Not every artist needs a debut album to prove they’re worthy of the spotlight. Shane Boose, more commonly known as his stage name, Sombr, became a household name rather quickly.
Before ever releasing a full-length project, Sombr has built a massive fanbase and is becoming one of the most promising new talents in the music industry. Most of his success comes from fragments of his songs featured on social media posts, straying from the traditional way of building a fanbase and establishing a reputation.
The music landscape is constantly evolving, and using social media to his advantage has made it easier for Sombr to connect with listeners in a more immediate and authentic way.
“He’d been honing his craft for years by the time he broke through the noise. But finding success was ultimately a matter of going to sleep anonymous, and waking up a viral sensation,” Mood Magazine wrote in an Instagram post.
His songs “Back to Friends” and “Undressed” went viral on TikTok in early 2025, starting a ripple effect that carried over onto streaming platforms and catapulted him into mainstream music. “Back to Friends” marked his first Billboard Hot 100 hit, entering at No. 90.
These two tracks dig into the highs and lows of young love that Generation Z knows all too well, capturing the confusion, heartbreak and excitement of modern relationships. His lyrics are candid and don’t feel forced, sparking relatable emotions and making listeners feel like he’s telling their story.
The lyrics “I don’t wanna get undressed/ For a new person all over again” from “Undressed” capture the emotional vulnerability of opening up to a new person after losing a previous lover. At the same time, they reflect the hesitancy associated with modern hookup culture, highlighting the tension between genuine connection and casual intimacy.
He pulls inspiration from alternative artists like Jeff Buckley, Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975, blending modern and indie pop to create his signature sound that’s impossible to ignore.
“I was just writing and producing in my bedroom, and posted a snippet on TikTok one day that took off. And then everything changed,” he said in an interview with Off the Record Press. “Now I live in LA and I write all my music and co-produce it with Tony Berg at Sound City Studios.”
With growing recognition from record producers and fans, he transitioned from an underground name on TikTok to a rising star, and soon after, his music started appearing on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” and “Viral Hits” playlists.
The recent release of his first album, “I Barely Know Her,” on Aug. 22, cemented his place in the industry.
He wrote this album completely on his own, each track an inside look at his love life and the complexities of navigating rising stardom. There’s a story between every line, showing his ability to storytell and share moments that feel deeply personal.
The first time I listened to the album in full, I was completely blown away. I had high hopes for this project as it was preceded by four catchy singles: “Back to Friends,” “Undressed,” “We Never Dated” and “12 to 12.”
“12 to 12” is by far my favorite, making its way onto my TikTok “For You Page” multiple times a day and nestling itself in my head long after I’ve finished scrolling.
Another thing that sets Sombr’s music apart from other artists is his unique vocal production. He frequently uses the telephone effect, which is a production style used to make vocals sound like they’re coming through a phone. This distortion not only adds layers to his sound, but makes listeners feel like they’re part of a one-on-one conversation.
When it comes to new albums, it’s rare that I like every song, but with “I Barely Know Her,” it was an effortless listen from start to finish.
Dare I say it’s a perfect album?
Even if it’s not, this sets a high bar for Sombr’s future work, leaving listeners, especially me, excited to see what he does next.
