Meet Tom Wiggins

We recently connected with Tom Wiggins and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my parents, they both always instilled hard work ethics to us. My mom was a music teacher and my Dad worked for the railroad.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The Bitz, are more than just a group of musicians; we are storytellers, creators, and performers passionate about connecting with our listeners on a deep, emotional level. Our music blends a mix of genres, bands we love, and styles we emulate creating a unique sound that resonates with both our fans and new listeners alike. From the heart-pounding energy of our live shows to the raw, authentic emotions we capture in our recordings, we’re dedicated to delivering an experience that transcends just sound.

What makes our band special is our commitment to growth and innovation. We’re not afraid to experiment with new sounds or share personal stories that give our music depth and meaning.
For us, music isn’t just an art form—it’s a way of life.

We’re thrilled to announce we are adding a new female vocalist this year.

Thank you for supporting us on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more, and keep rocking with us!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

As the leader of a successful wedding band, there are several key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that would have played a crucial role in getting to where I am today.

1. Strong Communication and Leadership Skills
As the band leader, you’re not just a performer—you’re also managing a team of musicians, dealing with clients, and often acting as the face of the band. Effective communication is essential for making sure everyone is on the same page, from song choices to logistics, and for delivering excellent customer service to clients.

Advice:
Develop clear communication skills both on and off the stage. Be open to feedback from band members and clients, but also learn how to express your vision in a way that motivates and inspires your team. Regular check-ins, being organized with schedules, and setting clear expectations will go a long way in keeping the band functioning smoothly.

2. Business Savvy and Client Management
Running a successful wedding band isn’t just about playing music—it’s about managing the business side as well. From pricing, contracts, and marketing, to understanding the nuances of client relationships, your ability to navigate the business world is key. Weddings are highly personal events, and clients expect professionalism, reliability, and an experience that exceeds expectations.

Advice:
Invest time in learning the business side of things. Understand your market and competitors, and always keep improving your contracts and services. Be proactive with client relationships by providing clear information and listening to their needs. Word of mouth is huge in the wedding industry, and building a solid reputation will help grow your bookings.

3. Adaptability and Musical Versatility
Every wedding is different—different venues, different themes, and often, very different musical tastes. Being able to adapt to a wide range of musical requests and knowing how to read the room is an invaluable skill for a wedding band leader. Flexibility in the setlist, performance style, and even sound adjustments for the venue can make a huge difference in the success of each event.

Advice:
Develop a broad musical repertoire. Not only should you be well-versed in popular wedding songs across different genres, but you should also be able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances—whether it’s a last-minute setlist change or a technical issue during a performance. Rehearse regularly as a group and encourage band members to expand their musical knowledge. The more versatile you and your band are, the more valuable and flexible you become to clients.

Additional Advice for Those Just Starting Out:
Networking: Building relationships with wedding planners, venues, and other wedding vendors is essential. Word of mouth and strong partnerships can help you land gigs.
Consistency & Professionalism: Always show up on time, be professional, and make sure your band’s gear is well-maintained. The wedding industry relies heavily on reputation, so reliability is key.
Marketing: Establish a strong online presence with a website, social media, and video content. Show potential clients what you can do by having high-quality footage of your performances, testimonials, and a portfolio of your work.
By developing these core skills, you’ll be well-positioned to navigate the challenges and thrive in the wedding band business.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Being a new wedding band in a competitive market presents unique challenges, here are a few ways I am trying to overcome the challenges faced.

Building Brand Recognition and Trust
Challenge: As a new band, it can be tough to stand out in a crowded market where many clients are choosing from established bands with a track record of success and reviews. Trust is especially important in the wedding industry since clients are investing a significant amount of money for their special day and want to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Competing with Established Bands and Larger Agencies
Challenge: Established bands and agencies may have more resources for advertising, a wider network, and a long history of successful performances that make it hard for newer bands to break through. The competition for bookings in a highly competitive market can feel overwhelming.

Marketing and Online Presence
Challenge: It can be difficult to gain visibility in the crowded wedding industry, especially when competing with larger, more established companies that have already invested heavily in digital marketing.

Strategy:
SEO and Social Media Marketing: Make sure your website is optimized for search engines (SEO) with keywords like “wedding band in [your city]” and “live wedding music [city].” Regularly post on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest to reach engaged couples where they spend time online. Use relevant hashtags and share behind-the-scenes moments, live clips, and client testimonials.
Collaborate with Influencers or Bloggers: Reach out to local wedding bloggers or influencers who can feature your band in their content. This can help you gain visibility among couples planning their weddings.
Wedding Directories and Listings: List your band on wedding directories like The Knot, WeddingWire, GigSalad, and The Bash, just to name a few.
These platforms have a large audience of engaged couples looking for vendors and can provide great exposure.

Pricing and Value Perception
Challenge: As a new band, you might feel pressure to lower your prices to compete, but undervaluing your services can hurt your long-term business and brand reputation. It can be tricky to find the right pricing structure that reflects the quality of your band without alienating potential clients.
Strategy:
Package Pricing and Transparency: Offer clear pricing packages based on different services (e.g., ceremony music, cocktail hour, reception). This helps clients understand what they’re getting for their money and gives you flexibility in what you offer. Ensure that your pricing reflects the value you bring.
Building trust and creating a reputation takes time, but with a combination of excellent performance, strategic marketing, and strong client relationships, you’ll be able to carve out your space in the competitive wedding industry.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Some Photos courtesy of Seven Pillars Photography

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