Durand Bernarr on Building as an Indie Artist, Erykah Badu, & His Viral Tiny Desk | Small Doses

Singer and performer Durand Bernarr joins us this week to explore what it means to show in the music industry and life as your authentic self - even if you're like no one else.
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[@ensabahnur3104]

Now wait a minute if your daddy was audio engineering for Earth Wind and Fire and The Spice Girls he is not just an audio engineer he is an audio engineering Legend... *LEGEND*

[@photogenic305]

That Part!!!

[@theworldofjer]

I love how unapologetic Durand is! Not to mention he should be at the top of the charts with his talent 🌻 A true gem

[@msnos6245]

He original too

[@onemilliondivas]

Yeah! Ain't he everything you want on your hOTPLATE'..I'M A BIT BIAS C' AUSE HE IS MY GODSON! LIVIN' MY BEST LIFE CAUSE HE LUVS THIS OLE' LADY IN BROKLYN~ CATTCH HIS SPREAD IN THE LATEST VOUGE AND ROLLING STONE~

[@photogenic305]

That Part!!!! 💯👏🏽💛

[@user-te2rf3mn3q]

That 'Tiny Desk ' performance was mesmerizing 😮

[@meresofresh84]

I done watched it atleast 10 times lol.

[@tpj376]

Yesssss!!!

[@user-te2rf3mn3q]

He's just so great.

[@atasteofcouture5912]

I constantly watch it cause it was so good!

[@user-te2rf3mn3q]

@@atasteofcouture5912 ..Durand is 💥💥💥

[@karimsings4098]

I love that he's wearing the USB earring I made him. 🥰

[@randommetaphysicalrantings9819]

Where when how ☔💜☔

[@rubinpowelliii216]

I swear Durand is My Favorite Cousin on My Daddy Side🎉🎉🎉

[@theshademercenary]

That Tiny Desk performance was ICONIC! Y’all were IN THE POCKET from start to finish.

[@kaylab7565]

Big facts!

[@FemmeFatale-]

I had to pause and look at his tiny desk!! UGH i cannot believe I’ve been looking for an artist like him and also sleeping on him!!!! He’s so…UNIQUE 🫰🏽

[@photogenic305]

I’m glad you are no longer sleeping cause baby isn’t he TALENTED!!!! 💛💣 Been a fan of his since watching on KZbin singing in his room. Love me some DUR&!!

[@Noise_floorxx]

BRAVERY COMES WITH CONSEQUENCES. YESSSS. This reminds me of Amanda talking about people not liking her and how I have dealt with that all of my life. It’s even worse when you stop being quiet and you start standing up for yourself and others. People feel threatened because they could never and here I am, a black woman saying all of the things. Girl, go to therapy and quit trying to get me fired.

[@MoneBee]

He is a real superstar. Intelligent, funny, cool, different, and crazy talented.

[@adinaapril1631]

Durands mama used to teach my son for summer music at Karamu House. She was NO joke

[@itaylor120490]

I’ve been following Durand since his KZbin was “alcoholharmony”!! I’m so glad he’s finally getting the shine he deserves!! The man sings his face AWWWFFFFFF!!!! 😮‍💨😮‍💨🤌🏾🤌🏾

[@YvesSaintLyric]

Come thru day ones! Back when he was doing J*Davey covers in the parking lot before TikTok was even a thing 😂

[@francine4651]

I'm loving this man's voice he almost sounds like prince 💜😊

[@BonitaGardner]

He does remind me of Prince 👍🏾🥰

[@msnos6245]

My favorite songs are mixed and faceass vibe

[@carpediem9015]

I absolutely ❤❤❤❤ Durand Bernarrrrrrrrr ❤️‍🔥. Discovered him on The Terrell Show (must see) and he TORE that Tiny Desk UP!! 💐💐💐💐

[@karenl.forest7083]

Durand Bernarr is the ISHTY ISH!!!!!!

