French electronic musician Kavinsky, born Vincent Belorgey, has been found dead in Paris at age 50. An investigation is underway, though a stroke is suspected. Kavinsky was famed for his 2010 track "Nightcall," which gained global recognition from the film *Drive* and became the most Shazamed song in a day after his 2024 Olympics performance. President Emmanuel Macron called him "a source of French pride forever."
Kavinsky death details
- ▪The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation to determine the cause of death
- ▪First responders found "no suspicious elements" at the scene of Vincent Belorgey's death
- ▪Vincent Belorgey had reportedly been complaining of headaches in the days before his death
- ▪French DJ Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found dead at his home in Paris at age 50
- ▪A police source indicated a stroke was the suspected cause of death
Nightcall in Drive film
- ▪After a performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, "Nightcall" became the most Shazamed song in a single day
- ▪Kavinsky performed "Nightcall" at the 2024 Olympics with the band Phoenix and Belgian singer Angèle
- ▪Kavinsky's 2010 track "Nightcall" gained global fame after being featured in the 2011 film Drive, starring Ryan Gosling
- ▪"Nightcall" was co-produced with Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk and featured vocals by Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx
Music career discography
- ▪Kavinsky released five EPs and two albums on the Record Makers label, including his 2022 album "Reborn"
- ▪Kavinsky's debut album, "Outrun," reached No. 2 in the French album charts
- ▪Kavinsky was considered part of the second wave of "French Touch" electronic artists, along with Justice and Sebastian
- ▪A self-taught pianist, Vincent Belorgey began his music career in the early 2000s, opening for the French duo Daft Punk
1980s aesthetic influences
- ▪In a 2013 interview, Kavinsky explained his influences came from the 1980s because he was "from the 80s"
- ▪The Kavinsky character's concept was detailed in his debut album, "Outrun."
- ▪Kavinsky's sound and fashion were heavily influenced by 1980s cinematic synths
- ▪Kavinsky's musical persona was a red-eyed zombie who crashed a Ferrari Testarossa in the 1980s and returned as a DJ in the 2000s
Tributes from officials
- ▪French culture minister Catherine Pégard said Kavinsky's music will "continue to resonate across generations and borders."
- ▪French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Kavinsky, calling him "a source of French pride forever"
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