Metro Station founders carve out their own way

By John Benson

Sure, they have famous siblings. They just deal with it and go about their business.

From the earliest moments of Metro Station’s existence, the band members all knew if fate smiled on the alt rock/pop act they’d first have to escape the shadow of “Hannah Montana.”

That’s right, the group was literally formed in 2006 on the set of the popular Disney Channel show by Trace Cyrus and Mason Musso. The two musicians, whose siblings Miley Cyrus and Mitchel Musso star on “Hannah Montana,” decided to form Metro Station after meeting on the set. Talk about pressure right from the start.

“It’s one of those things we knew was going to happen, and we knew it would be a thing but I think it has opened doors,” said Mason Musso, calling from Grand Rapids, Mich. “You get to meet a lot of people and everything, and it’s always good to meet new people.

“If someone wants to help you and you want to help them, it all works. We haven’t tried to stay away from the ‘Hannah Montana’ thing. It’s who we are, who our siblings are and we respect it.”

Still, there is a sense that out of the gate Metro Station is being perhaps unfortunately linked to “Hannah Montana,” a television show that appeals to elementary and middle school kids.

“I think it’s tough because there are lot of people who love us and with everyone that loves you you’re going to have people who don’t like you, but it’s all good,” Musso said. “I feel like our momentum keeps building and for me, it’s all about the chemistry.”

After rounding out its line-up, the act, which is often compared to emo-pop outfit Panic at the Disco, signed a deal with Columbia Records and began working on its self-titled 2007 effort.

While clearly influenced by ’80s synth bands such as Depeche Mode, New Order and The Cure, the youthful outfit is also inspired by The Killers and today’s neo new wave sounds. However, Musso believes Metro Station is more of an alternative guitar rock band than anything else.

“To me, it’s like every song has been written, every note has been used,” Musso said. “And it’s really just about making it on your own. And we’re making a style of music that we consider our own.

“I feel like before we did our album, most of our demos were cut with electronics. We didn’t use guitars, but when we cut our record, we were like we need our guitars in there, so basically it was just like adding more of a rock sound to the sound we already made.”

Among the songs that Musso feels defines Metro Station’s debut effort are the guitar-heavy “Disco” and anthemic “Control.” So far the act has enjoyed positive album reviews and a growing fan base. The latter has been helped by an incessant touring schedule.

While Metro Station came through Cleveland earlier this year, the act returns May 9 as a co-headliner with Forever the Sickest Kids at The Grog Shop. Even though Musso admits the group is still fine-tuning its live show, he feels the upcoming headlining gig will be a good challenge for the band. In fact, he said he’s nervous but in an excited way.