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■ Kavinsky
Kavinsky was a French electronic musician, producer, DJ, and actor. He is best known for his 2010 hit single “Nightcall”, which gained worldwide fame after being featured in the 2011 film Drive. Known for a retro-futuristic style inspired by 1980s synth-pop, arcade games, and movies. Released his debut album OutRun in 2013, followed by the album Reborn in 2022.

The French DJ and musician Kavinsky (real name Vincent Belorgey), who rocketed to fame with his song “Nightcall” that was used as the theme song of the film Drive, was found dead in his home in Paris on Tuesday, July 28th, at the age of 50. Early reports indicate that he may have suffered a stroke. He was reported experiencing severe headaches in the previous days leading up to his death.

Back in 2011, when I first heard of Kavinsky, I was on a Nicolas Refn-kick, stating that he was my favorite new director, having seen Valhalla Rising (so good!) and loving the Pusher trilogy (as previously mentioned). I was really excited to see his US-debut movie Drive, at the movie premiere. The film didn’t disappoint, Ryan Gosling is great in the lead, and Carey Mulligan (she duet on Belle & Sebastian’s “Write About Love”) has a small part.

In my writeup for Drive, I mentioned the soundtrack, particularly Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” with Lovefoxx (from CSS), providing the girl-vocals:

As for the soundtrack, I love it too! The songs are synthy, I guess for that 80s tone that I previously mention that the film is drenched in. The soundtrack is courtesy of Lakeshore Records, who specializes in movie soundtracks. Most of the score were composed by Cliff Martinez (about 13 tracks) with only five “pop” songs, including the excellent “Drive” by Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx (which starts off the long intro credits).

I love the song and was thrilled to hear it covered by Sweden’s Outshine in May 2020, and hearing it live by London Grammar as part of their 2015 Tour: “The trio’s cover of French Electro-clash/House artist Kavinsky’s ‘Nightcall’ (best known from the Ryan Gosling movie, Drive) was playfully re-interpreted as more moody than the original, though no less appropriate to hear during a post-midnight ride in the car.”

I leave you with the lyrics for “Nightcall”.

I’m giving you a night call to tell you how I feel
I wanna drive you through the night, down the hills
I’m gonna tell you something you don’t want to hear
I’m gonna show you where it’s dark, but have no fear

There’s something inside you
It’s hard to explain
They’re talking about you, boy
But you’re still the same