Kavinsky spoke of forthcoming Weeknd collaboration before his death
Kavinsky told NME in 2022 that a collaboration with The Weeknd was likely to materialise soon, though no material emerged before his death.
French electronic producer Kavinsky, who died on 28 July at age 50, had suggested in early 2022 that another collaboration with The Weeknd was in development. In an interview with NME in February that year, Kavinsky recalled how the two first connected through a mutual collaborator. "My friend Prince 85 introduced me to him," Kavinsky said. "I happened to just love his voice when I heard it, so we did our track together back then very easily, very simply."
The pair had previously worked together on a version of 'Odd Look' in 2013, before The Weeknd's international breakthrough. Kavinsky indicated the discussions about reuniting had been ongoing for some time. "So something might happen – something might happen very probably," he told NME. "It's happening soon, and he is still such a nice guy." No additional material between the two was released during Kavinsky's lifetime, and it remains unclear whether any further recordings were completed.
Following the news of Kavinsky's death, The Weeknd posted a tribute on social media, writing: "So heartbreaking to hear the news. An inspiration to so many, including myself. I will continue to honour your name and your music. Rest easy Kavinsky." The French producer was best known for his 2011 synthwave hit 'Nightcall', co-produced by Daft Punk's Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, which featured on the Drive soundtrack.
