In July 2013, three electronic music producers from New Jersey conquered the world charts with a single song. The name Cash Cash itself embodied their ambitions. They were named Cash Cash because they had no money. But "Take Me Home" took them to the world stage, and alongside Bebe Rexha's sweet voice, it set a new standard for the EDM pop genre.
Where Three Dreams Met
Cash Cash is a New Jersey-based DJ duo (later trio) consisting of brothers Jean Paul Makhlouf and Alex Makhlouf, and Samuel Frisch. The origin of the band name "Cash Cash" reflects their early reality. Lacking funds in their initial music activities, they self-mockingly named their group "Cash Cash," meaning "money money" in slang. This was not merely a band name but evidence of how desperately they desired success.
"Take Me Home" was featured on their second EP "Overtime" and fourth studio album "Blood, Sweat & 3 Years," released globally on July 15, 2013. The track became Cash Cash's highest-charting single and entered the top ranks in both the UK and US charts. Particularly in Australia, it achieved top 10 success and international recognition.
"We believed that electronic music could become the center of popular music"— Cash Cash Interview
Perfect Chemistry with Bebe Rexha
At the time, Bebe Rexha had not yet achieved worldwide success with "Meant to Be." She was building her recognition in the music industry as a songwriter and backup vocalist, and Cash Cash judged that her voice would perfectly suit their EDM track. It was an accurate choice. When Rexha's emotional vocals combined with Cash Cash's electro-house beat, a refined yet accessible EDM pop was born.
2013 was the golden age of EDM. At this time, artists like Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and Calvin Harris were breaking down the boundaries between electronic music and pop music. "Take Me Home" was right at the center of this trend. With melody as its foundation, it was radio-friendly while maintaining EDM's authenticity, capturing the hearts of listeners.
Success of Music Video and Remixes
Released on December 18, 2013, the "Take Me Home" music video brought an exciting party atmosphere to the forefront. With its colorful visuals and youthful, fresh energy, it recorded millions of views on YouTube. What was more interesting was that this track became the subject of remixes by various artists. In addition to The Chainsmokers, producers like Feenixpawl and others reconstructed the track with their own interpretations, and each remix conquered clubs and radio with charm different from the original.
A New Definition of EDM Pop
Cash Cash's "Take Me Home" in 2013 was not merely a hit song. It was a case study demonstrating how EDM could become mainstream music. When complex beats and synths combined with heartfelt vocals, music was created that could be naturally embraced not only in clubs but also on radio and streaming platforms. With this track, Cash Cash impressed their names on the international stage, and the three young men from New Jersey were reborn as successful producers, no longer "dreamers without money."
