Miley Drops Last Name, Readies New Album

Miley Cyrus is embarking on a distinct phase in her career with the forthcoming release of her tenth studio album, titled Bass Persuades. Scheduled for a September 18 debut, this album marks her first full-length project under Atlantic Records and introduces a new promotional identity in which she has notably removed her last name from public materials, a change that remains unexplained to date.

Comprising ten tracks, Bass Persuades features collaborations with artists such as Model/Actriz, who appears on the song “Different Religion,” and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow, contributing his talents to “Neon Signs.” The inclusion of these collaborators highlights Cyrus's continuing interest in blending diverse musical influences with her evolving sound.

Following the album launch, Cyrus will perform two shows at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 16 and 18. These concerts are particularly significant given her recent shift away from traditional touring formats. Over the past year, Cyrus has expressed a preference for more intimate and personal live experiences, moving away from large-scale tours that have dominated her earlier career.

In fact, Cyrus has not embarked on a full tour in over a decade, emphasizing instead the value she places on a direct connection with her audience in smaller venues. Her choice to return to the Hollywood Bowl—a venue she has admired from the audience’s perspective for years but never performed in until now—underscores the personal importance of these shows. Her remark that Los Angeles holds a special place in her heart further accentuates the significance of these performances.

The visual aspect of Bass Persuades is also receiving focused attention, with Cyrus taking on the role of guest editor for a special issue of Wonderland magazine. This project has enlisted renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti and creative directors Alastair McKimm and Mert Alas, who have previously collaborated with Cyrus. Their involvement suggests a carefully curated aesthetic complementing the album’s themes and sound.

Bass Persuades follows last year’s Something Beautiful, which earned a solid commercial reception by debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album. This context places Cyrus’s new work within a trajectory of critical and commercial success, positioning it as a significant addition to her discography.

Despite these developments, details on the reasons behind the omission of her last name in this cycle remain sparse, leaving fans and observers to speculate on its symbolism or strategic intent. The album’s title and accompanying artistic choices point to a period of personal and creative transformation for Cyrus, reflecting her desire to explore new dimensions within her music and public persona.

Miley’s return to a prestigious stage like the Hollywood Bowl, combined with the release of Bass Persuades and the shift in branding, signals a reinvigorated chapter for the artist. It will be noteworthy to observe how these elements align in her upcoming performances and public engagements, as she continues to redefine her path in the contemporary music landscape.