Robert Humber (he/him) is an award-winning Corner Brook, NL-based composer, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose work is “deeply personal yet universally resonant” (Indie Spirits). He has written and performed music in concert halls, for films, ballet and more. In 2025, he was nominated for 4 MusicNL awards, 3 for his work as a singer-songwriter (R Sheaves) and 1 for his work as a classical composer (Threnody for rocking chair). Recently, his piece for five violins, “into air,” was awarded 1st prize in the 2024 SOCAN Young Composer Award (Chamber Ensemble). His 2024 CMC Emerging Composer Prize-winning piece “warmth comes” was premiered by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, officially opening the Winnipeg New Music Festival. This summer, Robert’s piano piece “hammeringsong” was performed by pianist Stephen Eckert at the Darmstadt Festival. In 2025, Robert scored his first ballet, “Winnie the Pooh” in collaboration with Kittiwake Ballet. Together with Hilary Knee, he is currently working on “viscera,” a 30-minute contemporary dance piece for piano and electronics. Other recent projects include “Some Chords for Angel Island,” a commission from Calgary’s Astralis Quartet, and “elegy half erased,” a commission from London, England’s Greenwich Trio. In 2026, Robert is working on pieces for cellist Vernon Regehr, violinist Arlan Vriens, and a shadow puppet ballet. He is also working toward a cross-Canadian tour with his band R Sheaves. “Into Air,” a new album of his classical works, is releasing via Redshift Records in February 2026.
Under the moniker “R Sheaves,” Robert released his debut alternative folk/rock album “MARY SPINS” on March 14, 2025, via Milltown Records. He wrote, recorded and mixed the album himself over a two-year period, layering voices, woodwinds, guitars, accordions, strings and singing saws under softly sung lyrics chronicling the loss and discovery of faith, doubt, grief and beauty.
Robert graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music Composition at the University of British Columbia, where he studied with Jocelyn Morlock, Stephen Chatman, Dorothy Chang and Keith Hamel. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he studied with Andrew Staniland and Clark Ross.
Name:
Robert Humber
Genre:
Contemporary classical music, experimental, abstract
Founded:
1995
# of Albums:
2 (released under my own name)
Latest Album:
Into air
Latest Single:
Into air
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
The first time I ever heard Igor Stravinsky (at maybe 17 years old), it totally blew my mind.
Favourite musician now:
Hard to say, but I “rediscovered” Elliott Smith recently and was absolutely struck by his songwriting and recording sensibilities, particularly in his first few albums.
Guilty pleasure song:
I feel no guilt about it, but apparently, my most-played song ever is “I THINK” by Tyler, the Creator.
Live show ritual:
When I’m playing with my band R Sheaves, my pre-show ritual is drinking a bunch of throat tea and being really unfocused and hard to hold a conversation with until after the show, lol. Nerves.
Favourite local musician:
Here in Corner Brook, NL, I’ve got to shout out my guy Scott Sheppard. Apart from being an absolute beast on bass and guitar (and playing in my band), Scott writes music for two of the coolest bands in town, Bus People and The Rangers.
EP or LP?
Like, what do I prefer? LP for sure. There are some great EPs, too, though.
Early bird or night owl?
I wish I was an early bird, but the owls keep dragging me back to the night.
Road or studio?
Studio. I’m a composer, which generally means I am a hermit.
Any shows or albums coming up?
My new album of contemporary classical pieces, “into air,” is out February 27, 2026, via Redshift Records. The album has been 5 years in the making. The music is kaleidoscopic, sometimes fragile and lyrical, other times massive and engulfing. Featuring mesmerizing and often virtuosic performances by violinist Adrian Irvine, guitarist Ben Diamond, pianist Stephen Eckert and cellist Heather Tuach.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Strum’s. Underrated because they are in a weird location in the Millbrook Mall. But the service is always top-notch, and the burgers are beautiful (plus reasonably priced).
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
West Street. It’s kind of… the only street. Craft beer, Luigi’s pizza, the library, the Rotary Arts Centre, Mighty Valley Coffee. It’s all there.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
I don’t really visit parks here, but everywhere is beautiful. I love walking around my neighbourhood in the Heights. The views of the harbour, the hills and Blomidon is unmatched.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre. They are an extremely supportive venue of original music, and they have helped me so much in the past several years.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Gary Bennett’s Music.
