CLEVELAND — With song titles like Melody, Overqualified, and Mango Butter, Durand Bernarr has carved out a space uniquely his own in the world of progressive R&B.
Now, the Grammy-nominated artist, who proudly calls Ohio home, recently came back to Cleveland as part of his, “You Gon’ Grow, Too” tour.
Performing at the House of Blues in downtown Cleveland, Bernarr reflected on what it means to return to his hometown.
“It’s very gratifying to still be an independent artist, to be Black, not straight, and still be able to make these dents in the industry,” he said.
Bernarr, 36, received his first Grammy nomination this year for En Route, his 2024 extended play that was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 67th annual Grammy Awards.
“I’ve never been signed to a label. I haven’t had a huge backing,” he said. “I’ve always just had my village.”
Raised in a musical household, Bernarr was born Bernarr Ferebee Jr. His father, Bernarr Ferebee Sr., is an audio engineer, and his mother is a vocal coach and music teacher. That upbringing fueled his early passion for music, which first caught the public’s attention through YouTube covers in the early 2000s, including a notable rendition of an Erykah Badu track.
His talent later earned him a spot in Badu’s band as a background vocalist and a runner-up finish on BET’s The Next Big Thing in 2019. Over the years, he has become known for fusing rich vocals with themes of self-exploration, vulnerability and joy.
His latest album, BLOOM, released earlier this year, showcases a more transparent and personal side of Bernarr. The songs draw inspiration from recent life experiences and emotional growth.
“Some of this stuff happened six months ago or three months ago,” he said. “Some of those things I was healing from in real time.”
In “Overqualified,” a standout track from BLOOM, Bernarr sings: "I’m a little too self-aware, love is a blessing and a curse when I care."
He credits therapy and intentional self-work as the creative foundation for the album.
“We always find ourselves doing what’s called ‘the work’ or unpacking rather and trying to make sure we’re our best selves,” he said.
The Cleveland performance held special meaning for the artist. Both of his parents were in the audience.
“Just watching him explode and get better and better and better, it’s like fine wine,” said his father.
Besides his Grammy nomination, Bernarr was recently honored as the “Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist” at the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards.
“I’m always just open to whatever life has to offer,” Bernarr said. “Whether that’s the pains or whether that’s the joys, I’m willing to just live and feel all of it.”
To learn more about Durand Bernarr and his musical journey, click here.
