On The Rise Vol 6 - Sombr

It’s hard to remember a summer playlist in 2025 that didn’t feature at least one song by Sombr. Whether you were nursing a heartbreak, dancing alone in your bedroom, or trying to put feelings into words you didn’t quite understand yet—chances are, Sombr did it for you. So it goes without saying that this next artist for the On The Rise series was an easy choice.

Born Shane Michael Boose and raised in New York City, the 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer—who goes simply by Sombr—is redefining what it means to be an indie artist in the digital age: emotionally raw, sonically honest, and fiercely self-made.

Credit - Savannah Lauren

Sombr began releasing music independently from his bedroom, gaining early traction on TikTok with the lo-fi demo “Caroline.” That song, written when Shane was 16, marked the beginning of a growing fanbase who found comfort in his whispered vocals, open wounds, and reverberated guitars.

But it was “Back to Friends”, released in late 2024, that made everything explode. The track became a viral phenomenon, racking up over 500 million streams, landing Sombr his first Billboard Hot 100 placement, and earning him comparisons to artists like Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers—if they were raised on Radiohead and Tumblr heartbreak threads.

If there’s one word that describes Sombr’s music, it’s tender. But don’t mistake softness for weakness—his lyrics hit hard. Tracks like “Undressed”, “We Never Dates” and “12 to 12” have blown up this summer cementing Sombr as one of the biggest rising stars of the year.

“Undressed” – a gut-punch of vulnerability disguised as a slow-burn anthem. Sombr released the single back in March and has been blowing up ever since. The track quickly soared to over 300m streams on Spotify within 3 months. 

“We Never Dated” – the unofficial theme song of every situationship. that navigates romantic gray areas—painful, unresolved, and deeply relatable. The song addresses emotional conflict before any label was applied.

“12 to 12” – a disco‑tinged, emotionally confused banger that makes dancing through heartbreak feel almost sacred. This track introduces a funk-inflected, disco-tinged palette to Sombr’s catalog (featuring Addison Rae in the video), merging introspective lyrics with late-night groove. The emotional confusion is palpable—heartbreak meets dance floor catharsis.

Credit - Bryce Glenn

Every song feels like a voice memo you weren’t supposed to hear but needed anyway. It’s that intimacy that makes Sombr stand out. He’s not just writing music; he’s capturing emotional fingerprints.

In the span of just a few months, Sombr has performed live on The Tonight Show, recorded a haunting cover of “Ribs” for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, and kicked off his Late Nights & Young Romance Tour, selling out venues across North America and Europe.

Critics agree, it’s not just the music, it’s the feeling he leaves behind. As The Guardian put it: “Sombr’s songs don’t just resonate—they haunt.”

Sombr is more than a viral moment. He’s the future of indie—genreless, gut-driven, and global. His blend of confessional songwriting and ambient textures feels deeply modern, yet timeless enough to echo long after the final chorus fades.

Credit - Bryce Glenn

As he continues to evolve, dabbling in funk grooves, cinematic visuals, and collaborations… we’re watching an artist who isn’t just rising. He’s defining a new kind of stardom: one built on empathy, not ego.

Sombr’s rise in 2025 is the perfect storm of heartfelt songwriting, polished self-production, and ecosystem synergy. From viral TikTok attention to critically acclaimed singles and memorable visuals. Each track feels like a transmission from a restless heart: sincere, stripped-back, and at times reverberating with danceable energy.

As he moves through his first headline tour, racking up impressive numbers on streaming and in charts across multiple regions, it becomes clear: Sombr isn't just the latest indie darling, he's a game-changer carving out a space entirely his own. His blend of emotional intelligence and raw honesty positions him as one of the most compelling artists emerging right now.

Credit - Emily Harris