Rising R&B artist Durand Bernarr, hailing from Cleveland, recently unveiled his latest album, Bloom, a heartfelt exploration of various relationships. After achieving significant success with his EP En Route, which earned him a Grammy nomination in 2025, Bernarr faced the challenge of creating a new project within a tight deadline. Seeking fresh perspectives, he embraced a more collaborative approach, involving numerous friends and colleagues in the creative process. This shift resulted in an album that not only showcases Bernarr's evolving sound but also celebrates the power of community and friendship.
The making of Bloom marked a departure from Bernarr's usual solitary writing process. Recognizing the need for innovation, he invited a diverse group of artists to contribute their talents. Among them were the duo GAWD, who added flair to the track "Flounce," and b.kae, instrumental in crafting the lead single "Impact." Songwriter Timothy Bloom and vocalist Bella Rose also lent their expertise, while surprise visits from artists like Melanie Fiona and Trinidad James enriched the sessions. Only two out of the fifteen tracks were written solely by Bernarr, highlighting the collective effort behind the album.
This collaborative spirit was evident throughout the creation of Bloom. Bernarr welcomed different ideas and sounds, much like the legendary impromptu contributions to classic songs such as Rick James' "Super Freak" and Stevie Wonder's "All I Do." The result is an hour-long auditory journey that blends various genres while maintaining Bernarr's unique vocal style. Tracks like "Generous" evoke memories of Sunday worship services, while "No Business" pays homage to Nineties R&B. The ballad "Unspoken" and the rock-infused "Completed" further demonstrate Bernarr's versatility.
Beyond its musical diversity, Bloom is deeply personal. Bernarr credits his parents for instilling a love of music early on. His mother, a piano teacher and church music director, and his father, a singer and audio engineer for renowned acts, provided the foundation for his artistic development. By age ten, Bernarr had penned his first song, and by sixteen, he knew his future lay in music. His experiences touring with Earth, Wind & Fire solidified this path. Despite his achievements, Bernarr remains humble, viewing himself as a perpetual student eager to learn from others.
Bernarr's openness to collaboration extends beyond his own work. He has been actively supporting other artists by exploring vocal production and arranging music. For him, the people in our lives are like flowers that need nurturing. He hopes Bloom will inspire listeners to cherish and support their communities. Through this album, Bernarr not only delivers captivating music but also a poignant message about the importance of connection and mutual growth.