So sometimes I get really sad and dance and somebody wrote a song for that.*

Stromae is kind of insanely famous not-in-America. When he played at SXSW the marketing and crowd were very weird.

All over SXSW, kiosks were plastered with posters that posed a provocative question: “Who the hell is Stromae?”

It’s a question you wouldn’t ask in many places outside North America. The impeccably groomed Belgian singer is a massive global superstar, which created a funny juxtaposition at NPR Music’s SXSW showcase, held at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas. SXSW is an international festival, so for every curious would-be convert still hanging around after Courtney Barnett’s set, a Stromae superfan was in danger of losing bladder control at the sight of him.

* Actually this mood forms a significant part of my music collection (e.g.). Please post your favourite dance-while-sobbing songs in the comments. I need more.