AUGUST ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: SOMBR

At just 20 years old, Sombr has gone from recording songs in his bedroom to dominating charts and streaming platforms with millions of fans worldwide. With his debut album I Barely Know Her now out and a headlining world tour underway, the rising star has cemented himself as one of the most exciting voices in Gen Z indie-pop.

Born Shane Michael Boose on July 5, 2004, Sombr grew up on New York City’s Lower East Side, immersed in the city’s energy and culture. A classically trained vocalist, he attended LaGuardia High School as a vocal major, but his creative ambitions stretched far beyond the classroom. He spent countless hours writing and producing in his bedroom, experimenting with sound and crafting the emotional style that now defines his music. The name Sombr comes both from his initials, SMB, and as a reflection of the pensive, vulnerable headspace he inhabited as a teenager. Influenced by movies, books, and art as much as by other musicians, he draws on consumed culture and lived experiences rather than writing about specific people—a choice that gives his songs both universality and intimacy.

His defining moment came during his sophomore year of high school, when he wrote and produced “Caroline” entirely on his own. After posting a snippet to TikTok, he carefully studied the platform’s algorithm and promotion strategies, ultimately helping the video explode. By the height of the pandemic, “Caroline” had gone viral, racking up millions of plays across TikTok and Spotify. The track’s success changed everything. At just 16, Sombr was suddenly an online sensation, and the momentum convinced him to leave LaGuardia High School during his junior year to pursue music full time. “Caroline” became the launchpad that transformed him from a bedroom artist into a rising industry name.

His first official single, “Nothing Left to Say,” arrived in October 2021 and marked the beginning of his career. By January 2023, Sombr had signed with Warner Records and released “weak” to coincide with the announcement. That same year, he unveiled his debut EP In Another Life, co-produced with Tony Berg. The project highlighted his confessional songwriting and layered soundscapes, resonating with Gen Z’s hunger for authenticity and earning him critical recognition as an artist to watch. Beyond the studio, he began carving out a reputation on stage, joining tours with Nessa Barrett and Daniel Seavey and selling out his own show at the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles—milestones that proved his viral success could translate into real-world fandom.

By 2025, Sombr had moved firmly into the spotlight. His singles “Back to Friends” and “Undressed” went viral on TikTok in March, leading them to peak at No. 30 and No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. His streaming presence grew quickly: he surpassed 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify by late March, more than doubled that number in April, and by August had exceeded 50 million monthly listeners. “Back to Friends” became his first song to reach 100 million streams on the platform, followed soon after by “Would’ve Been You,” “Undressed,” and “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” On August 22, 2025, he released his debut album I Barely Know Her, a project that blends indie-pop and alternative elements, balancing introspective ballads with energetic tracks that reflect his growth as a songwriter. The release coincided with his first headlining world tour, The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour, which included sold-out dates across North America, Europe, and Australia. His success has also been recognized with two nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, including Best New Artist, where he is also scheduled to perform.

Sombr’s rise illustrates how a new generation of musicians is leveraging digital platforms to achieve mainstream recognition. His music is defined by its lyrical honesty, indie-pop sensibility, and relatability, qualities that connect strongly with a Gen Z audience while placing him within a broader tradition of modern indie-pop storytellers. From his beginnings as a teenager producing in his bedroom to his current status as a charting artist with global reach, Sombr has demonstrated both adaptability and a clear artistic vision. With a debut album, sold-out shows, and growing industry recognition, his trajectory suggests that his influence will continue to expand, marking him as one of the most significant emerging artists to watch.

Written & photographed by: Ana Oquendo