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Michael and Tanya Trotter, the dynamic husband-and-wife team known as The War and Treaty, have made a notable return with the release of their fourth studio album, “Plus One,” on Valentine’s Day. Their musical style is a rich tapestry that weaves together elements of country, R&B, and gospel.
Recently, the Trotters experienced an exciting milestone by performing with an orchestra for the first time, featuring three nights at the Nashville Symphony.
Tanya expressed the spiritual connection she feels while singing alongside Michael, stating, “It’s something supernatural.” She explained that before they perform, they take a moment to pray together, asking for their music to resonate beyond themselves. “It’s just Michael and I, and I say, ‘God, please let people see you and not see us. Let them feel your love,'” she shared.
The War and Treaty’s journey to prominence
Their musical journey began at a festival in Maryland, where Tanya was instantly drawn to Michael. “It was called the Love Fest. He performed, and I was smitten,” she recalled, while Michael humorously countered her memory, saying, “Tanya ignored me.”
Though they wed in 2011, it wasn’t until three years later that their musical collaboration began. Their path to success has been marked by numerous challenges, including personal struggles. Michael, a veteran of the U.S. Army with combat experience in Iraq, has faced the impacts of PTSD, while Tanya has dealt with her own battles, including depression and suicide attempts.
Throughout these difficulties, their bond and music have provided a resilient foundation. Tanya’s previous experiences in the music industry also shaped her perspective; after initially pursuing a successful career, the pressures caused her to step back from the spotlight. She reflected, “Once you’re 17, you’re bright-eyed, and then you get into the business of music. And it becomes, ‘Your little pantsuit isn’t enough. Put on a mini skirt. Or, ‘Let’s do this kind of song because that’s what’s on the charts.'” Despite the struggles, Tanya believes that their life experiences enrich their sound. “It’s the ups and downs. It’s the suicide attempts. It’s the depression. All that stuff that I know somebody in that audience is feeling or has felt,” she explained.
Their distinctive fusion of genre influences ultimately carved out a place for them in the music scene. Michael attributes a significant part of their inspiration to the blues, drawing from iconic figures like James Brown and Ray Charles. “This is where the War and Treaty should exist,” he stated, pondering over their musical evolution. Although they had difficulty fitting into either R&B or gospel categories, the country music community welcomed them. They have shared the stage with notable artists such as Chris Stapleton and the Brothers Osborne during the CMA Awards.
As they move forward, The War and Treaty remain dedicated to their legacy. Michael said, “I want our story to end with being healing agents,” while Tanya added, “I want it to end with a legacy of love. I’m just foolish enough to believe that love is the answer.”
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