Durand Bernarr has never been an artist to blend in. With a voice that moves effortlessly between velvet softness and explosive power, and a creative presence rooted in unapologetic individuality, he continues to carve out a space where tradition meets reinvention. His latest contribution to Salt Lick Sessions’ Songs of U.S. series is no exception, offering a thoughtful, genre-crossing meditation on the classic “Summertime,” alongside a deeply personal conversation about identity, legacy, and staying true to oneself.
In his performance, Bernarr leans into George Gershwin’s timeless composition, a piece later immortalized by Ella Fitzgerald among others, and treats it as both homage and canvas. The result is a rendition that nods to the sophistication of jazz’s greats while embracing the kind of modern, soulful reinterpretation that has become his signature.
That balance between reverence and reinvention is at the heart of Songs of U.S., a performance and conversation series from Salt Lick Sessions that invites artists to revisit songs that have shaped America’s cultural identity. The series doesn’t simply look back; it asks a question that feels particularly resonant right now: what belongs in the American songbook today?
For Bernarr, “Summertime” belongs not just because of its history, but because of its emotional depth and enduring resonance. His approach transforms it into something intimate and contemplative, a performance that reflects both his musical influences and his current artistic evolution.
Durand Bernarr's Songbook for the Present Moment
Following his rendition of “Summertime,” Bernarr continues the series with a cover of Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic,” set to release on July 21. His selection highlights a different facet of the American canon, one shaped by the grit and storytelling of 1990s alt-pop.
The choice is deliberate. Bernarr sees the track as a song that transcends its era, noting its “iconic melodies and grit” and its ability to resonate across generations. In his hands, it becomes part of a larger dialogue about how songs gain – and retain – cultural relevance.
On July 22, Bernarr’s original track “Undivided” will premiere, offering a more introspective counterpoint to his covers. The song explores the nuances of fame, self-motivation, and the pressures of visibility, themes that sit comfortably alongside his broader artistic ethos.
In conversation, Bernarr has been candid about how embracing his full self has become both personal practice and public inspiration. “It’s been inspiring people and giving them permission to have audacity,” he says. “To tap into whatever it is that they have inside of them.”
That sense of permission – the idea that authenticity can be transformative – is a recurring thread across his work and public presence. It’s also what makes his contribution to Songs of U.S. feel especially timely.
Beyond Bernarr’s performance, Songs of U.S. gathers a diverse roster of artists, including Brandy Clark, Swamp Dogg, MARIS, Joy Oladokun, Old Crow Medicine Show, Maggie Rose, and Raye Zaragoza, among others. Each participant is tasked with reinterpreting works that have contributed to the country’s musical DNA, from Woody Guthrie and Nina Simone to Beyoncé, Bob Dylan, and Bill Withers.
The series arrives amid ongoing cultural reflection on the meaning of American identity—particularly as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. As Variety observed, Songs of U.S. offers “a more thoughtful and perhaps meaningfully patriotic approach” to that celebration, reframing patriotism not as static nostalgia, but as an evolving conversation.
That perspective is echoed in the series’ structure: intimate, performance-driven, and grounded in dialogue. It’s not just about what these songs were, it’s about what they continue to mean.
A Platform Built for Artists
Songs of U.S. is a flagship initiative of Salt Lick Sessions, a series known for its artist-first philosophy. Each session combines performance with conversation, offering viewers a window into the creative process while prioritizing fair compensation, rights, and collaboration.
The project is part of Salt Lick Incubator, a nonprofit founded by Roger Brown and Liza Levy, dedicated to supporting musicians at pivotal stages in their careers. Through grants, mentorship, and media platforms, the organization aims to foster sustainable artistic growth, something reflected in the care and intentionality behind each session.
Past Salt Lick Sessions have featured artists such as Jon Batiste, Big Freedia, Sheryl Crow, Lalah Hathaway, and Mickey Guyton, reinforcing its commitment to cross-genre exploration and musical discovery.
Durand Bernarr’s participation in Songs of U.S. feels like a natural extension of his artistry: rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to challenge and reshape it. His interpretations of “Summertime” and “Ironic,” paired with the vulnerability of “Undivided,” offer a portrait of an artist in full command of his voice, both literally and figuratively.
At a moment when cultural narratives are shifting and the definition of “American music” is being reexamined, Bernarr’s work reminds us that the canon is not fixed. It’s something we actively build, reimagine, and expand with every performance, every reinterpretation, and every act of creative honesty.
And in that space between reverence and reinvention, he proves once again why he’s one of the most compelling voices shaping the sound of now.
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