Diane Wagg is a music executive and strategic adviser whose career has spanned artist management, A&R, record production, studio management and creative business consultancy.
She began her career in EMI Records' A&R division before moving into artist management, where she worked with Philip Lynott and Thin Lizzy.
She later became Director of Tony Visconti's group of companies, overseeing his business interests and managing Good Earth Recording Studios, working with artists including David Bowie, George Michael, Duran Duran, U2, The Stranglers, The Boomtown Rats and Altered Images.
Diane went on to co-found Rise Management, representing artists including Republica, Beth Orton, Mike Scott (The Waterboys), Rialto, Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff), Sunhouse, Towering Inferno and The Drum Club, before founding Deluxxe Management.
Throughout her management career she worked with hundreds of artists, from emerging talent to internationally established acts, across major labels, independent labels and self-releasing businesses.
She is perhaps best known for developing Scouting for Girls from an unsigned band into a No.1, triple platinum act with arena tours, multiple hit singles and BRIT and Ivor Novello Award nominations. Her management roster also included A Girl Called Eddy, REWS, Carla Marie Williams, Touriste and Lockdown Project.
Today, through Deluxxe Creative Consultancy, Diane works with artists, managers, songwriters, producers, creative entrepreneurs and organisations as a strategic adviser and trusted sounding board.
Some clients come to Diane when they're facing uncertainty or change. Others are already successful but value an experienced, independent perspective to help challenge ideas, explore opportunities and make confident decisions.
Whether navigating career transitions, growing a business, building a team or developing an artist, Diane brings practical experience, commercial insight and honest advice shaped by years of working at the heart of the creative industries.
Having built creative careers while running her own businesses, Diane understands the realities of freelance and entrepreneurial life. She knows the pressures of balancing creativity with commercial demands and the importance of having someone who can provide perspective when the next step isn't immediately clear.
Clients often describe her as someone in their corner - an experienced voice around the table who understands both the industry and the individual navigating it.
Alongside her consultancy, Diane selectively undertakes co-management roles, partnering with artists and management teams where her experience, strategic input and industry network can help accelerate an artist's development.
Diane is a former Chair and current Custodian of the Music Managers Forum (MMF), an experienced Board Director, Women in Music Roll of Honour recipient, Business Adviser, qualified Professional Coach and Mental Health First Aider.
Diane is THE BEST OF THE BEST. The first time I met up with Diane it was as if the universe was shouting at me that I should reach out...trusted friends recommending her, strangers at gigs mentioning her out of the blue when I actually had my initial call booked the next day...and I am so glad I listened.
Diane’s wisdom is rooted in experience, a keen strategic eye and most importantly a very human approach. She’s calm, understanding and pragmatic. Knows how the industry works in and out and is able to tailor her experience and expertise to the client, keeping a steady focus and direction. She's genuine, kind and well meaning, and she truly cares about you and your career. I am so grateful for all her advice, help and guidance through some key moments in my
career. I honestly think I’d feel a bit lost without her. I couldn’t recommend her more!
(Nadia Sheikh, Artist, Songwriter, Musician)
Diane has been integral to every part of growing my business. Building a brand comes with endless decisions and challenges, and she’s been the steady, expert voice guiding me through both the big and small moments. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her insight, care, and belief in the
vision.
(Brandon Myers, Artist Vision Partner, Founder/Director - Marmalade)
There aren’t too many in the music business that I would unreservedly recommend as someone to care for and develop artists, but I can say without hesitation that Diane is the best at it. Artists need the experience of Diane more than ever, something I am still grateful for myself.
In my work supporting the development of artists and their wider skillsets there have been countless moments when she has offered essential guidance and advice to myself as a manager.
We have been indebted to her at Karousel Music CIC for her always open door and for the coaching she has offered over the last 5 years.
(Chris Sheehan - CEO Karousel Music)
