The War and Treaty share Neighborhood Theatre stage

WILFRED MENDOZA

Michael and Tanya Trotter make up the country music duo The War and Treaty.

The War and Treaty are spreading love.

The country duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter are coming to the Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., on Oct. 19. Since 2014, their career has been rising from performing on “American Idol” to a pair of Grammy nominations. 

“This is, I think, our third time coming to the Neighborhood Theatre. And the last time we were there, it was just a party. I mean, it was a love fest,” Tanya said. “It was great, and we expect that to be the same thing, bringing that energy, bringing the love, everyone just loving on each other.”

The couple met at the Love Fest music festival in 2010. A friend pointed out how their voices work together, which led to Michael writing the song “I Am Love,” which they performed together at a church.

“I couldn't believe the response that the song got because it was not the typical song you would do for the church,” Tanya said. “You know, we didn't say ‘Jesus.’ I even said the word ‘sexy' in the song, in church. And the crowd loved it. So, we explored from there.” 

The singers described their path into the country and Americana genre as being chosen for them in a way. “Americana grabbed us,” Michael said. “Country grabbed us. They haven't let go and we grabbed hold of them and haven't let go since.” 

Being married brings a chemistry to the duo’s music that fans receive as almost spiritual. “Fifteen years in and I'm learning now what I should have learned on day one,” Michael said. “And it's two things. The first thing is: take your cues from your wife, take your cues from leading ladies in your life. And then the second part goes hand in hand. Learn how to shut up.”

Coming from two different backgrounds allows the musicians to bring different strengths to the sound of The War and Treaty. Michael, a retired veteran, and Tanya, who grew up in the entertainment industry, both bring something distinct.

“I told him this the day I met him,” Tanya said. “I never experienced a songwriter like him that can take a song and not just write the song, but you hear everything at the same time. You hear all the drums, the guitar, everything.” 

Said Michael: “What Tanya brings is impossibilities. Like, whatever I believe I can't do, I'm like, ‘It's impossible.’ And then Tanya comes and it's like, ‘Oh, I used to think it was impossible.’” 

As Black artists in the country genre, it’s not only created more representation it’s been rewarding. With three Country Music Association Award nominations and two Academy of Country Music Award nominations, the couple describe their experience as being positive.

“It's exposure and I think that the experience has been once people see you, once they experience you, they don't even realize that they love it.” Tanya said.

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