Sombr Reflects on How ‘Back to Friends’ Helped Him Through Dark Times

## An Emotional Journey with Sombr

For Sombr, performing his poignant breakup anthem “Back to Friends” each night takes him back to “a really dark point” in his life. Yet, he embraces this experience.

“Every night when I play it, I relive everything I was feeling that night when I wrote it,” shares Sombr, recognized as MTV’s Global Push Artist for September. “All the emotions come back. That song saved me in a way, and being able to end my show with it… It’s like a full circle moment every night.”

### Upcoming Performances and Recognition

In addition to releasing a new live rendition of his track as the MTV Push Artist, Sombr will make his awards show performance debut on Sept. 7 at the 2025 MTV VMAs. He is nominated for prestigious awards for both Best New Artist and Best Alternative.

### Musical Roots and Inspirations

Shane Boose, known as Sombr, reveals that his musical inspirations trace back to his childhood. “I grew up listening to what my dad played around the house—bands like The Beatles, The Stones, Radiohead, and Velvet Underground,” he explains. “My earliest memories involve my dad playing guitar. We always had instruments in our home, and I remember writing my first song with my sister when I was about six. Music has always been a part of me; it’s hard to imagine life without it.”

### Embracing Success

Sombr is celebrating his rapid ascent in the music scene. “It’s challenging to take a step back and acknowledge how amazing this is when everything is happening so quickly, but it truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he reflects. “Meeting new people, traveling to different countries, and connecting with beautiful souls through my music—it’s everything I ever wanted to do in my life.”

The 2025 MTV VMAs will be broadcast live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, along with a simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+.

What do you think about Sombr’s journey in the music industry?