LIKES, retweets and follows on social media mean nothing without the talent to back it up.
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That's Amber Lawrence's message to aspiring artists at the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music.
The exclusive camp sees rising stars and their parents take a crash course in what's to come if they break into the music industry.
And, Lawrence herself isn't immune to the influence of social media.
"Sometimes there is going to be criticism and maybe it's best not to look at it," she said.
"I hate it when I get a comment on YouTube that is by somebody who just felt like being mean for the day, they know nothing about you and say 'Worst song ever'.
"You know it's not the worst song ever but for a minute that comment hurts you."
In the digital age Spotify and Facebook have altered the way artists distribute music and connect with fans, before it listeners had to rely on CD's, records, top charts, newspapers and the radio for music.
Now, music is available in just moments with the ability to stream.
To be successful, artists can't forget the old-fashioned way to build a career, like finding gigs or putting up posters, Lawrence said.
"Young artists need to know it's cool to be good at social media but it's more important to build fans by having good songs and knowing how to perform," she said.
"I think in the industry that I'm in my fans have become friends, it's a huge circle of friends I have now and if I want to be authentic I can't pretend my son Ike doesn't take up every minute of my day so I have to share that.
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"Just remember that online is not real life, anything you see and any life you admire online you don't know the truth of that so concentrate on being out there off the computer and getting real life experience that's what's going to make you the best performer."
Lawrence is one of a spate of famous faces working in the music rooms at Calrossy Anglican School for the academy.
Students are paired with many of them to learn how to co-write a song and market themselves in the music industry.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
