Who Is Sombr? Meet the Internet's Next Favorite Favorite Pop Boy

TikTok is always good for a laugh, but in recent years, it’s also become a major launchpad for small artists trying to get their music out there, letting the algorithm work its magic. Sure, sometimes it feels like a shot in the dark, but more than a few unknown names have managed to break through, going viral off just a 15-second snippet—and often turning that moment into long-term success. Think Steve Lacy, Benson Boone, and more recently, Lola Young with her hit “Messy.” Now, there’s a new name taking over TikTok audios. Meet Sombr, the musician going viral for more reasons than one.

Born Shane Boose, but who goes by Sombr to his millions of fans, the 19-year-old American singer-songwriter is making waves with two breakout singles, “Back to Friends” and “Undressed”—both trending all over TikTok. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s also being noticed for his good looks to his teenage fans, which seems to be a key element in the making of any new favorite pop boy.

Sombr is taking advantage of the spotlight, most recently announcing his U.S. tour, "The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour," and he’s already had to expand due to a high demand in tickets. 

But who is he, and where did he come from?

The musician attended New York City's LaGuardia High School, the performing arts school that has shaped many famous names before him, including his look-alike Timothée Chalamet. While studying classical music, he turned to his bedroom to make his own kind of music, creating a makeshift studio, which came in handy when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That period brought him to the release of his breakout single “Caroline,” which racked up over a million streams within its first week.

Sombr has already gotten the hang of touring during his 2024 North American tour, famously chipping his front tooth on stage, which has become a meme across his ever-growing fanbase.

With the singer's next tour set to kick off in September 2025, it’s clear that Sombr’s momentum is only just beginning. At just 19 years old, he’s already carved out a space for himself in today’s very crowded music landscape—and if the past year is any indication, he's poised for an even bigger breakout. Between his viral hits, live performances, and TikTok having his back, Sombr is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young voices to watch. And something tells us, this is only the start.

Watch the music video for his hit single "Back to Friends" below.