The War & Treaty

When it comes to making music with both extraordinary passion and exceptional chops, few acts today can surpass the sheer excellence of The War and Treaty. Named the 2019 Emerging Act of the Year by Americana Music Association, the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter deliver a dynamic sound that joyfully blends Southern soul with elements of gospel, country, rock-and-roll, and blues. Known for a live show nearly revival-like in intensity, they endlessly create an exhilarating exchange of energy with their audience, a dynamic they’ve brought to the stage in opening for the legendary Al Green and touring with the likes of Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell. Despite the deep sense of communion that infuses their music, Michael and Tanya hail from wildly different backgrounds. Tanya discovered her supreme vocal skills at a young age and promptly pursued a career in music and acting. Meanwhile, Michael spent part of his childhood in homeless shelters and later enlisting in the U.S. Army. When he gained access to a piano, he quickly captivated his fellow troops with his powerful vocal presence, and soon was tasked with writing and performing songs in memoriam to his unit’s fallen soldiers. After he and Tanya shared the stage at a music festival, the two began creating music together, eventually marrying and forming The War and Treaty. The Associated Press called them, “…a powerhouse R&B duo who sound as though they were born to sing together,” while Billboard went on to claim that, “The music world…has definitely shown that it’s ready to love The War and Treaty.”