Sombr, the 20-year-old New York native, is dominating the music scene in 2025, marking an extraordinary year filled with chart-topping successes and milestone achievements. With his songs “Back To Friends” and “Undressed” cracking the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 12 and No. 16 respectively, he has quickly made a name for himself. His debut album, I Barely Know Her, not only debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 but also solidified his status as a rising star in the industry.
The singer-songwriter’s trajectory continues to ascend this week as he prepares for his first appearance on Saturday Night Live and proudly accepts a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Adding to his accolades, Sombr just wrapped a sold-out North American tour, dubbed the Late Nights & Young Romance Tour, which spanned 31 dates, showcasing how in-demand he has become. According to UTA data, he has impressively sold over 100,000 tickets across various countries, including a sold-out show at Dublin’s 3Arena, with plans for more performances in Australia and Europe in the near future.
John “JT” Taylor, Sombr’s UTA agent, has recently been honored as Billboard’s Executive of the Week due to his pivotal role in navigating Sombr’s exceptionally swift rise in the music scene. Taylor, who has a longstanding relationship with various artists, including the Jonas Brothers, emphasized the effectiveness of digital strategies and partnerships with streaming services and social media in promoting artists in today’s landscape.
The journey of booking a tour for an artist experiencing such rapid growth is no small feat. Taylor recalled how the team prioritized the fan experience, ensuring that ticket prices remained accessible and venues suited to the fans’ excitement. As the demand surged, it became evident that many initially booked venues were too small, prompting swift adjustments to accommodate more fans without interrupting the show’s flow.
The logistics of upgrading venues and ensuring that fans could still retain their original tickets at face value proved challenging yet rewarding. Taylor and his team worked closely with local promoters to facilitate those upgrades while keeping costs manageable. This collaboration was key to their success, demonstrating a commitment to both the artist’s and fans’ needs.
Sombr’s impact extends beyond North America, with performances in Europe and upcoming shows scheduled in Australia. His quick rise to selling over 100,000 tickets in diverse territories is a remarkable feat for a relatively new artist. Markets such as Japan found Sombr engaging with fans directly, even performing at the Summer Sonic festival, which has generated significant interest for his return.
As for what lies ahead, the excitement continues with his SNL debut, upcoming Australian shows, and a highly anticipated European/U.K. tour slated for 2026, promising to further build on his growing legacy. Sombr’s journey illustrates not just his talent but also the importance of a strategic approach in the fast-paced music industry, making waves and cultivating a dedicated fan base around the globe. With dedicated collaborators and a fan-first philosophy, Sombr is well on his way to becoming a major touring artist.