Kavinsky, the French DJ who’s perhaps best known for his song “Nightcall” from the Drive soundtrack (that he later performed with Phoenix at the 2024 Paris Olympics), has reportedly been found dead in his Paris home at age 50. Cause of death is not yet known.
French culture minister Catherine Pégard confirmed the sad news in a post that reads (translated from French): “With the sudden disappearance of Kavinsky, France loses one of its most singular voices. From the film *Drive* to the Paris Olympics, the entire world had pulsed to ‘Nightcall.’ Both danceable and nostalgic, his music will continue to resonate across generations and borders.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also posted a tribute which reads, “Kavinsky, French pride forever.”
The Weeknd also paid tribute, writing, “So heartbreaking to hear the news. An inspiration to so many, including myself. I will continue to honor your name and your music. Rest easy Kavinsky.”
In her most recent Instagram post (posted on May 28), Lady Gaga spoke about Kavinsky’s influence on her. She called him “one of my big influences for a lot of albums” and said that, while making her recently-released live album/film MAYHEM: Requiem, she “wanted to infuse it with influence from musicians and artists I really have admired and been inspired by my whole career.” That’s why she decided to “flip ‘Die With A Smile’ harnessing ‘Nightcall’ with a French electronic energy and relentless arpeggio that would ground it with more dystopian tension and maybe even a fear of the unknown of the future—contrasted with the joy of a new version of the songs original melody and finding the love and hope through the music.”
According to CNN, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death. This story is still developing.
Rest in peace, Kavinsky.