French DJ and producer Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, has died at the age of 50. His body was found Tuesday evening at his home in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, according to multiple reports. The alarm was raised after a neighbor, worried about not having seen the artist for several days, contacted emergency services. First responders discovered the musician's body around 22:30 p.m.
A stroke is being considered as a possibility.
According to a police source, Kavinsky had complained of severe headaches in recent days. At this stage, a stroke is being considered, although no definitive conclusion has been reached. The Paris prosecutor's office has announced the opening of an investigation into the cause of death in order to determine the precise circumstances of his passing. Initial findings at the scene have revealed no evidence suggesting foul play.
A key figure of the French Touch
Born on July 31, 1976, Vincent Belorgey established himself as one of the leading figures of the French electronic music scene. His style, inspired by 1980s film soundtracks, sports cars, and fantasy cinema, allowed him to develop an immediately recognizable artistic identity. His first album, OutRunReleased in 2013, it had established its international reputation thanks to a style blending synthwave, electro and retro-futuristic influences.
"Nightcall", the song that marked a generation
Kavinsky will be primarily associated with Nightcall, its title having become cult after its use in the film Drive by Nicolas Winding Refn in 2011. The song, performed with Lovefoxxx, was a huge worldwide success and became one of the most iconic tracks of 2010s electronic music. More recently, the artist regained international visibility at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, where he performed Nightcall alongside Angèle and the group Phoenix in front of millions of viewers.
An investigation still ongoing
At this stage, the exact circumstances of the death remain to be established. The investigation opened by the Paris prosecutor's office will have to determine the precise cause of the artist's death. No suspicious elements were discovered during the initial examination carried out at the DJ's home. Kavinsky's passing has already caused a great deal of emotion in the world of electronic music, where he was considered one of the most influential French artists of his generation.