[@TheRetroWoman80]

That was a great segment. His "I've been looking for weed" part while playing the keys had me dying😂😂😂😂😂

[@nikkicromwell4733]

Girl he sang that’s song better than El Debarge… no shade to the og

[@thegorgeousborges]

Same!! Saw Durand on Terrell years ago and I’ve been hooked on him ever since!

[@mzmocha411]

I love Durand Bernarr ♥️♥️

[@cares614]

I am a grandmother of four grandchildren and I adore Durand Bernarr’s gifts that he brings. He is totally transparent and grounded. His vocals are beyond words. I’m grateful to have been able watch him perform on stage and love how he acknowledged introverts who he shows grace too. Thank you both for this wonderful experience.💛💛

[@MrBlackretreat]

He has such a great speaking, he should do voice overs... if he's not already !!!

[@MrBlackretreat]

I love that and being consistent means you have them parents and somebody dies. At least say it's all right that gets very far and I am so happy for you. You are winning and thank you for those parents of yours.

[@MrBlackretreat]

Amanda, you are talking to me bro you are talking to me you know brought me to tears when you said quit waiting for that big thing quit waiting for my good camera quit waiting for my production studio

[@MrBlackretreat]

We need a mermaid production. Need a bunch of merman on your stage and Leslie, it and think Miss Devine Bette Midler, Stage show ....i love this

[@MrBlackretreat]

Drag is epic I say do it but you gotta get a make up artist to love it don't do it yourself pay to get that mud painted and you will love it

[@MrBlackretreat]

Hit up Trey he painted rocks. He's epic. He does Mary J Blige his face tre is the man.... He used to do Aaliyah he was doing Cicely Tyson and if you tell him you know Egypt I'm quite sure he'll do your mug

[@MissKofAZ]

As someone who grew up on 97th and St. Clair in Cleveland I enjoyed hearing Durand shout out the hood parts of the city 😎

[@Itstmera]

Erykah hit HIM UP! Wowww. Divine timing. When you work on the art and continue to create; the fans will find you! The opportunities will look for you!! The artist you admire will hit you up. You don’t have to chase anyone down to be noticed. Keep creating and the gates will open 👏

[@krystaleve10]

Amanda when you said people from Chicago do not like when suburbanites claim to be from our city.. I hollered YES!! I am born and raised in Chicago and currently live here. When I went to college at Virginia Union my senior year a freshman introduced herself to me and stated I'm from Chicago..I asked what side and where..she said she lives in Olympia Fields which is a suburb! I told her you are not from Chicago! So yes, we are very serious about being from our city, and I'm a southsider born and raised! I absolutely love Durand! ❤❤❤

[@bosscerena91]

Yes 🤣🤣🤣🤣 born and raised baby. I’ll call it out so fast. But i currently live in the south suburbs. I have to correct people quick. I didn’t grow up out here. I just live here shorty.

[@krystaleve10]

@bosscerena91 Exactly!! You know we don't play that mess! Don't be claiming, and you have never lived in the city! 🤣

[@PreppyPrincess777]

I’m from the north side and yes ma’am!

[@mysticdiamond8944]

I cracked up when Amanda was speaking on that because Detroiters are like that too. You bet not say you're from Detroit when its really Roseville!! 👊🏾☁️✨

[@cmg25]

Durand = Everything.

[@slbutler01]

I watch his Tiny Desk performance weekly.

[@kelliesavagejudie2597]

I LOVED Durand at Afropunk in Brooklyn New York this year and now I AM FEENIN for more Durand in my life 🎉🎉🎉

[@taykendall910]

YOOOOOOOO!!!! The "brussel sprout" reference took me OUT!!! 😂😂😂

[@TheRetroWoman80]

"Just wanted to say something irrelevant." I love his randomness.

[@ShroneJohnson]

Durand Bernarr performed within walking distance from my house literally 2 days before I was introduced to him (through tiny desk) I was screaming to the gawds WHYYYY WHYYYY WHYYYY!!!! I can't wait til he comes back to Dallas, Texas. Or maybe I will travel to Raleigh, NC on your b-day🥰 #virgolove

[@Syren90...Aka9]

Girl I MISSED IT TOO!! Oooooh, the TEARS!

