From Software Engineer to Overnight Sensation: Wanz's "Thrift Shop" Story

Singer Wanz shares his extraordinary journey from near-retirement to international fame on The Neil Haley Show, recounting how one June evening phone call in 2012 changed his life forever. After decades of grinding in Seattle's music scene alongside friends who became members of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, Wanz had resigned himself to life as a software test engineer, believing there was no such thing as an old pop star. When he met Ben Haggerty (Macklemore) and Ryan Lewis for the first time, they were looking for a singer who sounded like the legendary West Coast hook singer Nate Dogg, and within 45 minutes, Wanz recorded what would become one of the most recognizable hooks in modern music. By August 29, 2012, when the "Thrift Shop" video dropped, Wanz watched in amazement as the numbers skyrocketed, leading him to quit his secure job with no savings or safety net after a sold-out show at San Francisco's Fillmore brought him to tears.At 53 years old, Wanz experienced the fulfillment of every dream he'd ever had as "Thrift Shop" topped charts worldwide and earned him two Grammy awards. He describes the electric moment of walking on stage as the crowd elevated to another level when he began singing, with thousands of voices joining his. After the "Thrift Shop" phenomenon peaked and touring with Macklemore ended, Wanz returned to his passion for creating original music, releasing a five-song EP called "Wander" about his journey through depression and back to hope. His tribute song "To Nate Dogg," featuring Warren G and earning the blessing of Nate Dogg's son, represents both homage to his inspiration and the beginning of his post-"Thrift Shop" career. Wanz's message to aspiring artists reflects his own improbable success story: never stop doing what makes you and others happy, because at any age and any moment, you never know where your passion might take you.