Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: En Route with Durand Bernarr

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Durand Bernarr
Date: July 23, 2024

Episode Overview

This episode of Keep It Positive, Sweetie shines a spotlight on the vibrant, multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, and performer Durand Bernarr. Host Crystal Renee Hayslett curates an open and insightful conversation about Durand's unconventional journey in music, authenticity, mental health, and the power of community and self-love. Together, they touch on the struggles, victories, and wisdom gleaned along Durand's career—creating an uplifting space for both candid truth-telling and actionable inspiration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Durand’s Musical Journey and Inspirations

Origin Story: Durand began posting covers on YouTube in 2008, seeking honest feedback beyond family and friends.

“I just wanted an objective opinion on what it is that I do... I just wanted to make sure that what I was doing, like, this is, this is the calling.” — Durand (01:43)
Childhood Influences: Raised on gospel and jazz, his parents were selective about music at home—his mother favoring gospel, his father leaning toward jazz, with occasional icons like Marvin Gaye, Sade, Whitney, Mariah, and Michael Jackson. Secretly, Durand absorbed influences like Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope as “contraband.”

“She got rid of that. She was just like, nah, not in this house.” — Durand (03:16)

2. Authenticity & Artistic Freedom

Durand’s Energy and Identity: Always high-energy and true to himself, Durand credits his upbringing and being an only child for a strong sense of self.

“I've always been myself... always wanting to entertain people, always want to laugh, always up to mischief, you know? But... it's just been more refined over the years.” — Durand (04:03)
Balancing Background & Solo Careers: After 13 years singing background for Erykah Badu, Durand managed to grow his solo venture alongside with Badu’s open support.

“She told me early on... ‘I don't feel my stage is big enough for you.’ And that was me at, like, 22, 23.” — Durand (06:02)

3. Lessons from Erykah Badu & Industry Longevity

Creative & Business Wisdom: Durand gleaned the importance of knowing his craft, trusting collaborators, and not taking himself too seriously.

“Not to take myself so serious, especially on stage... have fun.” — Durand (07:29)
Family and Management: Durand’s father is his manager, providing strong business guidance and family support.

“However, Bernard Sr. just takes the cake when it comes to someone really going to bat and making sure that I'm taken care of...” — Durand (08:59)

4. Community, Recognition & Navigating “No’s”

Acknowledgment: Moments like the Juneteenth Hollywood Bowl show, with figures like T-Pain and Lloyd cheering him on, signified the respect of peers and fulfillment for Durand and his parents.

“To have people that I’m inspired by... are now paying attention...” — Durand (10:45)
Facing Rejection: Durand shared candidly about periods of self-doubt (notably 2015), feeling unseen and being advised to “tone it down.” Instead, he learned to “simplify” rather than overhaul his artistry.

“All we need to do is just simplify this. You can still be yourself, but present it in a way where you love it, but also it makes sense to everyone else.” — Durand (12:12)

5. Artistic Milestones and Creative Play

Tiny Desk, Tour, & DJing:
- Tiny Desk: Performing at NPR’s Tiny Desk was a long-term independent milestone, celebrating his creative village.
  
  “Walking into the space, knowing that I've been doing this independently...” — Durand (13:30)
- Touring & Costumes: Durand integrated playful elements like costumes from his own childhood, reclaiming joy lost due to “Hallelujah Nights” instead of Halloween.
- Skate/DJ Tour: Launching a six-city skate and DJ tour, Durand aims to infuse personal taste into music curation for skating culture.
  
  “There’s an art to curating music specifically for skating and specifically adult night.” — Durand (18:43)

6. Musical Roots and Influence

Church & Theater: Durand credits church, choral music, and ensemble work for his performance development and understanding of musical blending.

“Being in church. And not just in church, in theater as well... When it's time for you to shine, you step out and work the stage.” — Durand (15:30)
Indirect Inspiration: Picking up musical nuances from artists influenced by legends, rather than the legends themselves.

7. Mental Health, Self-Love, and Support Systems

Imposter Syndrome & Depression: Durand openly discussed wrestling with imposter syndrome and the importance of his support network, including therapy and friends.

