The War and Treaty, a musical duo composed of husband-and-wife Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter has made quite the come-up in the last decade. They are known for their powerful blend of soul, Americana, and blues, all delivered through graceful harmonies, emotive lyrics, and intense musical passion. In addition to their original works, The War and Treaty also collaborates with other artists including a new Christmas release of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” with Josh Groban.
The duo began making waves in the music scene with their debut album, Healing Tide in 2018. They have gained acclaim for their on-stage chemistry and musical dynamics, recently earning them their first GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song for “Blank Page.” They also received a Duo of the Year nomination from the CMA, Vocal Duo nomination from the ACM, and recognition by the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Americana Music Association.
We met with Michael and Tanya at Bourbon & Beyond where we talked about their collaboration with Zach Bryan, their favorite bourbon, and their hidden gem of a hometown in Michigan.
Zach Bryan was here last night and gave you guys a big shout out. He talked about how much he loved working with you both on “Hey Driver.” Could you talk a little bit about how that song came about?
Michael: Man, our song with Zach Bryan, “Hey Driver” came about very organically. Zach and I and Tanya, we were all at the ACM’s about a year ago. Tanya and I performed, and Zach was really moved. So, Zach hit us up that week and was like, ‘Hey, we got to do a song together.’ The rest was history from there. It’s something that none of us thought much of, but just wanted to do a song together and it ended up becoming a platinum hit. So, thanks Zach, for thinking of us.
I recently saw you guys at CMA and in New Orleans at the Dickel event during Tales of the Cocktail. Do you guys have any favorite spots in New Orleans?
Tanya: One of my favorite spots in New Orleans is a store called Trashy Divas. I love that place. I can’t remember the food places because every time we go, we try somewhere different. Do you remember any of them?
Michael: No, but I remember One Eyed Jack’s. I remember Tipitina’s.
Do you have a favorite bourbon?
Michael: This is a tough question for me. I love all bourbon. I really do. I don’t have a favorite bourbon, but I do have a favorite brand; George Dickel.
Tanya: I don’t have a favorite drink.
Michael: I’m straight up. That George Dickel 18 year. That one right there is something else.
Tanya: It’s so smooth.
You guys travel all over the world playing music. Have you found any hidden gems that you would want to tell people to visit?
Tanya: I love museums. I like to just find different kinds of eccentric and eclectic things. Every place has its own specialness about it. We were in a small-town last night called Germantown, Tennessee, for instance, and we went to a couple little stores in the little town, and the people were just over the top nice. The style of dress was very different. Some of the women were older women, they had this really cool, eclectic way of dressing and style and even love for music. Every place to me has its own thing.
Michael: I’d like to take you all home. Come home with us and go to the Bohm Theater, Cascarelli’s, the Sterling Bookstore in Albion, Michigan. It’s my home. My whole city is a hidden gem. So, come on home and go to the Albion Malleable Brewery, get some good food and some good beer. Come watch some classic movies with us at the Bohm Theater.
Have you ever had a place inspire a song?
Michael: Yes. I wrote this song for our album in 2018, and it’s about meeting my wife and she’s telling me about her amazing childhood in a place called New Bern, North Carolina. So, we got a song called “Little New Bern.” It’s just a small, small, small town filled with family values that you want to have. That’s what inspired me to write that song.
You spend some time in Cleveland. Any favorite spots there?
Michael: My favorite spot in Cleveland is a spot called the Harbor Deli. They make the best corned beef sandwiches. But if you are craving a good butter steak, you can go to a spot called Mr. Hero. You can find it sprinkled throughout Ohio. It’s a hot butter cheesesteak. I love it.
Tanya: That sounds good right about now.
What are your must pack travel items?
Tanya: Facial cleanser.
Michael: I’m going to say Cologne.