Drive director Nicholas Winding Refn has paid tribute to French electronic artist Kavinsky, who died recently at the age of 50, according to NME. His real name was Vincent Belorgey.
According to reports cited by the outlet, authorities found him at his home in Paris at around 10:30pm local time on July 28. Those reports also said the cause of death is believed to have been a stroke.
Kavinsky is best known to many film fans for “Nightcall,” the song that played over the opening of the 2011 film Drive starring Ryan Gosling. Refn said in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter that the track gave the movie exactly what it needed and helped define the film’s opening.
Refn also described Kavinsky as more than a one-song artist, calling him an important figure in French pop music. He said Kavinsky was kind, shy, and deeply influential, adding that his music would continue to inspire future musicians. NME noted that in one of his final interviews with the publication, Kavinsky said another collaboration with The Weeknd was likely to arrive soon.
