Trace Cyrus is a musician known for being a member of Metro Station, a solo artist, and a member of the Cyrus family (which includes well-known names in country and pop). Over the years he’s been in the spotlight not only for his music but also for his relations, family dynamics, and personal life. This article explores: who Trace Cyrus is, his musical journey, key songs, his band affiliations, his connections (especially with Billy Ray Cyrus), and his financial standing.
Early Life and Upbringing
Trace Cyrus was born Neil Timothy Helson on February 24, 1989, in Ashland, Kentucky, USA. His biological parents are Baxter Neal Helson and Leticia “Tish” Cyrus. When Tish later married country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace was adopted by Billy Ray, and his name became Trace Dempsey Cyrus.
Growing up, Trace spent time traveling on tours with his adoptive father and his siblings, and this musical environment had a strong influence on him. He has several half-siblings (through his mother and Billy Ray) including Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Braison, Brandi, etc.
Music Career: Bands, Projects, and Style
Metro Station
Trace Cyrus is perhaps best known for co-founding the pop rock / electronic rock / synthpop-leaning band Metro Station in 2006, along with Mason Musso. The band gained rapid popularity via MySpace, which was a big platform for emerging artists in that era. Their self‐titled debut album came out in 2007.
The biggest commercial hit from Metro Station is “Shake It” (2008). The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and proved to be a breakout for the band.
After a period of separation from Metro Station around 2010 (Trace left the band for a while), there was a reunion, and more music followed under that name.
Solo Career and Other Projects
After and between his time with Metro Station, Trace pursued solo work and side projects. Some aspects:
- He was part of Ashland HIGH — another project distinct from Metro Station.
- His solo music tends to mix pop, rock, sometimes electronic elements, and more recently shows leanings toward country/ Americana influences.
Key Songs and Discography Highlights
Some notable tracks and releases in Trace Cyrus’s career:
- “Shake It” (with Metro Station), their major hit.
- Solo tracks and more personal work:
- Lights Out (2017)
- Brenda (2018) — about his relationship with actress Brenda Song.
- More recent singles like Pray at Night (2022) etc.
His work often reflects personal experiences — relationships, family, growth, and sometimes struggle. Lyrically, some of his solo music is more introspective than the upbeat pop/rock of Metro Station.
Family, Relations, and Personal Life
Trace’s family relationships are deeply woven into his public identity.
- Mother: Tish Cyrus (Leticia Cyrus).
- Adoptive father: Billy Ray Cyrus.
- Biological father: Baxter Neal Helson.
- Siblings / Half-siblings: Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, etc. The Cyrus family is large and many are also public figures.
Romantic Relationships
- He was in a relationship with Brenda Song, actress, and became engaged to her around 2011, but the engagement was called off in 2012.
- Other relationships have been mentioned over time but none with same public profile since.
Public / Family Tensions
In early 2025, Trace Cyrus published an emotional open letter to his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, expressing concerns about Billy Ray’s health and well-being. In that letter, Trace said he barely “recognizes” his father anymore, mentioned the strain in their relationship, and urged Billy Ray to get help.
These kinds of statements show the complexity of Trace’s personal life: success and creativity, but also family drama, concern, and reconciliation ambitions.
Net Worth and Sources of Income
Estimating a musician’s net worth is always approximate, but multiple sources agree on a ballpark:
- Estimates put Trace Cyrus’s net worth at about US$2 million.
- Sources include CelebrityNetWorth and others that aggregate public data, earnings from music sales/streaming, touring, songwriting, possibly merch etc.
Main income streams likely include:
- Revenue from music with Metro Station (album sales, streaming, royalties)
- Solo material — singles, perhaps EPs
- Live performances / tours
- Merchandise, branding (including past fashion / clothing lines)
- Possibly licensing etc.
Trace Cyrus & Billy Ray Cyrus
Because Trace was adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus, their relationship spans both personal and professional realms.
- Adoption and influence: Billy Ray’s career in country and entertainment exposed Trace at a young age to performance, touring, songwriting, etc. This environment helped shape Trace’s artistic identity.
- Public interactions: While they are family, there have been periods of tension, public statements, concern, especially around health and behavior. The open letter in 2025 is a strong example of Trace speaking out regarding his father.
- Support and heritage: Despite tensions, the family relationship remains an important part of Trace’s life. The Cyrus family’s shared visibility means that Trace is often discussed in relation to Billy Ray, Miley, etc., and sometimes viewed through that lens.
Reflections: Who Trace Cyrus Is, Beyond the Headlines
Trace Cyrus is an artist in the mold of many modern musicians who grow up in entertainment families but carve out somewhat different paths. He’s balanced being part of a hit band (Metro Station) with solo work, personal narratives, and the weight of family expectations and public interest. He’s had success, but also real personal challenges and visibility into his life — relationships, family health, etc.
In considering Trace Cyrus:
- His legacy with Metro Station remains strongest commercially (especially the hit “Shake It”).
- His solo work shows more vulnerability and personal voice.
- His family relations (Billy Ray, Tish, siblings) are inseparable from how the public sees him; that can be advantageous (recognition, contacts) and difficult (constant comparison, drama).
- Financially, while he is not (by most estimates) among the top-earning stars, he has evidently found a sustainable place in music.
Conclusion
Trace Cyrus is an American musician with a unique place in pop culture: co-founder of a band that had a big hit, a solo artist exploring his own voice, and a member of a high-profile family. His story involves creativity, success, family ties, personal trials, and public scrutiny. From his early years with Billy Ray Cyrus to his own music and public life, he embodies many of the challenges and opportunities of being in the entertainment world.
This article was prepared by digijournal.