From a makeshift bedroom studio on New York’s Lower East Side to sold-out venues around the world, sombr has enjoyed one of the most remarkable journeys of any artist of his generation. Born Shane Boose in New York City, he was introduced to classical music at an early age and began writing and recording his own songs while still a teenager, alongside his studies at the prestigious LaGuardia High School. Teaching himself music production, he has remained the sole songwriter and a co-producer of his music. In 2022, “Caroline” went viral, marking the first major breakthrough for the young singer-songwriter.
This was followed by the EP In Another Life (2023) and his collaboration with producer Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, The Replacements), but global recognition came with “back to friends”. The track reached No. 1 on Spotify’s Global and US charts and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it has since surpassed 2.3 billion streams on the platform. “Undressed” and “12 to 12” enjoyed similarly impressive success. In August 2025, he released his debut album, I Barely Know Her, with all three singles charting simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 and the album reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.
His success has translated into an equally impressive live career. His first headline tours across North America, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand sold out, as did his major European tour earlier this year. Following his 2025 MTV Video Music Award win for Best Alternative, he received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2026 and made his Coachella debut in April. He is currently undertaking his first North American arena tour, which includes two nights at Madison Square Garden.
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