Cody Simpson on social media: ‘It would be ignorant not to embrace it’

HE’S got more social media followers than Hugh Jackman, spends birthday celebrations with the likes of Bieber and Miley, and dates Sports Illustrated model Gigi Hadid.

But Cody Simpson says his superstar lifestyle doesn’t define who he is.

Hailing from the Gold Coast, the 18-year-old Aussie singer was discovered on YouTube in 2009 and was instantly dubbed a blonde “Justin Bieber”.

Today, the Los Angeles-based musician is the most followed Aussie on Twitter with 7.28 million followers, three hit albums under his belt and a cult following that would rival dedicated One Directioners.

But unlike some celebrities, Simpson uses the popular platform to his advantage and says it has been invaluable to his success and new sound.

“It’s awesome to have that kind of platform now,” he tells news.com.au.

“I’m making a musical transition and starting the next phase of my career so having that audience at my fingertips is a really cool feeling,” he added, on parting ways with his record label, Atlantic Records.

yeeeeew first aussie to post using @twitter's new video upload! a little tease of my new song #flower coming soon pic.twitter.com/mFSMkFI1oj

— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) January 27, 2015

Last week, Simpson became the first Australian to use Twitter’s new video feature to connect with fans and tease his latest music with a 30-second clip, and his mature approach to social media is one plenty of celebs would do well to adopt.

“I think it would be an ignorant approach to not embrace the new way to promote and to share your stuff. The video feature is just another outlet ... It’s all about using every outlet possible.”

That being said, the Surfboard singer says he is actively making steps to move beyond his ‘teen heart-throb’ status and is even considering leaving his photo off his next album cover. “I want to not even put my face on my cover artworks so that it’s just directed towards the art.

“I still embrace it but I want to broaden myself, I won’t deny anything but I’m making steps to broaden it.”

Cody Simpson with girlfriend Gigi Hadid (left) Kendall Jenner and Justin Bieber. Source: Instagram

Simpson, who grew up listening to major influences John Mayer, Jack Johnson and Keith Urban, admits to wishing he was a musician in the 60s “where it was just about the music.”

“Now with younger artists, it’s very much about your looks and I’m trying to turn that around,” he said.

Brushing off his celebrity status, Simpson simply said of his A-list group of pals, “we all support each other, we all have our own paths we’re going down and we’re supportive of that.

“I don’t get starstruck. I try to be respectful of everyone and be cool, while having an appreciation for life.”

But the best piece of advice he’s ever been gifted came from none other than Roger Daltrey of The Who. The rock legend told him: “Dare to be different and don’t be afraid to carve your own way.

“I’m doing that now, it’s the only way you can ever be.”

Cody recently celebrated his 18th birthday with Bieber and a host of other celebs. Source: Supplied

Simpson currently dates 19-year-old Gigi Hadid, whose mother is Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster, former model Hadid has posed for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue and Guess. She was recently named the face of Maybelline and is also the new face of Seafolly.

Simpson debuted his first single as an independent artist, Flower, this week. His upcoming album Free is due out later this year.

Cody Simpson and Gigi Hadid have been dating on and off since 2014. Source: Getty Images

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