Roblo’s Rock hails from the Bay St. George area of Newfoundland, a region rich in musical tradition and a history masterful accordion and fiddle players. Deeply inspired by the culture and soundscape of their home, the band’s debut album Off the Floor is both a tribute to that legacy and a step forward into their own original voice.

With this album, Roblo’s Rock set out to strike a balance between preserving the traditional tunes and styles of their region and showcasing their original music — songs that reflect a wide range of influences while staying grounded in the spirit of the island. From high-energy sets of tunes to heartfelt lyrics, Off the Floor is a celebration of where they come from and where they’re going.

True to its name, much of the album was recorded “off the floor,” capturing the raw energy and chemistry of the band’s live shows. The bass and drum beds were tracked live, giving the record a vibrant, in-the-room feel that attempts to mirror the passion they bring to the stage. Off the Floor is a musical snapshot of a place, a people, and a band committed to merging the old with the new to create something uniquely their own.

Although Roblo’s Rock has only been active since the fall of 2022, its members are no strangers musically. Many have performed together in various configurations for over a decade, but it wasn’t until a local session in Stephenville that this particular lineup came together. Bonding over a shared passion for traditional music — especially the accordion and fiddle tunes rooted in Newfoundland’s Port au Port and Bay St. George regions — the group found its purpose: to preserve and celebrate the music of their home while bringing something new to the table.

Roblo’s Rock is a six-piece traditional group made up of Donovan Conran (vocals, fiddle, mandolin, tenor banjo), Ryan Perrier (accordion), Devon Benoit (acoustic guitar), Shane Blanchard (bass), Steve White (drums), and, as of March 2024, Ryan Tiller (electric guitar). All members share a strong musical lineage deeply rooted in the French traditions of the region, with many also drawing from Irish, Scottish, and Indigenous influences — five of the six members come from Indigenous backgrounds. The result is a unique blend of styles that shines through in both their instrumental sets and original songwriting.

The band also shares strong family ties: cousins Donovan, Devon, and Shane form one group of cousins, while Steve and Ryan Perrier form another — making Roblo’s Rock as much a family band as a musical one. Since forming, they’ve entertained audiences across Newfoundland, with notable appearances at the Gros Morne Fall Fest, Trails Tales and Tunes, the 2023 ArtsNL Awards Gala, Fêton Les Festival and a pair of sold-out St. Patrick’s Day shows at the Corner Brook Civic Centre in 2024 and 2025.

Roblo’s Rock is committed to preserving the traditional music of their home and beyond, while blending it with a contemporary, energetic style that appeals to all ages. Their live performances showcase both traditional and original material — a reflection of their heritage, influences, and the strong sense of place that continues to inspire them.