From mall worker to musician: The evolving career of Trace Cyrus
In short: Born Neil Timothy Helson, Trace Cyrus transitioned from a teenage job at a California shopping mall to a prominent career in pop-rock. As a founding member of Metro Station and the creative force behind Ashland HIGH, he has navigated the music industry while balancing high-profile family connections and independent artistic pursuits.
Trace Cyrus, born in 1989 in Ashland, Kentucky, underwent a significant life shift at age four when he was adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus. Growing up, he gained early exposure to the music industry by touring with his adoptive father. By 2006, he had left high school in La Cañada, California, to work at a local mall, but soon pivoted toward his own musical path.
His breakout came with the formation of the pop-rock band Metro Station in 2006 alongside Mason Musso. The group gained rapid traction after Columbia Records discovered their MySpace presence. Their self-titled 2007 debut album achieved commercial success, reaching number 39 on the Billboard 200, while their 2008 single, "Shake It," climbed to the tenth spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite this early momentum, Cyrus departed the band in 2010 to explore new creative directions.
Following his exit, Cyrus launched the project Ashland HIGH, releasing his debut album, Geronimo, in 2012. He recorded this project in his Los Angeles home, completing the work in just nine days. His career has remained fluid, marked by a return to Metro Station between 2014 and 2017, and again in 2019. More recently, he has focused on independent releases, including a 2024 shift toward a country-influenced sound with the single "Cowgirl Ride."
Throughout his career, Cyrus has maintained a distinct public persona, notably appearing in a 2012 PETA campaign. While his personal life, including his engagement to Brenda Song, has often drawn media attention, he has consistently emphasized his desire for professional recognition based on his own efforts rather than his family ties. As of early 2025, he has announced plans for a forthcoming studio album.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Trace Cyrus
- Also: Wikidata — Trace Cyrus · CC0
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