French electronic music producer Kavinsky dies at 50

Published Aug 7, 11:28 PM UTC

French electronic music producer Kavinsky (Vincent Belorgey), the synthwave pioneer whose hit 'Nightcall' became iconic through the film 'Drive', was found dead at his home in Paris at age 50. French authorities confirmed his death on Tuesday evening and have opened an investigation, though no foul play is suspected. Kavinsky emerged as a defining figure of the synthwave movement, blending retro electronic music inspired by 1980s cinema and pop culture. His breakthrough came in 2010 with 'Nightcall', which featured in Nicolas Winding Refn's 2011 thriller 'Drive'. He released his debut album 'OutRun' in 2013 and returned in 2022 with 'Reborn'. His music reached a new generation when he performed 'Nightcall' at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony. French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard and President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, praising his influence on French electronic music. No information about surviving family has been disclosed.