Durand Bernarr Aims to Expand Music Accessibility

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter wants to make his work available to more fans.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering gold sequins captured in dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and artistry of the music industry.Durand Bernarr's push for greater music accessibility aims to bring his acclaimed artistry to a wider audience.Cleveland Today

After over 20 years in the music industry, including background vocals for Erykah Badu, Cleveland-born singer Durand Bernarr is making a push to increase accessibility to his catalog of 13 projects. Bernarr, who recently received Grammy nominations, believes his music should be available to a wider audience beyond traditional streaming platforms.

Why it matters

Bernarr's efforts to expand music accessibility align with growing calls for artists to make their work more widely available, especially as streaming services can limit exposure. His story highlights the challenges independent musicians face in reaching new listeners.

The details

Bernarr plans to distribute his music through alternative channels like USB drives and vinyl to complement digital streaming. He believes this multi-format approach will allow fans to access his catalog in the way they prefer, whether that's high-fidelity physical media or on-the-go streaming.

  • Bernarr has been in the music industry for over 20 years.
  • He received Grammy nominations in 2026.

The players

Durand Bernarr

A Cleveland-born singer-songwriter with over 20 years of experience in the music industry, including background vocals for Erykah Badu. He has released 13 projects and recently received Grammy nominations.

Erykah Badu

An American singer-songwriter who Bernarr has provided background vocals for over the course of his career.

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What they’re saying

“The fire can be seen from farther away.”

— Durand Bernarr, Singer-songwriter

The takeaway

Bernarr's efforts to expand music accessibility beyond traditional streaming platforms highlight the challenges independent artists face in reaching new listeners, and the growing demand for musicians to make their work available through diverse channels.