From his dynamic vocal range, a style that isn't confined to any one genre, and having captivating stage presence, Cyril Durant is a singer-songwriter to watch for in the music scene. It is notable that Durant’s talent is something that began to be crafted in church. He was always surrounded by family members that sang and played a multitude of instruments. His biggest inspiration comes from the songs that he heard his mother sing and perform in the church he was raised in, and many others in the surrounding area. At a young age he knew that a musical career was part of his life’s plan.
Durant received a BM, and MM in vocal performance from Georgia Southern University. During his studies there, he performed many roles with the Georgia Southern Opera, to include Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Guglielmo in Cosi fan tutte, Betto in Gianni Schicchi, as well as premiering the role of Tommy Banks in the opera A scholar under siege. In January of 2012, he made his professional debut with Opera Fayetteville in Fayetteville, Arkansas as Friedrich Bhaer in Mark Adamo’s Little Women. Durant has also had the pleasure of being a part of professional performance and training organizations Opera in the Ozarks, and the VOICExperience. In March 2015, Cyril Durant made his festival debut in the Savannah Music Festival, as a part of the Savannah Voice Festival’s production of Gianni Schicchi in the roll of Guccio.
Durant’s main claim to the stage is as the front man for the high energy Funk/soul ensemble Those Cats. With that band, Durant sang, played, and co-wrote music and lyrics on three recording projects; their ep Coffee, Whiskey, and Catnip, their debut album Something more specific, and the bands sophomore album Eyes Up. He also helped write arrangements for the band’s most recent project Litter: A covers EP. They also have many live recording projects and videos as well. With Those Cats, Cyril has had the opportunity to share the stage with national and international touring acts to include The Main Squeeze, The Fritz, Naughty Professor, The Heard, and the band formally known as The Alan Evans Trio. The band has also played in many venues across Georgia to include The Hummingbird Taproom, Smiths Olde Bar, the venue formally known as Live Wire Music Hall, and the legendary 40 Watt music venue.
Durant is now writing and recording his first independent solo project. His single “Love is a Drug,” debuted on July 8, 2021. It’s an eclectic blend soulful vocals, jazzy harmonic structure, and dance groves, jam packed into an indie pop package. It is available now on all major streaming platforms. Additionally, Durant continues write in various styles and genres, and is collaborating with artist and producers in creating his own unique body of work.