Wanz: The Musical Journey and Professional Career of the 'Thrift Shop' Voice
Many music listeners recognize the infectious energy and powerful vocals of the hook in the global hit "Thrift Shop," but few know the diverse history of the man behind the voice. Known as Wanz, this multifaceted artist has balanced a lifelong passion for music with a successful career in software engineering, embodying a unique blend of creative artistry and technical precision.
Early Musical Foundations
Wansley's musical journey began in the most organic of settings: church, school, and the streets. Exposed to jazz and pop music from a young age, he formally studied jazz during his school years, building a technical foundation that would support his versatility across genres. By the early 1980s, he was already performing regularly.
At age 21, he stepped into the role of bandleader by forming Boys Will Be Boys, a group whose repertoire featured various covers, including songs by the band INXS.
Evolution Through the Seattle Music Scene
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Wanz became a staple in the Seattle music circuit, contributing his talents to several distinct projects. He joined the band The Rangehoods as a bass player, succeeding Bruce Hewes. His versatility was further displayed in Lifering, a hard-funk ensemble where he served as both singer and bass player alongside guitarists David Scott Cameron and Jeff Stone, and drummer David Nielsen.
Wanz later found success fronting the band Ghetto Monks. For a decade, he also contributed his vocal skills by singing hooks for recordings produced by D. Sane and Street Level Records. His artistic range extended even into classical performance, as he participated in the opera Porgy and Bess during the summer of 2011.
The Intersection of Software Engineering and Stardom
Despite his deep roots in music, Wanz pursued a professional path in technology. A graduate of Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, he worked as a full-time software test engineer—a role focused on verifying that software meets specified requirements—for prominent companies including Microsoft, Adapx, and Volt.
This dual life took a dramatic turn in 2012 when D. Sane introduced him to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Wanz was brought in to perform the hook for "Thrift Shop," a collaboration that catapulted him into the international spotlight. Following the song's massive success, Wanz toured with the duo and appeared on major television platforms, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Saturday Night Live. He also appeared in the song's official music video.
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Beyond the Music: Authorship and Advocacy
Wanz has utilized his platform to share personal wisdom and inspiration. He authored a book titled #The Book of Wanz, which compiles a series of original sayings he coined over the years. Additionally, he delivered a Ted Talk titled "You Too Can Be Your Own Unicorn," encouraging individuality and self-belief.
In 2015, Wansley returned to his technical roots, resuming his career as a quality-assurance engineer (a professional who ensures software quality and reliability) for the software company Tableau. Alongside his corporate work, he remains dedicated to creating new music and supporting at-risk youth and other charitable causes.
Key Facts
- Breakout Role: Provided the iconic hook for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Thrift Shop" (2012).
- Technical Career: Experienced software test and quality-assurance engineer with a history at Microsoft, Adapx, Volt, and Tableau.
- Musical Range: Performed in jazz, hard-funk (Lifering), and opera (Porgy and Bess).
- Education: Graduate of Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington.
- Public Speaking: Delivered a Ted Talk titled "You Too Can Be Your Own Unicorn."
| Domain | Key Affiliations / Projects | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Music (Early/Mid) | Boys Will Be Boys, The Rangehoods, Lifering, Ghetto Monks | Singer, Bass Player, Bandleader |
| Music (Mainstream) | Macklemore and Ryan Lewis | Featured Vocalist ("Thrift Shop") |
| Technology | Microsoft, Adapx, Volt, Tableau | Software Test / QA Engineer |
| Literature/Speaking | #The Book of Wanz, Ted Talk | Author and Speaker |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wanz best known for?
Wanz is most widely recognized for singing the hook on the hit song "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, which led to appearances on Saturday Night Live and other major talk shows.
Did Wanz have a career outside of music?
Yes, Wanz has had a significant career in the tech industry as a software test engineer and quality-assurance engineer, working for companies such as Microsoft and Tableau.
What other musical genres has Wanz explored?
Wanz has a diverse musical background, including formal studies in jazz, performing in a hard-funk band called Lifering, and appearing in the opera Porgy and Bess.
Has Wanz written any books?
Yes, he wrote a book called #The Book of Wanz, which features a collection of sayings he has developed over the years.
What is the subject of Wanz's Ted Talk?
His Ted Talk is titled "You Too Can Be Your Own Unicorn," focusing on themes of individuality and personal empowerment.