Durand Bernarr
Durand Bernarr | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | alcoholharmony, DJ TBD aka Bra Coley |
| Born | Bernarr Durand Ferebee Jr September 16, 1988 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, producer, DJ, Comedian |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, keyboard |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Label | DSING Records (Independent) |
| Website | durandbernarr.com |
Bernarr Durand Ferebee, Jr.,[1] known professionally as Durand Bernarr, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and DJ. He frequently provides background vocals for neo-soul artist Erykah Badu and featured vocals for other artists such as Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, and the Internet. In 2019, Bernarr was a runner-up on the BET reality music competition The Next Big Thing.[2][3] In 2026, he earned his first Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album for his album BLOOM.[4]
Early life
Bernarr was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.[5][6] He was raised an only child by his mother, a professional music teacher and vocal coach, and his father, an audio engineer who worked with artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Jill Scott, and Whitney Houston. At 16, Bernarr accompanied his father on tour for Earth, Wind & Fire as a production assistant.[7] He attended church where his mother was the music director and his interest in music was further nurtured by the gospel music he heard there.[8] He cites Erykah Badu, Rick James and Little Richard as his biggest influences.[3]
Career
In 2008, Bernarr began to grow his digital fanbase by posting YouTube videos that incorporated singing, dancing, and comedic commentary. He also covered popular songs by artists like Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, and Gnarls Barkley.[7] In 2009, he released his first mixtape titled alcoholharmony: The MixT@pe consisting of studio versions of his popular covers from YouTube and original content via Bandcamp.[9] In 2010, Bernarr released his second EP 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu, a compilation of Badu covers and medleys.[10][7] Shortly after, Badu messaged him on Twitter and, having heard 8ight, she hired him as a background vocalist in her band Nedda Stella in 2011.[7]
Bernarr collaborates with various mainstream and independent artists as a featured vocalist or providing background vocals. He has collaborated and performed with Ari Lennox, Kaytranada, The Foreign Exchange, The Internet, Sam Sparro, Thundercat, Knxwledge, Qveen Herby, Tweet and Teedra Moses.[8][9]
Bernarr competed on BET's 2019 reality music competition series The Next Big Thing.[2] He both rapped and sang, and eventually finished as one of the top three performers.[8]
He released the album DUR& (pronounced Durand) in September 2020.[11] In a review, Lucas Aubry of Numéro stated that the album "once again shows his incredible ability to go up in the highs like D’Angelo and down into the low and groovy frequencies of Nate Dogg in numerous rapped moments."[7] In 2022 he released the EP Wanderlust.[12] On the accompanying tour he began DJing under the moniker DJ TBD aka Bra Coley.[13][14]
Bernarr released the album En Route in 2024. En Route earned a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album, his first nomination.[4] He released the album BLOOM in 2025, which is primarily about his appreciation for his "platonic friendships."[15] Meagan Jordan of Rolling Stone stated in a positive review: "Bloom pulls on Bernarr’s musical knowledge and appreciation of many genres, while still remaining unique and authentic to his own vocal style."[15] BLOOM received three Grammy Award nominations,[16] and won the award for Best Progressive R&B Album, which was his first win.[1] His acceptance speech was referred to as "radiating joy."[17]
He released the album Bernarr on May 1, 2026.[18] The album is named for his father, Bernarr Ferebee Sr.[19] The album features Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Sevyn Streeter, Khalid, James Fauntleroy, and Vic Mensa.[18][19] Kyle Denis of Billboard stated in a positive review that Bernarr "expands the singer’s soulful, gospel-informed soundscape with splashy flourishes of yacht rock, P-Funk, house and Miami bass."[20]
Personal life
Bernarr resides in Los Angeles.[3] He identifies as queer.[10]
Discography
Studio albums
- #Blameitonthemango (2014)
- DUR& (2020)
- Wanderlust (2022)
- BLOOM (2025)
- BERNARR. (2026)
EPs
- EXTRA Stankin' Christmas (2012)
- ANXIETY (2013)
- Sound Check (2016)
- En Route (2024)
- Charlie Vettuno Presents... Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?! (with Charlie Vettuno) (2024)
