025, Sombr was featured on Billboard's annual 21 Under 21 list. [36] He made his live television performance debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 20, performing "Back to Friends". [37] [10] On June 3, he appeared on the BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, performing "Undressed" and a cover of "Ribs" by Lorde. [38] 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. [39] [40]

On June 17, 2025, Sombr announced the single "We Never Dated", which was released on June 20. [41] In July 2025, he achieved his first number-one on both the US and Global Spotify Daily Charts with "Back to Friends". [42] [43] The song also topped the Global Weekly Chart for the week ending July 10. [44] On July 25, he released the single "12 to 12", accompanied by a music video featuring Addison Rae. [45] Both "We Never Dated" and "12 to 12" achieved moderate commercial success, charting within the top 40 in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with the latter song being Sombr's third top-ten entry in Ireland and the United Kingdom. "12 to 12" also marked his third song in the top 50 on the Billboard Global 200. [19] [18]

On August 11, 2025, Sombr announced his debut album I Barely Know Her , released on August 22, 2025. [7]

Artistry

Sombr's musical genres have been described as alternative rock, [26] indie rock, [46] alternative pop, [47] and rock 'n' roll. [48] 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. [49]

Sombr's songwriting often deals with heartbreak, unrequited love, and emotional introspection, drawing inspiration both from romantic films such as The Notebook and Call Me By Your Name .[ citation needed ]

Discography

Sombr discography
Studio albums1
EPs1
Singles23

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[50] 		AUS
[51] 		AUT
[52] 		CAN
[53] 		GER
[54] 		IRE
[19] 		NZ
[55] 		NOR
[56] 		SWE
[57] 		UK
[19]
I Barely Know Her 10
[58] 		48919634510

Extended plays

List of EPs, with selected details
TitleDetails
In Another Life
  • Release date: September 15, 2023
  • Labels: SMB, Warner
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with year released, selected chart positions, certifications, and album name shown
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
US
[6] 		AUS
[59] 		AUT
[60] 		CAN
[61] 		IRE
[19] 		NZ
[21] 		NOR
[62] 		SWE
[63] 		UK
[19] 		WW
[18]
"Nothing Left to Say"2021——————————Non-album singles
"Fine"2022——————————
"Through It All"——————————
"Caroline"——————————
"Willow" [64] ——————————
"Weak" [16] 2023——————————In Another Life
"Alibi"——————————Non-album singles
"Never Find You" [65] ——————————
"Silhouette" [66] ——————————In Another Life
"My House Is Warm"——————————
"Would've Been You" [67] ——————————Non-album singles
"I Don't Know You Anymore" [69] ——————————
"In Your Arms" [70] 2024——————————
"I'll Remember Tonight" [71] ——————————
"Savior" [72] ——————————
"Perfume" [73] ——————————
"Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"——————————
"Makes Me Want You" [74] ——————————
"Back to Friends"2535264415776I Barely Know Her
"Undressed"2025202142212615411
"We Never Dated"— [A] 60—8335— [B] 98—37140
"12 to 12"531314516161081037
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart in that territory.
List of singles as featured artist, with year released and album name
TitleYearAlbum
"All I Ever Asked" [83]
(Rachel Chinouriri featuring Sombr)		2025Non-album single

Other charted songs

List of other charted songs, with chart position, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
US
Rock
[84] 		AUS
[85] 		NZ
Hot
[86] 		NOR
[87] 		SWE
Heat.
[88]
"Crushing"202536—8——I Barely Know Her
"I Wish I Knew How to Quit You"249847011
"Canal Street"——29——
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart in that territory.

Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released and director name
TitleYearDirectorRef.
"Weak"2023Unknown
"Burner Phone" Gus Black
"Would've Been You"2024
"I'll Remember Tonight"Sombr
"Back to Friends"2025Gus Black
"Undressed"
"12 to 12"

Tours

Headlining

Supporting

Awards and nominations

List of awards and nominations for Sombr
AwardYearNominee / WorkCategoryResultRef.
MTV Video Music Awards 2025 Himself Best New Artist Nominated [24]
"Back to Friends" Best Alternative Video Won
"12 to 12" Song of Summer Nominated

Notes

  1. ↑ "We Never Dated" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number 4 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. [81]
  2. ↑ "We Never Dated" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 4 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart. [82]

