Michael and Tanya Trotter, husband and wife duo of Powerhouse, known as War and Treaty, are back with their fourth studio album, “Plus One,” released on Valentine’s Day. Couple’s music blends countryR&B, and the impact of the gospel.
Last month, Trotter went on stage for his first orchestra performance in Nashville, staying overnight at the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
“It’s supernatural,” Tanya said of singing with Michael. “But before we start singing together, there is a prayer… we grab our hands, it’s just Michael and me, and I say, “God, see you to people, and we Don’t look. Let them feel your love.”
The path to success of war and treaties
The duo’s musical journey began at the Maryland Music Festival, and Tanya was immediately fascinated by Michael.
“It was called Lovefest. He played and I was smitten,” Tanya said, but Michael remembers it differently.
“Tanya ignored me,” he joked.
They got married in 2011, but three years later they began singing together.
Their path to success was not easy as they faced challenges in both their personal lives and careers. Michael, a US Army veteran who saw the battle in Iraq, struggled with PTSD, and Tanya fought depression and suicide attempts.
Despite these difficulties, the couple found power in their relationship and music.
Tanya’s own experience in the music industry was not without her challenges. Having a promising career in music, she left the industry because of the pressure.
“Seventeen people have bright eyes, then you enter the business of music. And it says, “Your little pantsuit is not enough. Put on a miniskirt, because the song is on the charts.” She said.
Still, Tanya and Michael find strength in their music. Tanya acknowledges that their challenges are part of what makes their sound so powerful.
“It’s the ups and downs. It’s the attempt to commit suicide. It’s the depression. Everything you know someone in that audience is feeling or feeling,” she said.
A unique blend of country, R&B and gospel influences helped me find my place in the world of music. Michael praises the blues as leadership and draws inspiration from legends like James Brown and Ray Charles.
“This is what war and treaties should exist,” Michael said, reflecting on his musical journey.
They had a hard time finding a home for R&B and Gospel, but they said the country music world had embraced them. They toured with Chris Stapleton and sang with the Osborne brothers at the CMA Awards.
Now, wars and treaties focus on their legacy.
“I hope our story ends with being a healing agent,” Michael said. Tanya added, “I want it to end with the legacy of love. I’m stupid enough to believe that love is the answer.”
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