Bryson Cyrus defines a new sound with the single Know This

31-year-old singer and songwriter Bryson Cyrus is entering a new era of his artistry, moving away from past genre experiments. After releasing his 2021 album Javelina, a blend of psychedelic, folk, and American alt-country, the artist realized the importance of focusing on defining his sound clearly. His new single, “Know This,” featuring his Grammy-winning sister Miley Cyrus, marks this significant transformation and becomes the first official collaboration between the two siblings in music.

Rethinking the Musical Approach

Bryson Cyrus shared his journey to understanding the need for change. In an interview from his Nashville home, he explained that his previous work covered a wide range of sounds and styles he loved. “What I did before was everything I liked. I love all the music I created, but I realized one important thing – instead of working with all the sounds and styles I enjoy, I want to focus on one direction and develop it really well,” he said.

This philosophy became the foundation for a new chapter in his musical career. Bryson, who grew up in Franklin south of Nashville before moving to Los Angeles at the start of high school, draws inspiration from these geographical and personal transitions.

The Birth of Know This: From Idea to Perfection

The story of creating “Know This” began with seeking energy. Working with co-writer Jordan Lindley, Bryson understood that his new collection of songs lacked dynamic sound. “Many people advised me to add more energy to the album. So Jordan and I decided to create something bright and fun,” recalled the musician.

The songwriting process took about an hour, which Bryson felt was perfect for his creative process. Of course, the lyrics were refined later, once the main energetic foundation of the track was established. The verses contain references to his hometown Franklin, while the chorus reflects his experiences in Los Angeles—a kind of journey between two worlds that shaped his personality.

A Historic Moment: Collaboration with Miley Cyrus

After the main recording was completed, Bryson felt the song lacked vocal power. The final decision came suddenly—both he and his sound engineer had the idea to reach out to his older sister Miley Cyrus, known for her vocal strength and stage charisma.

“Even though Miley is close to me, for some reason I didn’t think of her right away. But once the idea came, I realized that almost no one else could deliver such vocal power,” the singer explained. Miley’s response was positive, and soon he received not just one, but fifteen audio files with different harmonic overlays she recorded specifically for this project.

Bryson was amazed by her approach and dedication. He kept her vocal layers as clean as possible, minimizing reverb effects so listeners could fully appreciate Miley’s raw vocal power. The result exceeded all expectations.

Evolution of Sound: From Javelina to Folk-Pop

In creating new material, Bryson Cyrus took an active role as producer, fully controlling the recording process for the first three to four months. This process allowed him to build the foundation of his new sound brick by brick, intentionally selecting each element and rejecting anything that distracted from the core idea.

“For this album, I focused on lyrics, acoustic guitar, and melodies. Everything else I built around this foundation,” he explained. He describes the result as folk-pop—a accessible, joyful genre suitable for listening in the car, on a bike trail, or on a hike.

Visually, it can be imagined as pop music with acoustic guitar, where lyrics and melodies bring a sense of authenticity and closeness to the listener. Since 2021, his main goal has been creating music that makes people happy, helps them avoid boredom, and accompanies them through life.

Musical Collaborations and Inspirations

Bryson Cyrus has already worked with many talented artists, including Sierra Landy, Fleet Foxes, Old Sea Brigade, Steve Earl, Orville Peck, his sister Noa Cyrus, and his father Billy Ray Cyrus. For his new album, he plans to expand his collaborations. Upcoming projects include working with Tyler Ramski of Band of Horses, his co-writer Jordan Lindley, and Old Sea Brigade.

Reflecting on his dream collaborations, Bryson admitted he has long wanted to work with Imogen Heap, who, along with Regina Spektor, is one of his all-time favorite artists. There may also be collaborations with other family members, though he did not specify details.

Regarding the visual aspect of the project, the artist declined to reveal plans for a music video, acoustic video, or a joint performance with Miley Cyrus, but hinted that “something really cool” is in the works.

Future Plans: From Studio to Stage

Bryson Cyrus is in the process of preparing for live performances. While detailed tour plans are still being finalized, it is known that he intends to perform at music festivals and launch a full concert tour. His goal is to deliver the best and most fun show possible, carefully planning every aspect of his live performances.

The new single “Know This,” featuring Miley Cyrus, is already available on all major streaming platforms, marking the beginning of a new creative era for Bryson Cyrus. This work not only showcases his sonic evolution but also demonstrates his readiness for collaboration and joint creativity with his closest family members. The artist continues to prove that defining a clear direction is the path to creating music that truly touches listeners’ hearts and accompanies them through life’s most important moments.