Rising From Roots To Renaissance

Every now and then, a talent emerges that’s so extraordinary, their potential is impossible to ignore. Enter Durand Bernarr, a dynamic artist blending sass, humor, grit, and flamboyant storytelling. His unique presence has captivated audiences, marking him as a standout in today's music landscape.

Drawing inspiration from larger-than-life legends like Little Richard and Rick James, Durand’s artistry is defined by his impressive five-octave vocal range and his bold, charismatic persona. Hailing from Ohio, Durand is not only a singer but also a songwriter, producer, DJ, and entertainer. His creative upbringing was influenced by his musically inclined parents—his mother, a music teacher, and his father, an audio engineer who has worked with renowned artists such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé. When he's not performing on stage alongside some of the industry’s biggest stars, Durand can often be found roller skating while performing hits from his ever-growing music catalog.

In 2021, Durand teamed up with Questlove and Black Stream Live to host the virtual music series “Road to Roots Picnic,” making waves in the digital music space. Known for his eclectic style, Qveen Herby dubbed him a “Musical Theatre gangster,” and he’s earnedthe title of “your favorite singer’s favorite singer.”

Durand has collaborated with some of music’s top talents, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Erykah Badu, Kaytranada, The Internet, Anderson .Paak, Ari Lennox, and many more.

Durand also opened for Erykah Badu’s “Live from Badubotron” tour, an experience he cherishes given Badu’s influence on his own music. His song “Around” was featured on the soundtrack for Lena Waithe’s "Boomerang" series, and in 2021, he continued to rise with features alongside R&B star Ari Lennox and Grammy Award-winning producer Kaytranada. Additionally, Durand took on the role of executive producer for the soundtrack of the recently released film B-Boy Blues.

In 2022, Durand headlined NYC’s PrideFest, where his performance of “Stuck” was broadcast live on ABC7. He also received a Grammy recognition for his work

on “Freefall” from Kaytranada’s Grammy-winning album BUBBA. The following year, Durand embarked on a 17-city, sold-out tour—The Wanderlust Tour—andhis NPR Tiny Desk concert quickly went viral, with over 1.5 million views. In this performance, he and his band paid tribute to Disney’s The Proud Family, delighting fans worldwide.

Durand Bernarr is undoubtedly a rising star, a true reflection of the times, and an artist poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry. His artistry represents freedom, community, and humanity—qualities that make him not just an entertainer, but a cultural force. Durand is undeniably on the path to becoming the next big thing, embodying everything that The RSL Renaissance Man stands for.