French producer, DJ, and actor Kavinsky, born Vincent Belorgey, has died at age 50. He was found dead at his home in Paris on Tuesday evening, and the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation into the cause of death has been opened, noting that first responders found no suspicious elements at the scene. French outlet Le Figaro, citing a police source, reported that Kavinsky may have suffered a stroke after complaining of headaches in the days leading up to his death. No official cause has yet been confirmed.
Kavinsky began his career as an actor before transitioning to music in 2005, encouraged by friends Jackson Fourgeaud and Quentin Dupieux. He went on to open for Daft Punk on their 2007 tour and built a reputation within France’s electro house scene for a sound steeped in 1980s synth-pop, action movies, and video games. His breakout came with “Nightcall,” released in 2010 and produced alongside Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, featuring vocals from Brazilian singer Lovefoxxx. The track appeared on his 2013 debut studio album ‘OutRun’ and became a global phenomenon after soundtracking the opening credits of Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 film Drive, later going on to headline the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Phoenix and Angèle.
Beyond “Nightcall,” Kavinsky’s catalog included the 2013 EP ‘Odd Look,’ which spawned an official remix featuring the Weeknd that later appeared on the deluxe edition of the Weeknd’s debut album Kiss Land. He was scheduled to headline the Garten on the Beach festival outside Deauville alongside Bakermat and Bellaire on August 8.
Tributes poured in from across the music world following news of his death. French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard called Kavinsky “one of its most unique voices,” adding that his music would continue to resonate across generations and borders. His label, Because Music, said the whole team was deeply saddened by the loss and extended condolences to his family and friends. French electronic pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre also paid tribute on Instagram, remembering Kavinsky as a close friend and collaborator.
Kavinsky leaves behind a body of work that helped define the synthwave revival of the 2010s, influencing a generation of producers with his blend of cinematic atmosphere and driving electro house rhythm. He was 50 years old.
