Trace Cyrus
The guitarist and co-founder of Metro Station, he helped craft the infectious, synth-driven anthem 'Shake It' that defined a moment in late-2000s pop-punk.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American musician·Birthday: February 24·Millennials
Biography
Trace Cyrus emerged in the late 2000s as a distinctive figure in the pop-rock scene, both for his music and his heavily tattooed aesthetic. While part of a famous musical family, he carved his own niche by co-founding the band Metro Station with singer Mason Musso. The group struck platinum with the irrepressibly catchy single 'Shake It,' a track that fused punk energy with danceable synth-pop and became a youth anthem. As the band's guitarist and backing vocalist, Cyrus's stage presence and style contributed significantly to their image. After Metro Station's initial hiatus, he continued making music with the band Ashland HIGH and pursued fashion with his clothing line. His career has navigated the spotlight of family fame while maintaining a dedicated, if somewhat niche, following for his own musical endeavors.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Trace was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Trace Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Trace's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-founded the band Metro Station, whose 2007 single 'Shake It' was certified Platinum in the United States.
- The debut Metro Station album reached No. 39 on the Billboard 200 chart.
- Performed on the 2008 Warped Tour, bringing Metro Station's music to a wide pop-punk audience.
- Founded and ran the clothing company From Backseats to Bedrooms.
Did You Know?
He is the adopted son of Billy Ray Cyrus and the half-brother of Miley, Noah, and Braison Cyrus.
He has a large collection of tattoos, including many that cover his face and neck.
His band Metro Station was formed after he and Mason Musso met on Myspace.
He is a vocal advocate for animal rights and has worked with PETA on campaigns.
“I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not.”
