It's easier to be a star these days, but it's harder to be a real singer

Marina Tomašević, one of Croatia’s most enduring voices in music, has spoken openly about how the entertainment industry has changed over her nearly five-decade-long career. She described the current landscape as more accessible for becoming a celebrity but far more challenging for true artists. In an interview with Fenix-magazin, she reflected on the shift in priorities within the industry, emphasizing that today's success often hinges on visibility rather than lasting artistic value. Tomašević, who began her career in the late 1960s, recalls a time when each performance was a journey, bringing new audiences and stories back home. Now, after almost half a century on stage, she finds greater peace in quiet evenings at home, spending time with her family and her 15-year-old daughter, Tonka. The once relentless demands of touring have softened, and she no longer feels the need to prove herself to anyone. Instead, she focuses on moments of joy, singing when she wants, photographing herself, and engaging in crafts such as knitting and crocheting. She acknowledges that while modern technology has made it easier to reach wider audiences, it has also altered the nature of artistic creation. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, the pace of content production has accelerated dramatically. What once required months of preparation and deep thought can now be produced in minutes. This rapid turnover, she says, has diminished the depth of musical expression. “The quality of songs today doesn’t last,” she remarked. “Sometimes they haven’t even been heard before they’re forgotten.” Tomašević credits past generations of composers, such as Tomislav Ivčić, Rajko Dujmić, and Nenad Ninčević, for crafting works that remain timeless. These artists left behind a personal imprint in their compositions, a signature that continues to resonate with listeners decades later. In contrast, she notes that many contemporary songs lack this emotional and cultural weight. “They don’t live beyond the moment,” she said. She also expressed concern over the commercialization of fame. While it is now possible for someone to gain recognition quickly, sustaining that status requires more than just visibility, it demands authenticity and resilience. “It’s much harder to be a real artist these days,” she said. “Today, it’s easy to become famous, but it’s difficult to endure.” She sees this as one of the greatest changes in the world of performing arts. In addition to the evolution of the industry, Tomašević reflects on broader societal shifts. She points to the erosion of traditional values and the increasing emphasis on instant gratification. “People watch and ask themselves: why is this person known? What did they do? Why are they special?” she said. This, she believes, has led to a culture where popularity is measured by frequency of appearance rather than the substance of one’s work. Despite these challenges, Tomašević remains optimistic. She continues to perform, though with less pressure and more freedom. Her focus is on creating art that resonates deeply, not simply chasing fleeting trends. “I still love singing, I still love being on stage, but I’ve learned that it’s better to enjoy life rather than always be somewhere else,” she concluded.