A song that fits perfectly with a film in terms of vibe, lyrics and timing can give viewers a significant boost. French DJ and music producer Kavinsky played for years before the release of Drive (2011) already collaborated with Daft Punk and Justice, among others, but his worldwide fame only took serious proportions when Nicolas Winding Refn’s thriller was released. This week it was announced that Kavinsky had died at the age of 50.
Stroke
The French newspaper Le Figaro first reported that Kavinsky had been found dead in his home in Paris. The DJ, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, had been complaining of a headache for several days and it is expected that he died of a stroke. Although the official cause of death is not yet known, the police do not suspect foul play.
Night trips
Kavinsky’s number Nightcall (2010) was originally sung by singer Lovefoxxx for a separate EP, and is therefore not special for Drive made. Director Refn discovered the song and played it several times while driving along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles at night. The slow-paced song, with its prominent synthesizers and dark vibe, fit perfectly with Refn’s idea Drivea film that begins with the unnamed protagonist (Ryan Gosling) behind the wheel of a getaway car.
Olympic Games
Refn got Kavinsky’s permission to use the song for the opening sequence and the rest is history. In 2024 the DJ played Nightcall even during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, where Belgian singer Angèle provided the vocals. Kavinsky’s death even prompted French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron to respond. Macron calls him online “an eternal source of French pride”.
Beeld: Still ‘Drive’ via TMDb
