Shane Michael Boose, known professionally as Sombr, is an American singer, songwriter and musician born on July 5, 2005, in New York City. He was raised on the Lower East Side and is now based in Los Angeles. He began taking music more seriously while still in school. After being introduced to GarageBand toward the end of elementary school, he started experimenting with layered tracks and harmonies. In middle school, he began using Logic Pro and learning production techniques through online tutorials. By high school, he had focused on producing his own material rather than relying on outside producers.
Boose adopted the stage name Sombr in 2021, when he released his debut single, “Nothing Left to Say”. The name incorporates his initials, SMB, while also reflecting his emotional state at the time. After releasing several early singles, his song “Caroline” went viral, leading to a record deal with Warner Records in early 2023. Later that year, he released his debut EP, In Another Life, which was co-produced by Tony Berg.
Sombr achieved widespread attention in 2025 when “Back to Friends” and “Undressed” went viral on TikTok. Both songs reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200, while also achieving significant international success. “Undressed” topped the Irish Singles Chart and reached 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. The success brought Sombr his first major award recognition, including three nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. He won Best Alternative Video for “Back to Friends”.
In August 2025, Sombr released his debut studio album, I Barely Know Her. The album received favorable reviews and reached the top ten on several sales charts, including the Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. It also earned Sombr a nomination for Best New Artist at the 68th Grammy Awards. He followed the album with the singles “Homewrecker”, released in February 2026, and “My Body Isn't Ready”, released in June 2026.
Sombr’s music has been described as indie rock, indie pop, pop rock, alternative rock and alternative pop. He has identified Jeff Buckley and Radiohead as his biggest musical influences, with Buckley particularly inspiring his vocal approach. His broader influences include the Velvet Underground, John Lennon, David Bowie, Elton John, Billie Eilish, Brian Wilson, the Rolling Stones, Prince, Oasis and Taylor Swift. His career combines songwriting, performance and self-production, with his early work developing into an increasingly prominent international presence.
