Wanz charts new course as Macklemore ‘Thrift Shop’ ride comes to an end

For the last two years, Michael “Wanz” Wansley has been living his dream thanks to his surprising star turn singing the hook on Macklemore’s smash-hit “Thrift Shop.”

But the improbable ride is coming to an end. And after touring the world virtually non-stop for the last two years with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, he’s trying to figure out what comes next. And he admits the future is “a little scary.”

“There’s a lot of ‘what do I do, how do I do it?’ Because just like when this started, I’ve never done this before. So I don’t really know how to handle it,” he says.

It’s been that way ever since a mutual friend recommended the longtime Seattle singer-songwriter to Macklemore and Lewis.

At the time, Wanz was working as a software test engineer in Seattle. He’d given up on making music for a living after years of performing around town.

The pair were looking for someone who sounded like legendary hip hop hook singer Nate Dogg. They hit if off, and Wanz recorded what would become the iconic hook “I’m gonna pop some tags.”

He was in and out of the studio in less than an hour, and figured he’d never hear from the pair again. But after subsequently appearing in the “Thrift Shop” video, the song became an international hit and the duo asked him to join what would become two years of almost non-stop touring the world. It was a tough choice, but he quit his job to live out his his dream.

Over the past two years, he’s performed for millions, appearing on everything from Saturday Night Live to the Grammys.

But with the exception of a few scattered shows, Macklemore and Lewis are bringing the Heist tour to an end and moving on.

“I’ve been trying to compare it to, you know, when you’re a kid, it’s like ‘we’re going to Disneyland,'” he says. “At some point, it’s like ‘it’s time to go get in the car’ and you’re going home.”

While Macklemore and Lewis have made millions on the success of “The Heist,” the same can’t be said for Wanz. Although he struck what he calls a “generous” deal with the duo based on sales of “Thrift Shop,” it’s equated to little more than a decent living wage.

“The perception is not the reality. I still live in the same apartment that I’ve lived in for four years now and wondering how I’m going to pay for this, that and the other thing, and make all this stuff work.”

He’s written, recorded and released several songs over the past two years when he wasn’t on the road with Macklemore.

While he’s spoken with some labels, so far he’s chosen to remain independent much like Macklemore, for good and bad. It gives him freedom, but it means he’s responsible for everything from producing and selling music to running his web site.

“One of the cool things I learned from Macklemore’s experience is that as an independent artist you get to make all those calls. But just like being a small business owner the next decision you make could make or break your business.”

He admits at times it’s been humbling. He recently released the single “To: Nate Dogg”, a tribute to the legendary singer with rap icon Warren G and Seattle hip hop standouts Grynch and Crytical. Despite critical acclaim, sales of the self-released song have been limited.

“If I could re-release it, I would definitely do it differently, but that’s part of the learning curve when you’re doing it yourself,” he says.

Now, he’s hoping to crowdsource a video for the song. He’s seeking to raise $10,000 by next Wednesday in a Kickstarter campaign to honor the singer who inspired his improbable success.

“I just want to present it correctly because if it hadn’t been for this guy, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity that I had and I wouldn’t have experienced what I experienced.”

But he admits it’s difficult having to ask for others to help make it happen.

“I didn’t get here by myself. So occasionally this big strong strapping male has to ask for help. It’s one of the hardest things to do,” he says.

As for the future, he concedes he has no idea what’s next. He continues seeking new musical opportunities as he charts his path forward. He’s also got a book in the works. And while it’s unlikely the success of “Thrift Shop” will ever be duplicated, he admits he can’t help but dream of lightning striking twice.

“When you’ve been there you want to get back there, just like Disneyland. I had so much fun,” he laughs.