Shane Boose became sombr via a make-shift recording studio in his bedroom. His song ‘Caroline’ (released in 2022) became a sad girl anthem, taking the internet by storm. The track was self-produced, self-written and self-released when sombr was just 16, it has since been streamed on Spotify over 45 million times.
Continuing to drop EPs and singles ever since, sombr now has over 28 million monthly listeners. His songs ‘would’ve been you’, ‘do I ever cross your mind’, ‘back to friends’ and latest single ‘undressed’ have become indie-rock hits, with the latter two certified Gold in Australia and both currently in the top 10 of the ARIA singles chart. sombr also teamed up with Rachel Chinouriri (2025 Britt Nominee and support for Sabrina Carpenter’s tour) to release a remix / collab of Rachel’s hit ‘All I Ever Asked’.
It’s the kind of trajectory that feels once in a generation. Between his remarkable aural instincts and an insatiability for experimenting with new sounds, sombr exudes staying power. This became more evident during his headline 2024 North American tour. Concert Chronicles stated, “sombr did not disappoint, delivering a performance that was both mesmerizing and electrifying” of his live show, with My Life In Sound adding, “If you have the chance to see sombr live, seize the opportunity – his performance is not to be missed."
Proudly part of the Auckland Council whānau
Location
Te wāhi
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Arrive early and explore the surrounding Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, The Civic, Aotea Centre and Q Theatre are all within a few minutes’ walk, with plenty of nearby dining options before or after a show.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Auckland Town Hall sits on Queen Street opposite Aotea Square. Te Waihorotiu Station is around a 2-minute walk away, while Waitematā Station and the ferry terminal are around a 17–20 minute walk down Queen Street. Frequent bus services stop nearby, and The Civic Car Park provides convenient parking close to the venue.
For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
He pārongo atu anō