[@trinibwoy27]

I got introduced to Durand on The Terrell Show on KZbin and I have been obsessed with him since ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I Absolutely LOVE Him 😍😍😍😍😍

[@cj10109]

Durand is in his own world and I love it 🥰🔥

[@ListenToChristians]

I can never get enough of Durand even after seeing him live in Houston!

[@wahaywgr]

I appreciate Amanda Seales so much for interviewing Durand. I’m so proud and happy for this man. My cousin and I went to a play at the Karamu House in Cleveland, Ohio, the “Nativity Scene”. He was in that play. My cousin fell in love with him and she found him on KZbin (Alcoholic Harmony). She instantly just seen how amazing he was from the encounter she had with him from meeting him at the play, and she made me love him. He’s an amazing person!

[@562felicity]

I love him so much he’s so authentic totally feel like he’s so fun to be around

[@signaturelements]

Y’all are sooooo cute together I’m loving the energy already

[@amandachristineajisebutu318]

“Take care of them chops,” lives rent free in my 5 year old sons head. I had to change the lyrics a bit, but you got a young fan, Durand!

[@kingblake2490]

Listen I LOVE Durand - like he is special to me for MANY reasons. Just when I think I couldn’t “love” him any more he makes such a special sentiment @55:15. If you are an introvert with social anxiety this hits your heart.

[@flowwetry9256]

Baby Amanda has been knocking these sessions out of the PARK! Some of my personal faves AT THAT! I TELL YOU WHAT! You betta go on heeeeaaaddd Sista Seales!

[@TheAmandaSeales]

Ayyyy! Thank you thank you!

[@thesagecc]

Thank you Amanda and Durand! From 39:35-42:50 was so inspiring to hear how just being yourself and putting your work out with good intent, manners, and consistency will take you far! Thank you Amanda for 41:27 and making it plain to just go for it, perfection is impossible, and stop waiting for external validation! Love this!!!! I wrote my first book not having annnnny idea of what I was doing and now have a book series! From this interview I took, be secure in who you are, own your gifts/talents, be consistent, be patient, connect with people, don’t seek external validation and allow your inner child/creativity to be free!!!!!!!

[@niqueybangz]

I SO LOVE IT & NEEDED IT 💯💯❤🥇

[@LowkeyMikeyyy]

Can’t stand labels nor understand why ppl will try to force them on you like they own you. Keep being you Durand I get it 🤟🏽

[@sukimala]

his tiny desk is ridiculous .. i freaknnn loved it !!

[@Yespls888]

This was so good! Durand is new to me...i JUST watched the Tiny Desk tonight was blown away and started searching. Going to his show in Raleigh in September and everything! I needed this tonight. And this Small Doses episode was beautiful. Thank you 💜

[@chilldesignsphotography]

Raleigh in September?! 👀 Noted!! I am there! Thanks so much for your comment! ✊🏾😁

[@WhenWeMove]

I’ve watched his Tiny Desk aaaaaa BUNCH of times, one of the best performers and performances I’ve seen…

[@KrispyBrown]

Listening to the two of you was sheer joy..... Duran is person that I would cherish as my friend. He has brought me sooo much laughter and joy. Just saw him in a hilarious skit with Tremelvin this morning.... #sychronicities

[@Nordic_E.T.]

OMG, TWO OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE!! MY CANCER SISTAH AND MY FAVORITE COUSIN ON MY DADDY SIDE!! ❤️💛💚🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@felixicon]

dude is a powerful performer. I saw him often at the spot in Hollywood (library/ ??).Great voice, great presence and command of his voice and stage.

[@aking8201]

I was at one of those sold out DC shows because I was visiting one of my brothers. I definitely think imma see him again in Nashville!

