Durand Bernarr is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and creative force reshaping progressive R&B with unmatched vocal range, bold stage presence, and fearless individuality. His sound fuses funk, soul, and avant-garde artistry, earning him collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu, Kaytranada, Anderson .Paak, The Internet, and Teedra Moses.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a father who was an audio engineer and a mother who was a vocal coach, Bernarr was immersed in music from childhood. By 16, he was working as a production assistant for Earth, Wind & Fire—an early step that honed both his technical skills and artistic vision. He rose to prominence in the early 2010s with viral covers showcasing his dynamic voice and interpretative brilliance.
His 2016 project Sound Check established his signature style, followed by DUR& (2020), a critically acclaimed album featuring Ari Lennox, Anna Wise, and Kaytranada. Wanderlust and the GRAMMY-nominated En Route cemented his status as a leading voice in modern R&B. His feature on Kaytranada’s “Weird” from Timeless contributed to that album’s nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
In 2023, he teamed with producer-songwriter duo Charlie Vettuno for Charlie Vettuno Presents…Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?!, bridging Wanderlust and his forthcoming third studio album, BLOOM. The upcoming album celebrates love in all forms—friendship, self-discovery, and community—through rich, genre-blending soundscapes. Its lead single, “Impact,” previews a deeply personal and evolving sonic chapter.
Onstage, Bernarr is a powerhouse, commanding festivals like Afropunk, Bonnaroo, and Essence Festival, along with headlining tours like Wanderlust and Step Into My Office. His 2023 Tiny Desk Concert became a viral sensation, further proving his artistry. Whether front and center or behind the scenes, Durand Bernarr continues to expand the boundaries of R&B, standing as one of its most innovative and uncompromising voices.
FreeFall
Stuck
Overqualified
Weird
Mango Butter
Worked as production assistant for Earth, Wind & Fire at sixteen.
Provided background vocals for Erykah Badu on multiple tours.
Performed with Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, and The Internet live.
Played major festivals including Afropunk, Bonnaroo, and Essence Festival.
Headlined Wanderlust Tour and Step Into My Office Tour.
Delivered viral 2023 NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance.
Co-directed and sang for Teedra Moses’s Tiny Desk appearance.
Runner-up on BET’s The Next Big Thing in 2019.
Released breakout project Sound Check in 2016 to acclaim.
DUR& (2020) featured Ari Lennox, Anna Wise, and Kaytranada.
En Route (2024) nominated for 2025 Grammy Best Progressive R&B Album.
Earned Grammy participation certificate for Kaytranada feature “Weird” from Timeless.
Released Wanderlust as sophomore album before En Route.
2023 EP Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?! with Charlie Vettuno.
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