Wanz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wanz
Wanz at the University of San Francisco, 2013
Background information
Birth name	Michael Wansley
Also known as	TeeWanz
Born	(1961-10-09) October 9, 1961 (age 63) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres	R&B hip-hop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Instruments	Vocals bass guitar
Years active	1980–present
Associated acts	The Rangehoods Macklemore Ryan Lewis J-HAZE

Michael "Mike" Wansley (born October 9, 1961), known as Wanz, is an American R&B singer. He sings in many styles, including rock, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop. He became famous for his part in the song "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. This song was a huge hit around the world. It also won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.

Wanz's Musical Journey

Early Life and Music

Wanz started singing when he was young. He performed in church, at school, and even on the street. He learned about jazz and pop music early on. He also studied jazz music in school. Wanz has been performing since the early 1980s. When he was 21, he started a band called Boys Will Be Boys. They played cover songs by other artists.

In the early 1990s, Wanz became the bass player for a Seattle band called The Rangehoods. He also played bass and sang for another band called Lifering. Later, he led a band named the Ghetto Monks. For about ten years, he sang the main parts (called "hooks") in songs for D. Sane and Street Level Records. In the summer of 2011, he even performed in an opera called Porgy and Bess.

From Software to Singing Star

Wanz went to Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington. Before he became famous with "Thrift Shop," Wanz worked full-time. He was a software test engineer for big companies like Microsoft and Adapx.

In 2012, a friend named Sane called him. Sane introduced Wanz to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. They wanted Wanz to sing the hook for their song "Thrift Shop." This song became a massive success. After the song hit big, Wanz toured with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. He performed with them on popular TV shows. These included The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Saturday Night Live. Wanz also appeared in the official music video for "Thrift Shop."

Beyond Music

Wanz has written a book about his own sayings. It is called #The Book of Wanz. He also gave a Ted Talk titled "You Too Can Be Your Own Unicorn." In 2015, Wanz went back to working as a quality-assurance engineer. He works for a software company called Tableau. Besides his job, he helps young people who are at risk. He also continues to work on new music.

Wanz's Music Releases

Albums and EPs

Wanz has released music both with bands and as a solo artist.

• Wander (2013) (This is an Extended Play, or EP, which is shorter than an album.)

Hit Singles

Wanz is most famous for being featured on the song "Thrift Shop."