Mixtapes
- alcoholharmony: The MixT@pe (2009)
- 8ight: The Stepson of Erykah Badu (2010)
- Some Time in December, 1987 (2011)
- 80's Baby (2012)
Guest appearances
| Title | Year | Lead artist(s) | Album | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Hang on 2 Your Love" | 2013 | Sam Sparro | Quantum Physical, Vol. 1 EP | [21] |
| "Talk Like God" | Mr. Ivory Snow | Rugged | ||
| "Moon Springs, Natural" (also featuring Rome Fortune) | 2014 | Lorenzo Asher | Numismatics | |
| "Fade" | 2018 | Mr. Ivory Snow | Snow | |
| "One More Time" | Uptowne Buddha | Bravo | ||
| "Freefall" | 2019 | Kaytranada | Bubba | [22] |
| "Houzkatz" | Adam Ness | Sagittarius | ||
| "Shut up & Groove" | Romero Mosley | Forever Is for Dreamers | ||
| "Self Aware" | 2020 | Qveen Herby | EP 8 | [23] |
| "Facetime (Remix)" | Ari Lennox | Shea Butter Baby (Remix EP) | [24] | |
| "Dance to My Heart" | Mr. Ivory Snow | Unreleased II (Light) | ||
| "Can't Wait to Go Outside" | Nanna.B | QuaranTina | ||
| "minding_my business"(also featuring Rose Gold) | Knxwledge | 1988 | ||
| "I Like It" | 2021 | Terrell Grice | The Terrell One Million Show | |
| "Sugar Coat Me" | Philip Lassiter | Live in Love | ||
| "Root Chakra" (also featuring Munir Hossn and Jeff Coffin) | ||||
| "Whisper (Want You)" (also featuring Allen Love and Steve Lacy) | Patrick Paige II | If I Fail Are We Still Cool? | ||
| "Move On" | 2022 | Khé | I'll Be OKhé | |
| "Perspective" (also featuring Aron Hodek and Philip Lassiter) | Candy Dulfer | We Never Stop | ||
| "Midnight" | Kendre Streeter | Facets of Love | ||
| "That Bag" | Elijah Boothe | Wake Up Call | ||
| "Wonderland" | Metta | Euphoric Misery | ||
| "Stuck" | Jam in The Van & T.Nava | T.Nava - Jam in teh Van (Live Session, Los Angeles, CA 2022) | ||
| "Girlfriend" | ||||
| "Red Aura" (also featuring Qveen Herby) | 2023 | Tech N9ne | Bliss | [25] |
| "Own It All" | Soul from the O | Queens and Pharaohs | ||
| "Repent - Live" (also featuring Candy Dulfer) | Philip Lassiter | Raw In Amsterdam (Live) | ||
| "Make America Love Again - Live" | ||||
| "Bump The Man - Live" | ||||
| "Sugar Coat Me - Live" | ||||
| "Wings Of Love - Live" | ||||
| "Soul Music - Live" | ||||
| "Weird" | 2024 | Kaytranada | Timeless | |
| "Tuesday Afternoon" | Sara Lina | The Fool | ||
| "Eat The Rich" | VVitch King | VVitch King | ||
| "Le Départ" | Adi Oasis | Lotus Glow (Deluxe) | ||
| "on the way" | Solomon Fox | speedrun | ||
| "Let It Drop" | 2025 | Estelle | Stay Alta | |
| "Last Lovers" | Aria Lanelle | The Quiet Parts Out Loud | ||
| "Lover" (also featuring Tiffany Gouché) | André Mego | Scent of a Woman | ||
| "Lover - Acapella" (also featuring Tiffany Gouché) | 2026 | A Scent Deconstructed | ||
| "Lover - Freeverse" (also featuring Tiffany Gouché) | ||||
| "Falling" | E-WHIZZ | Whizz's Archive Vol 3 | ||
| "Bossa Bossa" | ||||
| "How Can I" | ||||
| "Moonlight" | Miranda Rae | Soul Food |
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Bernarr has earned 1 award from 4 nominations.[26][27]
| Year | Award | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Best Progressive R&B Album | En Route | Nominated |
| 2026 | Bloom | Won | |
| Best R&B Song | "Overqualified" | Nominated | |
| Best Traditional R&B Performance | "Here We Are" | Nominated |
Miscellaneous awards
| Year | Organization | Award | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | GLAAD Media Awards | Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist | Himself | Won | [28] |
| 2026 | Outstanding Music Artist | Bloom | Nominated | [29] | |
| Queerty Awards | Anthem | "Overqualified" | Nominated |
References
- ^ a b López, Quispe (2026-02-02). "Durand Bernarr's Grammys Acceptance Speech Was a Burst of Black Queer Joy". Them. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
- ^ a b Lynch, Joe. "4 Rising Artists You Should Know in 2019". Billboard. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ a b c "Durand Bernarr: 'I don't look at music like a competition, I'm doing me.'". Loverboy Magazine. 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ a b Monroe, Jazz (2024-11-08). "Grammy Nominations 2025: See the Full List Here". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
- ^ "Lena Waithe and AT&T Debut 4 Artists You Should Know". www.out.com. 2019-08-12. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ Rodriguez, Anthony (2016-10-12). "Durand Bernarr Comes Back 'Around' | SoulBounce | SoulBounce". www.soulbounce.com. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ a b c d e Aubry, Lucas (2020-09-25). "Durand Bernarr, le phénomène repéré par Erykah Badu sur Twitter". Numero.com. Archived from the original on 2020-12-05. Retrieved 2020-11-27.