[@TheRetroWoman80]

He always looks and sits relaxed in any interview I watch him in. That says a lot about the interviewer as well😉👏👏 I love how the silliness is effortlessly exchanged between you both😂 Great episode❤

[@atasteofcouture5912]

I can watch him sing or speak all day long, he keeps me entertained 😂!

[@d.spigner3077]

Im a fan. Been a fan. Each and every time I experience Durand my fandom reaches new heights. He is one of one. I live and I love!

[@Sirrah9]

I first heard of Durand from his song F.N.F. Classic song. 😂 Then again from his song Freefall - my favorite song. I remember one of his posts on IG where he spoke about his upbringing and how his mother would answer his questions instead of saying "Because I said so.", and how he didn't have to earn his humanity as a child. That stood out to me because so many of us grew up feeling we had to earn our right to be on this earth when the debt has already been paid. 😎 Great, fun interview with gems sprinkled through out. 💎❤

[@SwaggstenBro]

My favorite song is Sam’s Vibe it’s on replay and the song with Ari Lennox Stuck

[@fj4396]

Love y’all! I hate I missed Durand at the Juneteenth event in Dallas

[@22221mm]

I was waiting the whole episode for him to start a mini concert. That's how hungry I am for his voice. Lol.

[@juanitagardenhire8779]

I loooooove him to pieces!!!! He feels like a cousin I swear. He sang applesauce ok lol I love him hands down!!!!! I hate I missed him in Detroit 😢

[@ashleyb.8217]

Now I knoooowww I’ve got to be on time tonight

[@syckindahead]

💯😊

[@mrskaycee26]

Beautiful conversation ❤️ Cleveland was definitely in the house!! Shoutout to E. 93rd and Union

[@TheAmandaSeales]

Yes it was!

[@mommyandmir]

DURAND!!! 💛💛💛💛

[@jpdaboss626]

Beyond happy for all of the blessings Durand is receiving! I had the opportunity to see him perform twice in DC. He is indeed a Renaissance Man. Amanda you were perfect, per usual! I hope there will be a part 2! Great conversation & insight sharing

[@ruckes13]

I became a fan after the soul Cypher on the Bet awards ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sweethoneybee3616]

I would never guessed you grew up in the hood Durand, I grew up in Morris Black in Cleveland, super rough. . . my sister got me hip to your music stuck in love featuring Ari Lennox was my ish still is my ish. . . anywho love you. Badu is also my favorite singer, it gets real about Badu round me.

[@MsMizz1]

The Durand 😍

[@ang8574]

“I’m here because I was consistent “ I love that! Great interview ❤

[@mayan_empire]

This introvert with social anxiety is SO excited to finally see him live in a few weeks, in the little town where I went to undergrad!

[@heiress.]

36:10 Shady!! This why I love him. And his laugh 🤩

[@glamptribe223]

My baby girl introduced me to Durand on YT more than 10 years ago. Durand 🤩 has been in the game for a long time. I so love this notoriety for D. Bernarr🤩

[@thegorgeousborges]

I love Durand and had no idea of his background but hearing this just makes it all make sense.

[@shakesrear7850]

Terell introduced me to Durand. All great shows.

[@krisruthy2730]

I got to meet him after his show in Nola and he’s such a beautiful soul. I love this man soo much!

[@jniahdavison6411]

Been a fan of Durand since the Pretty Wings cover 😮‍💨 and I too am a Cleveland native. It’s so inspiring watching pioneers of the city grow and expand. Go awf Durand! Thank you for setting the stage for the rest of us🙏🏽 #BIFC

[@randommetaphysicalrantings9819]

My dear Cancerian Amanda, great show. Lemma tell you, Prince will be royalty in ANY timeframe, dimension or arena. Pis astrology is all that ☔💜☔:⁠-⁠). Love my new cuz

[@chazmcneil5948]

This was such a great interview. I cant wait to see Durand live in a few months.

[@nadinelindsay3012]

He's super talented. Love his music.