References

  1. 1 2 "Music: Sombr". 1883magazine. November 17, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2025. Obviously, your stage name is Sombr. What's the story behind the name? ...Essentially, there are a few things. It has my initials on it, SMB. Also, to be quite honest, I was going through a rough part of my life when I released my first single. "Sombr" kind of made sense for how I was feeling, and it was also available like no one had used it so it just felt right.
  2. ↑ Schagen, Audrey van (March 25, 2025). "sombr voices his fear of loss and the vulnerability of becoming 'undressed' for someone new". Melodic Mag. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  3. 1 2 McMillan, Blake (February 5, 2024). "sombr Brings His Indie Rock Sound Home to Brooklyn's Baby's All Right". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  4. 1 2 "Sombr". 1883 Magazine. November 17, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  5. 1 2 Zellner, Xander (April 8, 2025). "Hot 100 First-Timers: Sombr Scores First Entry With 'Back to Friends'". Billboard . Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 Peaks in the US:
  7. 1 2 Horowitz, Steven J. (August 11, 2025). "Sombr Announces Debut Album 'I Barely Know Her'". Variety . Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  8. ↑ "sombr - Artist". Movin' 92.5 . Retrieved August 19, 2025. Born in Manhattan, New York, on July 5, 2005, musician and performer Sombr has built a strong reputation as a songwriter.
  9. ↑ "Sombr Artistfacts". Songfacts. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
  10. 1 2 Greenwood, Douglas (August 17, 2025). "Sombr Interview on His Debut Album, Addison Rae, and Rock Stardom". I-D . Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Sombr: The Indie Pop Prodigy Redefining Heartbreak". Lush Collective. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  12. ↑ Spout Podcast (April 1, 2025). Sombr: From LaGuardia to the Charts—And Elton John's Playlist?! . Retrieved April 16, 2025– via YouTube.
  13. ↑ Lipshutz, Jason (August 14, 2025). "For Artists Like Gigi Perez and Sombr, Self-Producing Is 'An Experiment and an Adventure'". Billboard . Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  14. ↑ Sombr (October 1, 2021). "Nothing Left to Say". Spotify . Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  15. 1 2 Lipshutz, Jason (April 24, 2025). "Sombr 'Didn't Want to Just Do Ballads Forever' — So He Pushed the Tempo and Scored Two Hot 100 Hits". Billboard. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  16. 1 2 Kruger, Jonah (January 27, 2023). "Singer-songwriter sombr signs to Warner Records, drops new single 'weak': Exclusive". Consequence . Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  17. ↑ Sombr (September 15, 2023). "In Another Life". Spotify. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  18. 1 2 3 Peaks on the Billboard Global 200 chart:
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Sombr Songs and Albums". Official Charts Company . Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  20. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 9, 2025. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  21. 1 2 Peaks in New Zealand:
  22. ↑ Willman, Chris (August 5, 2025). "Lady Gaga Leads MTV VMAs Nominations With 12, Followed by Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar". Variety . Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  23. ↑ Grein, Paul (August 29, 2025). "Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter & More Nominated in Social Categories at 2025 VMAs: Full List". Billboard . Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  24. 1 2 Irvin, Jack (September 7, 2025). "MTV VMAs 2025: See the Complete Winners List". People . Retrieved September 7, 2025.
  25. ↑ Grein, Paul (August 18, 2025). "Sabrina Carpenter, sombr, Alex Warren & More to Perform on 2025 MTV VMAs". Billboard. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  26. 1 2 Unterberger, Andrew (September 8, 2025). "Sombr Makes VMAs Debut With Blazing Two-Song Medley at 2025 Awards". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Sombr | Spotify Analytics | Songstats". Songstats. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  28. ↑ "back to friends by sombr - Spotify stream count". My Stream Count. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  29. ↑ "would've been you by sombr - Spotify stream count". My Stream Count. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  30. ↑ "undressed by sombr - Spotify stream count". My Stream Count. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  31. ↑ "do i ever cross your mind by sombr - Spotify stream count". My Stream Count. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  32. 1 2 Denning, Reagan (November 19, 2024). "Nessa Barrett follows album, "Aftercare", with a world tour". Melodic Mag. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 Denning, Reagan (April 23, 2025). "Sombr takes The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour on the road". Melodic Mag. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  34. 1 2 Lynch, Jessica (May 19, 2025). "Sombr Announces 2025 Australia and New Zealand Headline Tour". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  35. ↑ Taylor, Sam (July 14, 2026). "Sombr has booked a 2026 UK and European tour". Dork. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Billboard's 21 Under 21: See Who Made the 2025 List". Billboard . May 16, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Sombr Makes Late Night TV Debut On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". antiMusic. May 21, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  38. ↑ "BBC Radio 1 - Radio 1's Live Lounge, Sombr". BBC. June 3, 2025. Archived from the original on June 8, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
  39. ↑ Bernstein, Scott (June 30, 2025). "Watch sombr Perform Mesmerizing Acoustic 'Fade Into You' Cover For SiriusXM". JamBase. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  40. ↑ "sombr on Audiotree Live". June 27, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025– via YouTube.
  41. ↑ "i love being fed. we never dated out 6/20 in 5 days #sombr" . Retrieved June 18, 2025– via TikTok.
