Powerhouse R&B duo The War and Treaty are husband and wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount, formerly known as Trotter & Blount. Their debut EP, Down to the River, was released in 2017, and their critically acclaimed debut album, Healing Tide, was released in 2018. Rolling Stone described the lead single as a “joyfully relentless title track, reminiscent of classic Ike and Tina Turner rock-infused soul”. In 2019 they won the Americana Music Award for Emerging Artist of the Year. Their second album, Hearts Town, was released in 2020.

Originally from just outside Washington, D.C., Tanya discovered her supreme vocal skills at a young age and promptly pursued a career in music and acting. She was educated at Morgan State University, where she majored in psychology, and sang in the university choir. She first came to prominence in 1993 in the Whoopi Goldberg movie, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, in which she featured as the character Tanya, famously singing a duet with Lauryn Hill. She released her debut album, Natural Thing, in 1994, and went on to have a successful musical stage career. Her inspirational book, Through the Rain 40 Principles for Surviving Life’s Challenges, was published in 2007.

Michael had a very different path to fame. He grew up in Cleveland and Washington, D.C., and spent a large part of his childhood in homeless shelters, later enlisting in the U.S. Army. While stationed in one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces several years after 9/11, he gained access to a piano and quickly captivated his fellow troops with his powerful vocal presence. Upon returning home, Michael cultivated his distinct songwriting voice and pursued a music career. He and Tanya met when they shared the stage at a music festival, and the two married and began creating music together, releasing their debut album in 2016, Love Affair, as Trotter & Blount. In the same year, the duo released the single, Hi Ho, as The War and Treaty.

The War and Treaty regularly connect with their huge and dedicated fanbase through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They have their own YouTube channel, The War and Treaty, as well as an official website, thewarandtreaty.com.