( CNN ) Cody Simpson just wants to make the world happy . That 's why the Australian-born pop star is in Austin , Texas , this week , where he will be performing at a United Nations/MixRadio brunch at the SXSW festival . Simpson , 18 , is the spokesman for the # HappySoundsLike playlist , promoting the U.N. 's International Day of Happiness on Friday , March 20 . The singer and other celebs selected tracks for the playlist . `` There is honestly nothing I can think of that I like to do more than make other people happy through live music , '' said Simpson , who will perform a few acoustic tracks at the SXSW brunch . The International Day of Happiness is a global celebration that came about after the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2011 recognizing happiness as a `` fundamental human goal . '' The observation was decreed in 2012 after the first U.N. conference on happiness , and the first Day of Happiness was held on March 20 , 2013 . Simpson said it makes sense to have music as such an important part of the day . `` I want to be able to share a message of happiness , '' the singer said . `` I think music is such an escape for people . '' He selected Bob Marley 's `` Three Little Birds '' for the playlist . Britney Spears selected Prince 's `` Kiss , '' and Pharrell picked Talking Heads ' `` This Must Be the Place . '' Ed Sheeran , David Guetta , Charlize Theron , John Legend and James Blunt are also among those taking part . Simpson recently released a cover of Marley 's `` No Woman No Cry '' and said the legendary reggae artist is a personal inspiration . `` The majority of music today has no substance , '' said Simpson , who is an independent artist . `` You want to be able to feel something true . '' As for what makes Simpson the happiest ( other than music , of course ) , he said it 's the simple things like relaxing with his family and just slowing down . `` Happiness is kind of taken from you if your mind is too busy , '' he said . `` Be present in that moment . '' Fans are being encouraged to post the song that makes them the happiest using the social media hashtag # HappySoundsLike .
Simpson helped curate the playlist to celebrate the UN 's International Day of Happiness . He will mark 18 by performing at the SXSW festival . Fans are encouraged to share the songs that make them happy .