By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Los Angeles, The landscape of modern pop music is often defined by its ability to pivot, but few artists execute the maneuver with the calculated ferocity of the artist formerly known as Miley Cyrus. In a move that signals both a shedding of skin and a consolidation of power, the vocalist has officially transitioned to the mononym "Miley," a rebranding that coincides with the announcement of her latest studio endeavor, Bass Persuades. The transition is far from a mere marketing gimmick; it serves as the foundation for a sonic departure that seeks to bridge the gap between mainstream accessibility and the jagged, avant-garde edges of the New York art-punk scene.
Last week’s announcement of the upcoming LP sent ripples through the industry, but it is today’s release of the title track that provides the first tangible evidence of this new direction. "Bass Persuades," the single, is an aggressive yet melodic fusion of pop sensibilities and post-punk grit. It is a track that feels engineered for both dark, strobe-lit basement clubs and massive festival stages. To accompany the release, Miley has unveiled a provocative music video directed by the legendary fashion photographer Mert Alas. The visual component is a stark, high-contrast exploration of leather culture, drawing heavily from the aesthetic traditions of the underground BDSM community and the gritty, urban nightlife of the late 1970s. The choice of Alas as director is telling; known for his work with high-fashion houses and his ability to capture raw, hyper-stylized sexuality, he provides Miley with a visual language that matches the intensity of her new sound.
This latest chapter arrives on the heels of her 2025 project, Something Beautiful, an album that was largely characterized by its lush production and more traditional pop structures. While Something Beautiful was a critical and commercial success, Bass Persuades appears to be a deliberate antithesis to its predecessor’s polished veneer. A key factor in this stylistic shift is the involvement of Model/Actriz, the New York-based art-punk outfit known for their abrasive, industrial-tinged performances and uncompromising sonic textures. The collaboration suggests that Miley is no longer content with merely flirting with alternative genres; she is immersing herself in them. By bringing Model/Actriz into her creative orbit, she is signaling a desire for authenticity and a willingness to challenge her audience’s expectations.
The philosophy behind the new record was articulated by the singer herself in a recent social media statement. Reflecting on the title and the nature of the medium, she noted that music possesses a unique ability to take hold of the human experience. She described it as a force that is simultaneously powerful and vulnerable, sweet and strong—a vessel for the "heartache" and "every part of life in between." This duality is evident in the title track, where the driving, hypnotic bassline provides a rigid structure for her increasingly versatile vocal delivery. There is a sense of urgency in her performance, a feeling that this music is not just something to be heard, but something to be reckoned with.
The rollout for Bass Persuades is set to culminate in a significant live engagement this autumn. To celebrate the album’s scheduled release on September 18, Miley will take the stage at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for a two-night residency on October 16 and 17. These performances are expected to be more than just standard concerts; given the theatrical nature of the "Bass Persuades" music video and the involvement of avant-garde collaborators, the shows are likely to be immersive experiences that bring the leather-clad, post-punk world of the album to life. The Hollywood Bowl, with its history of hosting legendary performers, provides the perfect backdrop for an artist attempting to solidify her status as a singular, genre-defying icon.
The past year has been one of relentless activity for the singer. Since the debut of her last full-length LP, she has maintained a constant presence in the cultural conversation. This included the release of a deluxe edition of Something Beautiful, which featured expanded tracks and reimagined versions of her hits, keeping the momentum of that era alive while she quietly prepared for her next evolution. Furthermore, she recently revisited her roots in a way that delighted long-time fans while highlighting how far she has traveled since her debut. Donning the signature blonde wig that defined a generation, she participated in a 20th-anniversary special for Hannah Montana. This moment of nostalgia served as a poignant reminder of her journey from a teen idol to a sophisticated artist capable of navigating the complex intersections of pop, rock, and punk.
The decision to adopt a mononym is a rite of passage for many of music’s most influential figures. From Prince and Madonna to Beyoncé, the move often signifies a level of fame and artistic autonomy that transcends the need for a traditional surname. By becoming simply "Miley," she is distancing herself from the legacy of her famous family and the baggage of her early career, asserting that her identity is now defined solely by her output. It is a bold claim of self-ownership that aligns perfectly with the assertive, uncompromising nature of the Bass Persuades project.
Musically, the inclusion of post-punk elements marks a fascinating evolution in her discography. While her 2020 album Plastic Hearts dipped its toes into the waters of 80s rock and glam, Bass Persuades seems to go deeper into the shadows. Post-punk, as a genre, emerged in the late 70s as a reaction to the perceived simplicity of punk rock, incorporating elements of art rock, dub, and electronica. It is a genre defined by its experimentalism and its often-brooding atmosphere. For Miley to adopt these tropes in 2025 suggests an artist who is deeply attuned to the cyclical nature of music history, finding new ways to make vintage sounds feel contemporary and vital.
The involvement of Mert Alas in the visual side of this era cannot be overstated. Alas, usually one half of the duo Mert & Marcus, has a career defined by his ability to transform celebrities into statuesque, otherworldly figures. In the "Bass Persuades" video, he strips away the colorful, psychedelic imagery that has characterized much of Miley’s recent work in favor of a monochromatic, tactile aesthetic. The focus on leather culture is particularly striking. Leather has long been a symbol of rebellion, outsider status, and sexual liberation. By centering this in her visual identity, Miley is tapping into a rich history of counter-cultural expression, further distancing herself from the "clean" image of her pop contemporaries.
As the September 18 release date approaches, the anticipation surrounding Bass Persuades continues to build. This is not just another album cycle; it is a declaration of intent. Miley is positioning herself as an artist who refuses to be pigeonholed, someone who is as comfortable collaborating with New York punks as she is performing at the Hollywood Bowl. Her ability to balance the commercial demands of the music industry with a genuine desire for artistic growth has made her one of the most compelling figures in modern entertainment.
The Hollywood Bowl shows in October will likely serve as a litmus test for this new era. How will the gritty, post-punk energy of the new material translate to a venue known for its grandeur? If the "Bass Persuades" single is any indication, the performance will be a high-energy, visually arresting affair that challenges the audience’s perceptions of what a "Miley" show can be. Fans can expect a setlist that bridges the gap between her various incarnations, perhaps weaving the art-punk textures of her new work into reimagined versions of her past hits.
Ultimately, Bass Persuades represents the latest chapter in one of the most successful rebrandings in music history. From her early days as a child star to her provocative Bangerz era, her rock-inflected Plastic Hearts period, and now her mononymous post-punk evolution, Miley has consistently proven that her greatest talent is her capacity for change. As she sings in her statement, music is "heart full, heartache, every part of life in between." With this new record, she appears ready to explore every one of those parts, guided by a heavy bassline and a newfound sense of artistic clarity. The world will be watching—and listening—when the full project arrives this September.