[@rissilient85]

I adore Durand. What an artist!

[@jll2985]

Woke up at 2am randomly...grabbed phone and jumped on KZbin and this popped up...needless to say...there are no coincidences...didnt know I needed this. Thank you Amanda and Durand ❤❤❤❤

[@banziimavusotv]

I felt it when you said family needs to understand or create a safe space. Oh Durand ❤

[@LEOMoonrising33]

That was wonderful ❤❤

[@trinibwoy27]

Amanda, as a long time fan of you I find it no issue to support your projects and vision financially. If you are in my city (Atlanta) and I don't have anything planned I am pulling up 😁😁😁💯💯💯♥️♥️♥️

[@TreavorUnion]

More of these two plz.

[@Cutiealp]

Love Durand!💐🥰💐

[@racquelwhite8833]

Awesome insight. Loved this interview now. I feel like I know who Durand really is. Wishing him nothing but success going forward.

[@TheAmandaSeales]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jor-Day-Nah]

Always a pleasure seeing and hearing Durand. ❤❤❤❤

[@blackcosmos]

Amanda u were in such good spirits with Durand. I think u both bring out the best in each other. Great interview btw.... 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@MajinxDrolta]

20:26 Awe his excitement is infectious 😊😊. I wish I had the opportunity to just grow up in the music world it seems so freeing and peaceful.

[@erijennifer]

I don’t care what anybody says he reminds me so much of Luther Vandross … he surpassed talent and gifts -- this brotha is anointed ❤ he is so colorful, expressive, funny, witty, and “extra” and I absolutely LOVE IT! Give me more and, more I am obsessed 🤤🤤🤤

[@ZoeyChilds]

Durand’s voice soothes my soul honey. The only child club is a whole thing, especially those with older parents🙋🏾‍♀️and Amanda this hair is definitely giving Dionne vibes. Iconic❤️

[@MsMizz1]

❤ loved the genuine exchange btwn you two at the closing

[@TheDkSkye]

As an artist I needed this episode rn 😭 thank you both!! #amandabeknowing

[@stephanieoconnell2343]

Love, love, love this interview! Durand is precious. 🌻

[@Xone7]

Durand is EVERYTHING!!

[@lesleyannroberts4301]

I have been following Durand for 13+ years and he is AMAZING!!! So happy for him!!

[@uscitizen3252]

I'm a year late, but I LOVED this episode. I feel like I got to know Durand better and you asked really great, thoughtful questions.

[@SteveThePisces]

Amanda Seales show is everything. I love Durand.

[@MrBlackretreat]

La Bouche be my lover

[@TheRetroWoman80]

Melanie Thornton vocals. She is so missed.

[@Poodle2Pretty]

Amazed at how humble he is and Amanda you just bring it out of folks ❤

[@sieragracesings]

Durand! Thank you! Amanda!!! Thank you for having him! Also Re: SF&B for Free Apply for grants in DC, NY, LA! You can get em!

[@RealBNews]

Fav

[@stephaniegordon247]

Tiny desk was a full production. ❤❤❤

[@theofficialvontae]

Thank you Durand. Always an inspiration and light for the community & an advocate for individualality. 🔥

[@krisp7633]

He is a dream. Loved the Tiny Desk, signed a New Fan ❤

[@SageOfTruth1111]

YESSS! DURAND!!!❤

[@its_fitz]

Loved this! 🫶🏾

[@pleaseholdthemayo1]

1:37 I can clock a Got2BReal reference anywhere 😂

[@DurandbernarrTM]

You be knowing! 🤣🤣

[@croissant2024]

😂

[@mysticdiamond8944]

YES! I miss that show so much!

[@francine4651]

I love Badu ♥️♥️

[@atasteofcouture5912]

Great interview 👍🏽. He’s definitely a great singer and performer, he comes from greatness ❤❤.

[@jazziej9764]

Yaassssssss!!! Durand 💕 the way he just _____ ya can’t even explain it. 🥰