Rising star Sombr has reimagined Olivia Dean’s chart-topping anthem “Man I Need,” bringing a textured, indie-rock sensibility to triple j’s iconic Like a Version studio. The performance offers a gritty, distorted spin on the track that recently dominated Australia’s airwaves.
Just a week after securing his own spot within the Top 10 of the annual Hottest 100 countdown, the 20-year-old musician stepped into the booth with his band to pay homage to Dean. Praising the British singer-songwriter as an “inspiring and incredible artist,” Sombr noted that the track’s timeless production and evocative lyrics resonated with him instantly.
“It feels so timeless, and I love the production; I love the lyrics,” he remarked during the session. “Everything about it is amazing.”
While the original version of “Man I Need” was crowned the No. 1 song of the 2025 Hottest 100, Sombr’s interpretation shifts the emotional landscape of the track. By layering fuzzy vocal effects and a driving rhythmic pulse over the core melody, he transforms the soulful original into a moody, indie-leaning staple.
This appearance marks a milestone debut on the platform for the New York-based artist, who has experienced a meteoric rise over the past year. Known for blending diaristic, emotionally raw songwriting with alt-pop influences, Sombr has quickly cultivated a dedicated global following through a series of resonant releases.
His momentum peaked in 2025 with the launch of his debut studio album, I Barely Know Her. Co-produced with the legendary Tony Berg, the 10-track project serves as a sonic exploration of heartbreak and life in New York City. The record features several of his most successful works to date, including the global breakout hit “Back to Friends,” which landed on the Billboard Hot 100, the chart-climbing “Undressed,” and “12 to 12,” which finished at No. 8 in the Hottest 100.
His rapid ascent has also been recognized by the industry at large, earning him nominations for Best New Artist and Best Alternative at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, alongside a packed schedule of high-profile live performances.
