Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sombr is pushing back against claims that his family connections helped launch his music career.
The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is Shane Michael Boose, addressed accusations that he is an "industry plant" or "nepo baby" in a new Elle cover story published Sept. 22.
Sombr's father, Andy Boose, has worked in international event production, including with nonprofit organizations and HIV/AIDS-related groups, while his mother, Bennah Serfaty, has worked in HIV/AIDS prevention and for amfAR.
According to Sombr, neither parent used their careers or connections to help him get signed.
"Every time I see an artist blow up, I'm like, 'Okay, this artist is great. I love them so much. They're so talented.' Three months later, somehow,they're a nepo baby," he said.
He added that he is proud of his parents and the work they have dedicated their lives to.
"To think that that could help me get signed or become a big artist because my dad devotes his life to fight AIDS is just incredibly insane," Sombr said.
His own path to music was far from straightforward. Sombr said his focus on music began affecting his schoolwork, with his mother regularly receiving emails about his failing grades and missed classes.
"I was failing in school, and we would get emails home pretty much three times a week," he said. "My mom was saying I was spending too much time doing music, because I was flunking and skipping class. You can't expect your kid to be a pop star."
After his song "Caroline" gained traction online, record labels began approaching him. Sombr eventually left school and signed with Warner Records, which he said was the label most eager to sign him.
The singer also opened up about his complicated relationship with fame, saying he does not even like describing himself as famous.
"It's self-centered to call yourself famous," he said. "I don't even think of it as a positive thing. How can I describe being in the spotlight when I don't always want to be seen?"
