Durand Bernarr is fed up with makeup smudges ruining his outfits — particularly when he’s wearing white. In his new single, “Fist Bump,” featuring Free Nationals, the vocalist welcomes alternative greetings over hugs.
“I got you on a fist bump / Even a smooch on a cheek / But I can’t give you no hug / My shirt gon’ be riddled with make-up,” he sings in the irresistible chorus.
Vocal mastery aside, what makes “Fist Bump” enjoyable is the melange of genres effortlessly packed into this three-minute sonic experience: soul, funk, jazz, and acoustic blues.
“Fist Bump” arrives with a Vonjovey-directed video. The retro-themed party visual includes a cameo from Terrell Grice, who featured Benarr in multiple episodes of The TERRELL Show.
“Fist Bump” is the follow-up to Bernarr’s “Unknown,” which he co-wrote with hitmakers Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York.
“‘Unknown’ is a blend of both tenderness and frustration,” Bernarr explained to Rated R&B. “Vocally, I wanted to capture the intense feelings that come with an instinctual connection to someone you’re attracted to, yet external factors keep you separated.”
Both songs will appear on Bernarr’s new EP, En Route, which serves as a commute from his 2022 album, Wanderlust, to the next. En Route is currently available exclusively on EVEN, a direct-to-fan music platform. Fans can pay any amount for the full project.
Stream Durand Bernarr’s new song “Fist Bump” and watch the music video below.
