sombr is addressing the “nepo baby” label as he continues to build his career as one of pop and alternative music’s rising artists. In a new cover story for ELLE published Sept. 22, the 21-year-old singer, born Shane Boose, discussed claims that his family connections helped launch his career and rejected the idea that his parents’ professional backgrounds gave him an advantage.
“Every time I see an artist blow up, I’m like, ‘OK, this artist is great. I love them so much. They’re so talented.’ Three months later, somehow they’re a nepo baby,” sombr told ELLE. He said he remains proud of his parents and their work, adding that he considers it “incredibly insane” to think their careers could have helped him secure a record deal or become a successful artist.
Sombr’s father, Andy Boose, was previously a musician before moving into international event production and working with organizations connected to HIV/AIDS causes. His mother, Bennah Serfaty, works in HIV/AIDS prevention. Sombr said he has respect for both of their careers and questioned how those professional connections would have translated into an advantage for his own music career.
The singer’s path into music began before his commercial breakthrough. He attended New York’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he studied music and trained in Italian and German opera. His focus on songwriting eventually affected his schoolwork, and after his music began attracting attention, he left school and pursued a recording career.
His 2022 song “Caroline” gained attention on TikTok and led to interest from record labels. Sombr ultimately signed with Warner Records, which he said was the label that showed the strongest interest in signing him. His early releases did not immediately produce major commercial results, but his 2024 song “Back to Friends” later became the breakthrough that significantly expanded his audience.
“Back to Friends” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 2025 and eventually reached No. 7. The song also became Sombr’s first No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart. His debut album, “I Barely Know Her,” followed in August 2025 and debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, while “12 to 12” became another Hot 100 entry.
Sombr is now preparing for another stage of his career with new music and a forthcoming world tour. In his ELLE interview, he said his newer material reflects the changes in his life since the release of “I Barely Know Her,” with recent songs including “Homewrecker,” “Potential” and “My Body Isn’t Ready.” The October 2026 ELLE cover story also covers his experience with fame, online criticism and the direction of his upcoming music.