“Outside of, you know, really just trying to find my sound... the biggest one would be just me coming into myself... finding, you know, to be able to hang on to my humanity and not denigrate myself...” — Durand (21:20)
Family vs. Relatives:

“We have to take the emphasis off of that and learn to separate our relatives from our family, because they're not the same.” — Durand (22:15)
Friendship and Community: Durand values friends who’ve been reliable during the grind, even through spells of instability and “in-between” living situations.

8. Hustle, Grind, & Self-Care

Working Multiple Jobs: Durand took gigs like Uber and Lyft (2016–2020) during hard times in LA and shared the hustler’s reality, even recounting moments of being recognized by riders.

“Yes, I was getting recognized... Getting asked to sing. And I'm like, babe, I'm just supposed to get you from point A to point B. That's gonna cost you X.” — Durand (25:09)
On Exhaustion & Prioritizing Rest:

“I'm just now reaching for moments of not having to do anything so that I can really rest.” — Durand (27:02)
Daily Self-Care Rituals: Scheduling naps, massages, and recovery time.

“Naps are just... something that is absolutely necessary. I actually now have that blacked out in my schedule...” — Durand (28:27)

9. Navigating Success and Fame

Safe Spaces: As fame grows, Durand prioritizes having trusted people and a good therapist; he values honesty and constructive support over flattery.
Balancing Public & Private: Shows the value of “different dimensions” of self—being energetic and vibrant on stage, but calm and present in other settings.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On being true to himself:

“I've always been myself. As my mother said, you always let us know who you were.” — Durand (04:03)
On endorsement from an idol:

“She [Erykah Badu] told me early on... ‘I don't feel my stage is big enough for you.’” — Durand (06:02)
On imposter syndrome and resilience:

“All we need to do is just simplify this. You can still be yourself, but present it in a way where you love it, but also it makes sense to everyone else.” — Durand (12:12)
On support networks:

“We have to take the emphasis off of that and learn to separate our relatives from our family, because they're not the same.” — Durand (22:15)
On the importance of rest:

“There is rest in the work. There's work in the rest.” — Durand (31:58)
On advice to artists:

“Keep it audacious... You have the audacity to be yourself.” — Durand (39:21)

Listener Letter: Positive Outcome

[35:00 – 38:00]

Mariah’s Letter: Mariah, a 26-year-old aspiring screenwriter with schizophrenia and recent grief, seeks advice on maintaining confidence and faith.
Crystal’s advice: Seek professional help for schizophrenia, embrace the reality of loss, focus on positive memories, strengthen faith, and surround herself with uplifting people.
Durand’s perspective: Importance of company and community in healing:

“When we're dealing with loss or change in that way, it's important for us to be around people that are going to uplift us... even if the waves do come, we can't revel in it too long.” — Durand (36:35)

Final Reflections & Takeaways

Durand on the Present:

Growing through new career stages, staying present, cultivating supportive relationships, and seeking new healthy outlets.

“I think the main thing is just to be as present as possible.” — Durand (39:00)

Signature Close:

Crystal: “Keep it creative, sweetie.”
Durand: “Keep it audacious, sweetie. My therapist let me know you have the audacity to be yourself.” (39:21)

Additional Details & Timestamps

[00:00–02:19] — Setting, Introductions, Childhood Music
[04:42–07:00] — Singing for Erykah Badu, Maintaining Dual Careers
[09:38–11:04] — Juneteenth Show, Peer Recognition
[11:04–12:52] — Overcoming doubt, Finding Artistic Identity
[13:30–15:12] — Tiny Desk, Tour Stories, Reclaiming Joy
[18:15–20:29] — DJ/Skate Tour, Curating Black Culture
[21:20–23:02] — Mental Health, Confidence, Family
[25:01–26:58] — Grind Stories: Uber, Perseverance
[28:27–29:37] — Self-Care: Naps, Massages, Recovery
[36:35–38:00] — Listener Letter on Grief and Mental Health
[39:11–39:26] — “Keep it Audacious, Sweetie.”

This episode delivers an authentic glimpse into the resilience, creativity, and steadfast faith that define Durand Bernarr’s ascent, offering listeners both moving stories and actionable encouragement for following their passions—unapologetically and audaciously.

Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: En Route with Durand Bernarr

Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Durand Bernarr
Date: July 23, 2024

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Durand’s Musical Journey and Inspirations

Origin Story: Durand began posting covers on YouTube in 2008, seeking honest feedback beyond family and friends.