  42. ↑ "Daily Top Songs USA". Spotify Charts. July 1, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  43. ↑ "Daily Top Songs Global". Spotify Charts. July 6, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Weekly Top Songs Global". Spotify Charts. July 10, 2025. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  45. ↑ Mier, Tomás (July 24, 2025). "Addison Rae Is Sombr's Sultry Obsession in '12 to 12′ Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  46. ↑ Stengel, Gracie (March 23, 2025). "Sombr: A Journey Through Emotion And Indie Sound". The Garnette Report. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  47. ↑ "A Sombr tale: warner's alt-pop troubadour turns tears into streams". Hits Daily Double. March 26, 2025. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  48. ↑ Stengel, Gracie (March 23, 2025). "Can Sombr Save Rock 'n' Roll?". The Garnette Report. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  49. ↑ Dwihartana, Simon (August 29, 2025). "What's Sombr's Favorite Taste?". Interview Magazine. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Billboard 200: Week of September 20, 2025". Billboard . Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  51. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. September 8, 2025. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  52. ↑ "Longplay Charts vom 5. September 2025". Ö3 Austria Top 40 . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Albums: Week of September 13, 2025". Billboard . Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  54. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Sombr – I Barely Know Her". Offizielle Top 100 (in German). Retrieved September 7, 2025.
  55. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 5, 2025. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  56. ↑ "Album 2025 uke 35" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norge . Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Veckolista Album, vecka 37, 2025" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  58. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (September 14, 2025). "'KPop Demon Hunters' Soundtrack Hits No. 1 on the Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  59. ↑ Peaks in Australia:
  60. ↑ "Discographie Sombr". Ö3 Austria Top 40 . Retrieved September 8, 2025.
  61. ↑ Peaks in Canada:
  62. ↑ Peaks in Norway:
  63. ↑ Peaks in Sweden:
  64. ↑ "17 year old Rising Singer songwriter Sombr Unveils Delicate Single 'Willow'". Mundane. November 15, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  65. ↑ Vigil, Dom (May 19, 2023). "Sombr Reveals New Track, 'never find u'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  66. ↑ Vigil, Dom (June 23, 2023). "Sombr Reveals New Single, 'silhouette'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  67. ↑ Vigil, Dom (November 19, 2023). "Sombr Shares New Single, 'would've been you'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  68. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2025 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  69. ↑ Vigil, Dom (December 14, 2023). "Sombr Shares New Song, 'i don't know you anymore'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  70. ↑ Major, Michael (January 26, 2024). "Sombr Returns With Breathtaking New Single 'In Your Arms'". Broadway World. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  71. ↑ Vigil, Dom (March 29, 2024). "Sombr Releases New Track, 'i'll remember tonight'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  72. ↑ Vigil, Dom (April 19, 2024). "Sombr Releases New Single, 'savior'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  73. ↑ Sharpe, Josh (July 19, 2024). "Sombr Captivates With New Single 'Perfume'". Broadway World. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  74. ↑ Vigil, Dom (November 17, 2024). "Sombr Releases New Single, 'makes Me Want You'". Prelude Press. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  75. 1 2 "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. September 8, 2025. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  76. 1 2 "British certifications – Sombr". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 29, 2025.Type Sombr in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  77. 1 2 "Austrian certifications – Sombr" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  78. 1 2 "Canadian certifications – Sombr". Music Canada . Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  79. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Sombr – Back to Friends". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  80. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Sombr – Undressed". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  81. ↑ "Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard . July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  82. ↑ "Official Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  83. ↑ Newton, Felicity (February 7, 2025). "Rachel Chinouriri has teamed up with Sombr for a new version of 'All I Ever Asked'". Dork . Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  84. ↑ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs: Week of September 6, 2025" . Billboard . Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  85. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 8 September 2025". The ARIA Report. No. 1853. Australian Recording Industry Association. September 8, 2025. p. 4.
  86. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 29, 2025. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  87. ↑ "Singel 2025 uke 35". IFPI Norge . Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  88. ↑ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 35". Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  89. ↑ sombr (February 16, 2023). sombr - weak (official video) . Retrieved September 6, 2025– via YouTube.
  90. 1 2 3 4 5 "Gus Black Music Video Credits as Director". IMVDb. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  91. ↑ sombr (September 15, 2023). sombr - burner phone (official video) . Retrieved September 6, 2025– via YouTube.
  92. ↑ sombr (March 23, 2024). sombr - would've been you (official video) . Retrieved September 6, 2025– via YouTube.
  93. ↑ sombr (March 29, 2024). sombr - i'll remember tonight (official video) . Retrieved September 6, 2025– via YouTube.
  94. ↑ "SOMBR SERVES UP 'BACK TO FRIENDS' VIDEO". Hits Daily Double. April 3, 2025. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  95. ↑ "sombr runs from the dread of moving on in new music video for 'undressed'". Melodic Magazine. May 9, 2025. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  96. ↑ Mier, Tomás (July 24, 2025). "Addison Rae Is Sombr's Sultry Obsession in "12 to 12" Video". Rolling Stone . Retrieved August 3, 2025.
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