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Debbie Wilson on Music Management
By: Nicole Roberge
Debbie Wilson owned the prestigious New York club Wilson’s, bringing in tons of musical talent to the venue each year. And of all the talented artists she had seen and worked with, there was one up-and-comer that stuck out who she knew she just had to work with. His name was Gavin DeGraw, and after hearing him perform, Wilson signed on as his manager and they’ve been together ever since. Music management takes diligence and a strong conviction in the artist you are representing, and Wilson has that and more. Here, she shares with you her experiences and advice for getting into the music business.
Tuned In: Was music something you always wanted to be involved with?
Debbie Wilson: I have always loved music. In 1963 when I first saw the Beatles in concert I was hooked. In addition my father was a recording artist before he became a businessman, so I guess it was in my blood.
TI: How did your bar “Wilson’s” come to be?
DW: Soon after graduating college with a degree in Accounting, I realized that the 9-5 routine in Business was not for me. I opened a bar restaurant that featured live music and it grew from there.
TI: Was Gavin DeGraw the first artist you worked with individually, and how long have you been working as his manager?
DW: Yes he was the first artist. I have been working with Gavin for 6 years.
TI: How did you come to be his manager?
DW: Gavin performed at one of my open mics on a night that I was out of town. I heard about him the next day so I gave him a call. He came back in the middle of the day when just he and I could talk. He played the piano and sang “Meaning” for me and that was it. I was hooked. I decided that I would not stop until the world knew who Gavin DeGraw was…
TI: You must have seen a lot of artists play in your bar throughout the years. What was it that made Gavin stand out from the rest?
DW: Stevie Wonder, Usher, Prince, Madonna, Brian
McKnight and Baby face all played in my club so we had very high
standards. There was something special about Gavin. He belonged in that
elite group. I loved his voice. He had so much soul for such a young
man. His songs speak to people. You should see the emails that I get
from his fans. He makes a difference in their lives. How great is that?
TI: Do you represent any other artists now?
DW: I am lucky enough to consult for Octone Records and also to work with Ron Shapiro at Ron Shapiro Management. I am working with the artists on their rosters. Octone has Michael Tolcher, Maroon5 and several new ones about to be released. Ron has Julie Roberts and Ricky Fante to name a few.
TI: What has been the hardest part about being a manager?
DW: It takes a long time to break an artist. Hanging in there when no one else believes is the hard part.
TI: What has been the best thing about being a manager?
DW: I get to listen to Gavin DeGraw.
TI: What is the biggest misconception about working in the music industry?
DW: First, they (whoever they are) say that there are a lot of bad people in the music industry. Just like any other business there are good and bad people. I have been fortunate and have met a lot of wonderful people, many who I consider friends.
Second, there is no such thing as an overnight success. It takes years.
TI: What would your advice be to those who aspire to be a music manager?
DW: Don’t take the plunge unless you LOVE it. Try to put your emotions aside. After all, it is the Music BUSINESS!!!
Wilson Management: www.wilspro.com