“I just wanted an objective opinion on what it is that I do... I just wanted to make sure that what I was doing, like, this is, this is the calling.” — Durand (01:43)
Childhood Influences: Raised on gospel and jazz, his parents were selective about music at home—his mother favoring gospel, his father leaning toward jazz, with occasional icons like Marvin Gaye, Sade, Whitney, Mariah, and Michael Jackson. Secretly, Durand absorbed influences like Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope as “contraband.”

“She got rid of that. She was just like, nah, not in this house.” — Durand (03:16)

2. Authenticity & Artistic Freedom

Durand’s Energy and Identity: Always high-energy and true to himself, Durand credits his upbringing and being an only child for a strong sense of self.

“I've always been myself... always wanting to entertain people, always want to laugh, always up to mischief, you know? But... it's just been more refined over the years.” — Durand (04:03)
Balancing Background & Solo Careers: After 13 years singing background for Erykah Badu, Durand managed to grow his solo venture alongside with Badu’s open support.

“She told me early on... ‘I don't feel my stage is big enough for you.’ And that was me at, like, 22, 23.” — Durand (06:02)

3. Lessons from Erykah Badu & Industry Longevity

Creative & Business Wisdom: Durand gleaned the importance of knowing his craft, trusting collaborators, and not taking himself too seriously.

“Not to take myself so serious, especially on stage... have fun.” — Durand (07:29)
Family and Management: Durand’s father is his manager, providing strong business guidance and family support.

“However, Bernard Sr. just takes the cake when it comes to someone really going to bat and making sure that I'm taken care of...” — Durand (08:59)

4. Community, Recognition & Navigating “No’s”

Acknowledgment: Moments like the Juneteenth Hollywood Bowl show, with figures like T-Pain and Lloyd cheering him on, signified the respect of peers and fulfillment for Durand and his parents.

“To have people that I’m inspired by... are now paying attention...” — Durand (10:45)
Facing Rejection: Durand shared candidly about periods of self-doubt (notably 2015), feeling unseen and being advised to “tone it down.” Instead, he learned to “simplify” rather than overhaul his artistry.

“All we need to do is just simplify this. You can still be yourself, but present it in a way where you love it, but also it makes sense to everyone else.” — Durand (12:12)

5. Artistic Milestones and Creative Play

Tiny Desk, Tour, & DJing:
- Tiny Desk: Performing at NPR’s Tiny Desk was a long-term independent milestone, celebrating his creative village.
  
  “Walking into the space, knowing that I've been doing this independently...” — Durand (13:30)
- Touring & Costumes: Durand integrated playful elements like costumes from his own childhood, reclaiming joy lost due to “Hallelujah Nights” instead of Halloween.
- Skate/DJ Tour: Launching a six-city skate and DJ tour, Durand aims to infuse personal taste into music curation for skating culture.
  
  “There’s an art to curating music specifically for skating and specifically adult night.” — Durand (18:43)

6. Musical Roots and Influence

Church & Theater: Durand credits church, choral music, and ensemble work for his performance development and understanding of musical blending.

“Being in church. And not just in church, in theater as well... When it's time for you to shine, you step out and work the stage.” — Durand (15:30)
Indirect Inspiration: Picking up musical nuances from artists influenced by legends, rather than the legends themselves.

7. Mental Health, Self-Love, and Support Systems

Imposter Syndrome & Depression: Durand openly discussed wrestling with imposter syndrome and the importance of his support network, including therapy and friends.

“Outside of, you know, really just trying to find my sound... the biggest one would be just me coming into myself... finding, you know, to be able to hang on to my humanity and not denigrate myself...” — Durand (21:20)
Family vs. Relatives:

“We have to take the emphasis off of that and learn to separate our relatives from our family, because they're not the same.” — Durand (22:15)
Friendship and Community: Durand values friends who’ve been reliable during the grind, even through spells of instability and “in-between” living situations.

8. Hustle, Grind, & Self-Care

Working Multiple Jobs: Durand took gigs like Uber and Lyft (2016–2020) during hard times in LA and shared the hustler’s reality, even recounting moments of being recognized by riders.

“Yes, I was getting recognized... Getting asked to sing. And I'm like, babe, I'm just supposed to get you from point A to point B. That's gonna cost you X.” — Durand (25:09)
On Exhaustion & Prioritizing Rest:

“I'm just now reaching for moments of not having to do anything so that I can really rest.” — Durand (27:02)
Daily Self-Care Rituals: Scheduling naps, massages, and recovery time.

