From Performers to CEOs: Meet the Owners of 3 West Productions, Matt & Nissa
- Danielle Distefano
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Starting your own company can be daunting, filled with risks, unknowns, and the pressure to make something truly meaningful. But for Matt and Nissa, it was never a question of if, only when. With years of experience performing in the vibrant NYC and New Jersey music scenes, the duo realized their hearts belonged not just on stage, but in creating unforgettable experiences for others. So, they made a bold move: trading in city lights for the rolling hills of Lancaster County, where they could build something of their own -something rooted in music, connection, and joy.
Driven by a shared passion for performance and an unwavering belief in the power of music to bring people together, Matt and Nissa launched their company with one goal: to make every event feel electric, heartfelt, and unforgettable. From humble beginnings to becoming the creative force behind 3 West Productions, their journey is as inspiring as it is authentic.
I had the chance to sit down with Matt and Nissa to learn more about the people behind the playlists. We discussed their early days as musicians, the highs and lows of building a business, and their aspirations for the company's future. Join us as we get to know the heart and soul behind it all!
What sparked your interest in music and performing from a young age?
Nissa: "I remember watching Kids Incorporated, and at that time, I thought Stacy Ferguson “Fergie” was the coolest. I remember I wanted to be just like that! I was a super shy kid and didn’t think of myself as a singer at all. Years later, when I was 12, my Dad took me to Universal Studios in Florida. I got in a karaoke booth and recorded “Stay” by Lisa Loeb. They played it over the speaker in the park, and a guy said to my Dad, “Hey, your daughter is a great singer!” My Dad didn’t know it was me, haha. So this guy told us about a vocal coach in South Jersey, and from that point on, I knew I was going to make singing my career."
Matt: "For me, it was watching old concert videos with my Uncle Brian on VHS (yes, I’m dating myself!). He introduced me to a band called Queen. I remember watching one of their concerts and getting chills watching them perform for a crowd of 250,000 people. At that age, I thought music was just played in a studio and then to radio. I had no idea about the live performance aspect - I was like “WOAH. I want to do THAT”. My parents first bought me a drum set for my birthday, and that was short-lived. A young kid banging on some out-of-tune drums in a small 2nd-floor apartment didn’t quite go well, so I asked for guitar lessons, and here we are!"
What was your most memorable experience in the music industry before 3 West Productions was formed?
Nissa: "I think for me it was being brought on as the lead singer for 3LW before they changed record labels! That moment felt so life-changing back then!"
Matt: "My dad and I are big fans of a band called The Good Rats. I saw they were coming to a local club near my house, so I emailed them to say that I’m only 12 years old and a huge fan. I was learning how to play their songs on the guitar at the time. Their manager at the time invited me to play a song with them at one of the concerts, which also happened to be my 13th birthday. Such a cool moment! I later joined the band full-time when I was 20."
Can you talk about your first experience performing live music for a wedding?
Nissa: "A really sweet couple asked us to perform for their cocktail hour, and it sparked my love for wedding performances. I realized in that moment what an honor it was to be there and perform for such a momentous occasion!"
How does that compare to your first DJ/Emcee experience at a wedding?
Nissa: "I was scared to DEATH to emcee my first wedding! I remember my hands were sweaty and shaking, gripping the paperwork for intros!"
Can you share more about a 3 West Productions add-on or enhancement that most people don’t know about?
Matt: Most people don’t know that we offer the option to have an artist write an original wedding song, a Love Story Original!
Besides weddings, does 3 West Productions appear at any other types of events?
Matt: "We do tons of corporate events and have had the pleasure of partnering with companies like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and QVC, to name a few! We service all types of events like birthday parties, graduations, etc."
How was Ziggy Booth named, and what inspired you to start a photo booth branch in your company?
Nissa: "My maiden name is Zigarelli, many people in my family carry the nickname 'Ziggy'! I have loved photo booths since I was a kid; it’s such a fun add-on to entertainment. It felt natural to offer a specific branch to make each experience unique and have the attention to detail that it deserves, just like our other elements like live music!"
With recently returning to the live performance scene as 3 West Acoustic Duo, what is the biggest challenge or adjustment you’ve had to make? Or was the transition back into live performing easy?
Nissa: "We did take a bit of a hiatus! With our daughter, Winter, being 6 years old now, traveling is a bit easier! It hasn’t been hard, I think, because we’re going back to our roots. We started this business and built it from the ground up as two live musicians with a vision for something much greater!"
Summarize everything 3 West Productions has to offer in just one sentence!
Both: "Quality entertainment provided by talented people who care!"
Where do you see 3 West Productions going in the next 5-10 years?
Matt: "I see us growing and continuing to promote from within! We plan to branch out to other markets and some new services."
What do you think sets 3 West Productions apart from other production companies?
Nissa: "We have extensive experience in not just the event market, but the live music scene. We continue to care about the quality of experience each client has with us and our staff. I’ve always said that we can’t rest until every detail is just so!"
Matt and Nissa’s story is one of passion, persistence, and purpose. From karaoke booths and Queen concerts to national stages and intimate weddings, their journey is anything but ordinary, and that’s exactly what makes 3 West Productions so special. It’s not just about music or events; it’s about creating moments that matter, led by two people who genuinely care about every single detail. With a deep love for their craft and a commitment to growing a team rooted in heart and talent, the future of 3 West Productions is as bright as the dance floors they light up. Whether you’re planning your dream wedding, hosting a corporate celebration, or simply love a good story, Matt and Nissa are proof that when you follow your passion, magic follows.
Matt & Nissa are available for live music performances at weddings and events in the Lancaster area and beyond! If you need any of our other services, you can be sure their heart & soul are going into each and every event. We would love to talk with you about your event needs - we're always happy to chat!
Follow 3 West Music on Insta: @3westmusic
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Visit the 3 West Music website: https://www.3westlive.com/
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