Metro Station on the move
By John Benson
Making up for lost time is what synth-pop rock act Metro Station is doing this summer.
Metro Station was formed nearly a decade ago by guitarist-singer Trace Cyrus and singer-keyboardist Mason Musso; however, despite the promise of the band’s 2007 self-titled debut, which included top 10 hit single “Shake It,” tension between the two led to a separation. Cyrus left the band in 2010, only to return in 2014.
“Getting back together was something I was already ready for,” said Cyrus, calling from New Jersey. “I was just waiting on Mason to be ready for it as well. He finally reached out to me. He knew I was down to do it. So we just gave the kids what they wanted and what they’ve been waiting for.”
Even though Musso released a few EPs as Metro Station while Cyrus was away, the reunited act didn’t waste any time. The “Gold” EP came out last year, while recently the band released the independent album “Savior.” The sole purpose of both projects was to “flood” fans with a bunch of new music.
That includes the upbeat “Getting Over You [feat. Ronnie Radke]” and acoustic driven “Love & War.” Each song has become a staple of Metro Station’s current set on the Warped Tour, which comes to Northeast Ohio next week for a Thursday show at Blossom Music Center.
The summer jaunt also qualifies as another way Metro Station is making up for lost time: The group is on its first Warped Tour, which Cyrus admits is hard to believe. So far the experience has been positive but also eye-opening considering the band members are now viewed as elder statesmen.
“This tour has made me realize, I guess I am a man now,” Cyrus said. “There are kids that look up to me and Metro Station, but the main thing that makes me realize we’re older is all of the other bands that look up to us. I remember touring with Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte, and looking up to them.
“Now, I’m in that place. That wasn’t the case years ago, so it’s a good feeling.”
Metro Station has been around so long that most folks seem to forget the band was literally formed in 2006 on the set of popular Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana.” The show starred Cyrus’ sister Miley, as well as Musso’s brother Mitchel. Obviously, Cyrus is constantly answering questions about the former, an outlandish pop singer and TMZ staple who recently inducted Joan Jett into the Rock Hall.
When asked what question he’s tired of answering about his sister, Cyrus said, “Probably just what’s it like having Miley as a sister. Miley has nothing to do with Metro Station. We don’t have the same manager or record label. It’s completely independent. I have no help from Miley or anyone in my family when it comes to money.
“I never have and probably never will.”
Therein lies the DIY work ethic that imbues not only Cyrus’ music but also the Metro Station spirit. He points out that despite common perception, his childhood wasn’t first-class living in Hollywood Hills.
Having answered seemingly a million questions about his sister (yes, guilty as charged), Cyrus doesn’t exude any hint of annoyance or obstinacy in his answers.
Instead, he speaks with a healthy feeling of liberation.
No wonder Metro Station’s music connects so well with the anti-establishment Warped Tour crowd.
“I have no problem talking about it; it’s something people need to know,” Cyrus said. “I think people just see my last name and think I had a lot of things handed to me, that I grew up with money. But the truth is, I didn’t grow up with money or a nice house. And that’s just the reality of it.
“That’s what made me work so hard to get where I’m at. I’ve had no help from anyone except my bandmates. We’ve done everything ourselves. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”