Trace Cyrus: Life, Career, Net Worth, Songs, Bands, and Family Relations

Introduction
When the Cyrus family name is mentioned, most people instantly think of Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter Miley Cyrus. Yet, another member of this musical dynasty has carved out his own identity in the music industry: Trace Cyrus. Known for his tattoos, distinctive style, and contributions to alternative pop-rock, Trace has experienced fame both as part of bands and as a solo artist. Beyond the music, his personal life, family ties, and net worth have also attracted attention. This article explores who Trace Cyrus is, his career journey, band involvements, hit songs, financial worth, and his complex but close relations with Billy Ray Cyrus and the rest of the Cyrus family.
Who is Trace Cyrus?
Trace Cyrus, born Neil Timothy Helson on February 24, 1989, in Ashland, Kentucky, USA, is an American musician, guitarist, and songwriter. He was later adopted by country star Billy Ray Cyrus after his mother, Tish Cyrus, married Billy Ray. Following the adoption, his name was legally changed to Trace Dempsey Cyrus.
Growing up in a family immersed in music, Trace was exposed to the entertainment world from an early age. He often traveled with Billy Ray during tours, witnessing firsthand the highs and lows of the industry. This early exposure influenced his decision to pursue music, though he charted his path in genres distinct from his father’s country legacy.
Trace is known for his edgy rock-inspired style, covered in tattoos and often blending emo, pop, punk, and electronic elements into his music. While his sister Miley Cyrus dominates pop culture with her career, Trace has built a dedicated fan base in the rock and alternative scenes.
Trace Cyrus Net Worth
As of 2025, Trace Cyrus’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million. Multiple outlets, including Celebrity Net Worth and NetWorthHub, list his fortune in this range. The figure reflects his career as a musician, songwriter, and performer, rather than the astronomical wealth tied to some of his family members.
Sources of Income
- Music Career: Trace’s involvement in bands like Metro Station and his solo projects brought him recognition and royalties from album sales, streaming, and concerts.
- Songwriting Credits: He has contributed to writing tracks for himself and others.
- Fashion Line: He launched a clothing brand called From Backseats to Bedrooms, expanding his creative ventures beyond music.
- Touring and Collaborations: Live performances and collaborations with fellow musicians have provided steady income over the years.
Though his net worth is more modest compared to Billy Ray Cyrus or Miley Cyrus, Trace has remained financially stable, relying on consistent projects and his loyal fan base.
Trace Cyrus and His Bands
The highlight of Trace Cyrus’s career came with the formation of Metro Station, a band that emerged in the mid-2000s MySpace era and quickly rose to fame.
Metro Station (2006–2010, Reunion Later)
Formed in 2006 with Mason Musso, the brother of Disney Channel actor Mitchel Musso, Metro Station blended electronic beats with pop-rock energy. Trace served as the guitarist and backing vocalist, also co-writing several songs. Their debut self-titled album in 2007 gained significant attention.
Their breakout single, “Shake It”, released in 2008, became a massive success, charting in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. The song was a cultural phenomenon, often described as one of the defining tracks of the late 2000s alternative pop scene.
The group, however, faced internal tensions, leading to Trace’s departure in 2010. They later reunited briefly and released more music, but Metro Station never reached the same peak as with “Shake It.”
Ashland HIGH
After leaving Metro Station, Trace founded Ashland HIGH, an independent music project where he experimented with electronic, pop-punk, and alternative rock. While it didn’t reach the same mainstream fame, it allowed him creative freedom and maintained his presence in the music scene.
Solo Career
In the 2010s and 2020s, Trace began releasing music as a solo artist. His tracks often reflected personal experiences, heartbreak, and a raw sense of emotion. Some notable solo songs include:
- Lights Out (2017)
- Brenda (2018) — reportedly inspired by his ex-fiancée Brenda Song
- Pray at Night (2022)
- Cowgirl Ride (2024) — a country-leaning single reflecting his family roots
- On the Run (2025) — his latest announced project, signaling ongoing creative evolution
Trace Cyrus Songs and Musical Style
Trace Cyrus’s discography spans different phases of his career, each reflecting his personal growth.
- Metro Station Era: High-energy pop-rock with electronic influences. Shake It, Seventeen Forever, and Kelsey remain fan favorites.
- Ashland HIGH Phase: More experimental, mixing electronic beats with emo lyrics and indie vibes.
- Solo Career: Raw, emotional tracks often blending rock and country influences. Pray at Night and Cowgirl Ride showcase this evolution.
His songs often explore themes of love, relationships, heartbreak, and personal struggles — resonating with fans who appreciate emotional honesty.
Trace Cyrus Relationships
Trace’s personal life has often been as talked about as his music.
Family Relationships
- Mother: Tish Cyrus, who later married Billy Ray Cyrus.
- Adoptive Father: Billy Ray Cyrus, a country icon.
- Biological Father: Baxter Neal Helson.
- Siblings: Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, and Christopher Cody.
Trace shares a complicated but deep bond with his family. Growing up in a household filled with music and fame shaped his outlook on life.
Romantic Relationships
The most notable of Trace’s past romances was with Brenda Song, actress and former Disney star. The two began dating in the late 2000s, got engaged in 2011, but split in 2012. Their relationship was highly publicized, and even years later, fans recall this pairing when discussing Trace.
Though there have been other relationships in his life, none received the same media attention as his time with Brenda Song.
Trace Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Perhaps one of the most significant dynamics in Trace’s life is his relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus. Though Billy Ray is not his biological father, he adopted Trace when he married Tish Cyrus. Billy Ray provided Trace not only with his surname but also a strong musical influence.
A Father–Son Bond with Complexity
Trace has often expressed admiration for Billy Ray, crediting him with shaping his exposure to the music industry. However, like many father–son relationships, especially in families under constant public scrutiny, theirs has faced challenges.
In early 2025, Trace publicly expressed concerns for Billy Ray Cyrus’s health and well-being, writing an open letter urging his father to seek help. This move demonstrated Trace’s deep care for Billy Ray, even as their bond has faced strains.
Their relationship illustrates the complexities of family life in the spotlight — filled with love, concern, and the challenges of balancing personal struggles with public perception.
The Legacy of Trace Cyrus
Though often overshadowed by his sister Miley Cyrus’s superstardom, Trace Cyrus has left his mark in music. With Metro Station, he became part of the cultural soundtrack of the 2000s, and as a solo artist, he continues to evolve and release music that speaks to his audience.
Trace represents a different side of the Cyrus family’s creative spectrum — darker, edgier, and rooted in alternative subcultures. His persistence in following his path, despite living in the shadow of a globally famous family, highlights his dedication to art over fame.
Conclusion
Trace Cyrus’s story is one of individuality within a family of stars. From his beginnings as Neil Timothy Helson to becoming the tattooed guitarist of Metro Station and later a solo artist, he has consistently pursued music on his own terms. With a net worth of about $2 million, numerous songs under his belt, and both celebrated and difficult family ties, Trace remains a figure worth following.
As of 2025, he continues to release new projects and explore musical directions, proving that his story is far from over. Whether remembered for “Shake It,” his solo ventures, or his candidness about family struggles, Trace Cyrus is more than just a last name — he is a musician who has lived and created authentically.
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