This Feels Big: The War & Treaty Sign with UMG Nashville

It wasn’t like Michael and Tanya Trotter, known together as The War And Treaty, were struggling for attention and support or something. Previously signed with Thirty Tigers and Rounder Records, and regularly appearing at big festivals and winning awards, they’ve been one of the most successful acts in the Americana realm over the last few years. But signing with a major Nashville label is always significant, and that’s what the husband and wife duo is currently celebrating.
Announced last week, The War And Treaty are the latest signees to UMG Nahsville, right beside major acts such as Alan Jackson, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and (*cough*) Sam Hunt. Not that artists necessarily need a major label these days to find major success, but it does officially mean you’re in the Big Leagues.
“We are excited to join the ranks of so many artist who we adore and admire both past and present,” the duo said. “To be a part of a historical company such as UMG Nashville and to further tell the storyline that we all can follow and achieve our dreams brings tears to our eyes. This is our story and we are grateful UMG wants to be a part of it.”
Those who know The War and Treaty know they’ve always mixed some country influences into their music, though they’ve always been more soul, blues, and Gospel-oriented—a classic Americana approach if you will. Everything they do is pretty excellent, but when they do get more into old school country-style material, it can be quite spectacular.
This was evident when they took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this year and sang a new song called “Yesterday’s Burn” (see below). It will presumably be on The War And Treaty’s new UMG Nashville release once it’s ready. Backed by a string band, it sounds like something between Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. Since the Opry released a video of it on Facebook, it has since become the most-watched Opry video they’ve ever released—speaking to the spirit Michael and Tanya evoke when they perform.
As regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry, it would be cool if the duo decided to release a full-blown classic country record since they’re now signed to a major country label. We certainly know they have it in them. But they’ll likely continue to do what they do, which is revitalize the roots of American music in all its omnivorous forms, but in a seamless manner.
Originally formed in Michigan in 2014 as Trotter and Blount, Michael Trotter was an Iraqi War veteran, and Tanya Blount was a long-time solo performer and actress. Combining forces, they arguably became something greater than the sum of their parts, endearing themselves to audiences across the roots music world. It will be interesting to see what opportunities may open up for the duo now that they’re signed to a major Nashville label.
May 26, 2022 @ 8:30 am
Saw them perform last year at a festival in FL. They had the afternoon slot in the blazing sun. Crowd maybe half capacity. By the third song they had every person out of their seats singing along and dancing in the aisles. Just a good old fashioned revival. Very happy to hear this news. Catch them live when you can. It’s more fun than a body should be allowed.
May 26, 2022 @ 9:38 am
If you get a chance to see them live, do it! Saw them last year at a festival and they have great energy and can sing the help out of songs.
May 26, 2022 @ 8:03 pm
Wow! Never heard of them but what great voices! A country album would be pretty great!
Thanks to SCM for introducing me to more great artists!
May 27, 2022 @ 2:07 am
Never heard of them until I read your article. Not for the first time has this site introduced me to new artists (Jinks/Crockett etc). What great voices and it is country. I am looking forward to hearing more.
May 27, 2022 @ 4:40 am
virtue signaling , no one heard of them but you say it is a big deal
May 27, 2022 @ 7:16 am
Well, maybe it’s a big deal because no one has heard of them, but should. And since they have the most-viewed performance clip ever posted on Facebook by the Opry, it stands to reason someone has heard of them. Maybe you’re the one virtue signaling.
May 27, 2022 @ 8:22 am
Just because you haven’t heard of them doesn’t mean other people have. A lot of the artists on this website have smaller followings. I’ve know about them for years. Cry about virtue signaling somewhere else.
May 27, 2022 @ 8:26 am
“No one heard of” half the people featured on this website.
May 27, 2022 @ 1:31 pm
Absolutely. I admit I’m a mainstream country guy, have been since the mid-’70s (I’m in my late 60s now.), who used to follow the folk scene until the ’00s, but I always check out the people Trigger devotes space to on SCM. Always open to new sounds to look forward to (hopefully) contributing to the improvement of country radio. I even manage to laugh at the regular digs at Sam Hunt despite actually liking a couple of his songs (23 and Breaking Up Was Easy in the ’90s)!
May 27, 2022 @ 9:31 am
How is this “virtue signaling?”
Trig is giving more exposure to excellent musicians.
May 27, 2022 @ 7:48 am
Good Morning:
Had the opportunity to see this group perform at Austin City Limits. Great showmanship and their story songs were very foundational. Bravo!
May 27, 2022 @ 9:46 am
definitely in for a War&Treaty trad country album. their latest release was kind of a let down.
May 27, 2022 @ 6:03 pm
Today I listened to two of their albums-definitely a variety of stuff-gospel, motown sounding, soul, pop, etc. a country sounding song or two. A couple of times their voices were almost too loud but it was unique and worthwhile and I really enjoyed them!
June 14, 2022 @ 12:01 am
I had not heard of this group before I read this article. Liked what I heard and by chance saw that they were playing in Bristol, England last night. Got tickets and saw them. I have seen many shows but this one was one of the best. Forget genres. They are superb. Great show. Great music. Great entertainment and nice people.. If you get a chance, go see them. Highly recommended.