French DJ Kavinsky, creator of 'Nightcall,' found dead at 50

French electronic music producer Kavinsky was found dead in his Paris apartment Tuesday evening at age 50, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

Kavinsky's real name was Vincent Belorgey. He was born in the Seine-Saint-Denis department on the outskirts of Paris. Emergency services discovered him without signs of foul play, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.

Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of death. One hypothesis under examination is that Belorgey suffered a stroke, based on reports that he had complained of headaches in the days before his death, according to French media outlet Le Figaro. However, this remains unconfirmed.

Kavinsky gained international recognition for "Nightcall," which appeared on the 2011 film "Drive" starring Ryan Gosling. The track became emblematic of the synthwave genre and defined a generation's fascination with neon aesthetics, synthesizers, and electronic sound.

The producer was a pioneering figure in French electronic music and the synthwave movement. He worked with analog keyboards and developed a distinctive sound that drew influence from Daft Punk's analog touch and dark vocoders. His production techniques influenced the broader electronic music landscape.

Kavinsky had a resurgence in prominence following an appearance at the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony. His work predated the later mainstream rise of synthwave acts including The Midnight, FM-84, Windows 96, and Carpenter Brut, establishing foundational elements of the genre in its early development.

The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that emergency services found no suspicious elements at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances of his death remains ongoing.