Los Angeles, California Sep 28, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - Celebrated singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr has unleashed his highly anticipated new album DUR&, which debuted at #1 R&B Album on Apple Music. Released on DSING Records, DUR& features R&B songstress Ari Lennox, KAYTRANADA, Anna Wise, bassist Egberto “Buddah” Foster, Jr., and various producers from Sam Hoffman to TK Kayembe.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and based in Los Angeles, Durand Bernarr is revered by many in the music industry as a “singer's favorite singer”. He has built a career performing with Erykah Badu and collaborating with the likes of The Internet, Anderson. Paak, and Teedra Moses. His first EP, “Sound Check”, was released to accolades in 2016, and in 2019, he co-produced and featured on “Freefall,” a track on KAYTRANADA’s latest album BUBBA, which has more than 2 million plays on Spotify alone. His velvety vocals and rich lyrical storytelling represent the core of who Durand Bernarr really is—free of shame and guilt, and embracing all of his true self in a musical coming-of-age.
Durand’s newest offering DUR& is a self-titled album that correlates with the meaning of his name—strong, endure, and brave, which the album displays, including the complemented bassline by Buddah Foster Jr., heard throughout the album. The lead singles off the album “Stuck.” reunites the singer with Ari Lennox, which gives fans the long-awaited chemistry they yearn from them vocally. Sonically, the song has melodic undertones reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, which provides a backdrop to their harmonious connection. Following a syncopated track “Passport” featuring singer Anna Wise (Kendrick Lamar), her vocal depth for this song adds warmth to an elevated melodic climax that takes the listener on a universal journey, layered with tonal modes from saxophonist Bryan Thompson. On “Volume” featuring KAYTRANADA, showcases Durand’s falsetto and technical phrasing, aligned with a tech-retro sound. Another song from the album that is catching steam by his fans is “Melody” a sultry euphonious tune evocative of “Blackberry Molasses” by Mista. When describing the overall experience with creating this album, Durand states, “I want to create consistent bops, not hits. I wanted the music to feel like cold water running down your throat on a hot day.” In regards to his ever-growing fanbase, “I want my fans to be shocked and surprised, think, laugh, and most importantly for this body of work, for them to feel seen...encompassing good music that the queer community can be proud of,” states Durand.
DUR& is a 13-track album currently available on all digital platforms.
For more information about the album and upcoming appearances, please visit: www.durandbernarr.com or @durandbernarr (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
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Alist & Co. / Aalyah Duncan a.duncan@alist-co.com