- ^ a b c Street, Mikelle (2019-10-30). "This Viral Singer Turns Gospel Into Bops About Fuckboys and Weed". Out. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Durand Bernarr Is Soul Music's Best Kept Secret". Sound of Life. Retrieved 2020-10-14.
- ^ a b Francis, Glendon. "9 LGBTQ Artists to Discover During Black History Month". Billboard. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ Clark, Kevin L. "Kaash Paige Introduces Essence's Official Cuffing SZN Opener Playlist". Essence. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ "Durand Bernarr's 'Wanderlust': The R&B Singer Explains Why He's "Constantly In A State Of Arriving" | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ^ "Durand Bernarr". LA Phil. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ^ Masona, Char. "When it comes to his music, Durand Bernarr isn't afraid to show up & show out | Out.com". www.out.com. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ^ a b Jordan, Meagan (2025-02-19). "Durand Bernarr's New Music Is Rooted in Friendship and Collaboration". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
- ^ "2026 GRAMMYS Nominations: Song Of The Year Nominees | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
- ^ "Grammys 2026: Five major moments that happened before the show even started". East Bay Times. 2026-02-02. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
- ^ a b "Durand Bernarr stole hearts at the Grammys. Now, he wants to make sure you can't look away". Los Angeles Times. 2026-04-14. Retrieved 2026-04-24.
- ^ a b Magazine, ColorBloc (2026-05-01). "BERNARR. Is Durand Bernarr in Full". ColorBloc Magazine. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ^ Denis, Kyle (2026-05-01). "Durand Bernarr Cranks Up the Funk on Star-Studded 'BERNARR.' LP: 'When Our Ancestors Did That Lean, They Meant Business!'". Billboard. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
- ^ "Sam Sparro & Durand Bernarr Give Us Something To 'Hang On 2'". www.soulbounce.com. 2014-02-05. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
- ^ "Encore: On 'BUBBA,' Kaytranada Captures Dance Music's Central Tenet". NPR.org. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
- ^ "Sam Smith, MUNA, & 6 More New Songs by LGBTQ+ Artists You Can't Miss". www.pride.com. 2020-07-31. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
- ^ "Ari Lennox drops 'Shea Butter Baby Remix EP' with Doja Cat, Smino and Durand Bernarr – Music News". KVSP Power 103.5. 2020-03-27. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
- ^ Nevares, Gabriel Bras (2023-07-30). "Tech N9ne Is Feeling The "BLISS" On New Album". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
- ^ "Durand Bernarr Grammy Awards". Retrieved November 7, 2025.
- ^ Malia Mendez (November 7, 2025). "Here's the complete list of 2026 Grammy nominees". Retrieved November 7, 2025.
- ^ Allison Bloom and Tony Morrison (March 27, 2025). "LIVE UPDATES: 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Winners". Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ^ Erik Pedersen (January 7, 2026). "GLAAD Media Awards: 'Heated Rivalry', 'Stranger Things' & 'Christy' Among 2026 Nominees". Retrieved January 7, 2026.