“Naps are just... something that is absolutely necessary. I actually now have that blacked out in my schedule...” — Durand (28:27)

9. Navigating Success and Fame

Safe Spaces: As fame grows, Durand prioritizes having trusted people and a good therapist; he values honesty and constructive support over flattery.
Balancing Public & Private: Shows the value of “different dimensions” of self—being energetic and vibrant on stage, but calm and present in other settings.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On being true to himself:

“I've always been myself. As my mother said, you always let us know who you were.” — Durand (04:03)
On endorsement from an idol:

“She [Erykah Badu] told me early on... ‘I don't feel my stage is big enough for you.’” — Durand (06:02)
On imposter syndrome and resilience:

“All we need to do is just simplify this. You can still be yourself, but present it in a way where you love it, but also it makes sense to everyone else.” — Durand (12:12)
On support networks:

“We have to take the emphasis off of that and learn to separate our relatives from our family, because they're not the same.” — Durand (22:15)
On the importance of rest:

“There is rest in the work. There's work in the rest.” — Durand (31:58)
On advice to artists:

“Keep it audacious... You have the audacity to be yourself.” — Durand (39:21)

Listener Letter: Positive Outcome

[35:00 – 38:00]

Mariah’s Letter: Mariah, a 26-year-old aspiring screenwriter with schizophrenia and recent grief, seeks advice on maintaining confidence and faith.
Crystal’s advice: Seek professional help for schizophrenia, embrace the reality of loss, focus on positive memories, strengthen faith, and surround herself with uplifting people.
Durand’s perspective: Importance of company and community in healing:

“When we're dealing with loss or change in that way, it's important for us to be around people that are going to uplift us... even if the waves do come, we can't revel in it too long.” — Durand (36:35)

Final Reflections & Takeaways

Durand on the Present:

Growing through new career stages, staying present, cultivating supportive relationships, and seeking new healthy outlets.

“I think the main thing is just to be as present as possible.” — Durand (39:00)

Signature Close:

Crystal: “Keep it creative, sweetie.”
Durand: “Keep it audacious, sweetie. My therapist let me know you have the audacity to be yourself.” (39:21)

Additional Details & Timestamps

[00:00–02:19] — Setting, Introductions, Childhood Music
[04:42–07:00] — Singing for Erykah Badu, Maintaining Dual Careers
[09:38–11:04] — Juneteenth Show, Peer Recognition
[11:04–12:52] — Overcoming doubt, Finding Artistic Identity
[13:30–15:12] — Tiny Desk, Tour Stories, Reclaiming Joy
[18:15–20:29] — DJ/Skate Tour, Curating Black Culture
[21:20–23:02] — Mental Health, Confidence, Family
[25:01–26:58] — Grind Stories: Uber, Perseverance
[28:27–29:37] — Self-Care: Naps, Massages, Recovery
[36:35–38:00] — Listener Letter on Grief and Mental Health
[39:11–39:26] — “Keep it Audacious, Sweetie.”

En Route with Durand Bernarr

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Summary

Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: En Route with Durand Bernarr

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Durand’s Musical Journey and Inspirations

2. Authenticity & Artistic Freedom

3. Lessons from Erykah Badu & Industry Longevity

4. Community, Recognition & Navigating “No’s”

5. Artistic Milestones and Creative Play

6. Musical Roots and Influence

7. Mental Health, Self-Love, and Support Systems

8. Hustle, Grind, & Self-Care

9. Navigating Success and Fame

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Listener Letter: Positive Outcome

Final Reflections & Takeaways

Signature Close:

Additional Details & Timestamps

Summary

Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Episode: En Route with Durand Bernarr

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Durand’s Musical Journey and Inspirations

2. Authenticity & Artistic Freedom

3. Lessons from Erykah Badu & Industry Longevity

4. Community, Recognition & Navigating “No’s”

5. Artistic Milestones and Creative Play

6. Musical Roots and Influence

7. Mental Health, Self-Love, and Support Systems

8. Hustle, Grind, & Self-Care

9. Navigating Success and Fame

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Listener Letter: Positive Outcome

Final Reflections & Takeaways

Signature Close:

Additional Details & Timestamps