There have been many Michael Jackson tributes over the years and especially now that the King of Pop has passed. But here is by far, one of my favorites that I recently discovered.
Cash Cash has released their first single from their upcoming album, “Michael Jackson” and it features not only a moonwalk-worthy beat, but also verses almost entirely comprised of M.J.’s biggest hits combined to make both a clever narrative and a killer dubstep-influenced track.
Cash Cash (Jean Paul Makhlouf – vocals, Alex Makhlouf – keyboards, programming, background vocals and Sam Frisch – guitars, background vocals) achieved global success with their Take It to the Floor (Universal Republic) and Love or Lust (self-released), leading to sold out tours domestically (including Warped Tour and various festivals) as well as in Brazil and Japan. The trio made waves not only with their own material, but also with their hit remixes for Cobra Starship (with whom they toured the U.K.), Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Calvin Harris, as well as with their separate DJ gigs. Now Cash Cash are reaching higher than ever with their third effort, The Beat Goes On.
Frontman Jean Paul Makhlouf says that the new sound on lead single “Michael Jackson” and The Beat Goes On isn’t a radical departure, but more of an evolution. “It’s a lot heavier electro-wise,” he said. “The beats are better and the hooks are more defined. It’s a mix of our Cash Cash electro dance vibe blended with some dubstep shock, bundled with a pop anthem chorus.”
The Beat Goes On will have several singles released by European label Spinnin’ Records, home of EDM A-listers Avicii, Afrojack, Martin Solveig, Alesso and more—the perfect home for the group’s new, more mature and more dance-driven sound. “Michael Jackson” is already in the top 10 in the Netherlands, where it was picked up by Slam FM.
Jean Paul explains that his mission was to combine dubstep with a pop sensibility that was missing from radio. “A lot of dubstep groups haven’t found a way to make coherent pop songs, and I think we cracked the code with ‘Michael Jackson,’” Jean Paul said. “We’re taking the music in a wild direction.”
