The War and Treaty are stepping into mainstream country music territory with their upcoming album, Plus One, set for release on Valentine’s Day 2025. For Michael and Tanya Trotter, the decision to embrace Nashville’s conventions was a strategic one. Two years after signing with a major label, the husband-and-wife roots duo wanted to prove they understood the industry’s mainstream expectations—while still holding on to their own artistic identity.
Rather than conforming blindly to Nashville’s norms, the Trotters saw it as an opportunity to blend tradition with their own innovative spin. Plus One represents a distinctive take on commercial country, marrying familiar elements with their personal touch. The album includes co-writes with some of Music Row’s top songwriters, including Miranda Lambert, and features plenty of banjo and fiddle. But in true War and Treaty style, Plus One is largely self-produced by Michael Trotter, with most of the tracks written by the couple themselves, often without outside collaborators.
The album’s genre-defying sound is another testament to the duo’s unique approach. At one point, Michael even raps a verse that includes the line, “John Legend’s in our corner/ This cannot be boring,” reflecting their willingness to mix country with other influences.
With Plus One, The War and Treaty are making it clear that while they may embrace Nashville’s rules, they’re determined to rewrite some of them in the process.
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