Critically acclaimed husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty have officially announced their forthcoming album, The Story of Michael and Tanya, set for release on June 19th via Atlantic Outpost. This marks their debut release with the esteemed label. Accompanying this significant announcement is the unveiling of their new single, "Don’t Say Goodbye," which drops today, May 7th. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms and can be accessed through a dedicated link provided by the artists.
The upcoming album, The Story of Michael and Tanya, promises to be a deeply personal and sonically rich offering. It is slated to feature a diverse roster of collaborators, including the legendary Whoopi Goldberg, the soulful Valerie June, and the iconic Wynonna Judd. The project is described by the label as an exploration of "the tension between sacred sounds and secular desires," suggesting a thematic depth that will resonate with listeners. The songwriting credits on the album also boast the involvement of GRAMMY-winning powerhouse Babyface, who co-penned the track "You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore."
In a joint statement, the duo articulated their artistic vision for the new project. Tanya Trotter shared her perspective, stating, "Evoking hard, honest emotions first required me to find those parts in myself. Once you find them, there’s a strength to the urgency that feels like you’ll be at your wits’ end if you don’t express that emotion." Her husband, Michael Trotter, elaborated on their evolving creative process, adding, "For The War and Treaty, feeling every aspect of what we’re writing and singing has grown from representing routine emotions to now demanding that people connect with our spirit." This introspection suggests an album that moves beyond mere musical expression to a more profound connection with their audience.
A Band Forged in Passion and Perseverance
The War and Treaty, comprised of Michael and Tanya Trotter, have carved a unique niche in the music landscape with their electrifying blend of soul, gospel, rock, and Americana. Their journey began with a shared passion for music and a deep personal connection, which has translated into a powerful on-stage chemistry and a compelling artistic output. Formed in 2014, the duo quickly gained recognition for their dynamic performances and the raw emotional honesty embedded in their music.
Their rise to prominence has been marked by a series of accolades and significant career milestones. In 2019, they were honored with the Emerging Artist of the Year award by the Americana Music Honors & Awards, signaling their arrival on the national music scene. This was followed by an impressive streak of wins for Duo/Group of the Year at the same prestigious awards ceremony in both 2022 and 2023, solidifying their status as one of the most compelling duos in contemporary music. Their consistent recognition from the Americana Music Association underscores their significant impact on the genre.
The duo’s previous album, Plus One, released in 2025, marked their most recent work under Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mercury Nashville imprint. Following their departure from the label, the signing with Atlantic Outpost represents a new chapter, offering a fresh platform to showcase their evolving sound and artistic vision. This transition to a new label often signifies a renewed creative impetus and an opportunity to reach a broader audience.
Chart Success and Critical Acclaim
The War and Treaty’s musical reach extends beyond genre boundaries, evidenced by their significant chart performance. In 2023, their collaboration with rising country star Zach Bryan, "Hey Driver," soared to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to their ability to cross over into mainstream popular music. This collaboration not only highlighted their vocal prowess but also their capacity to connect with diverse fan bases.
Further solidifying their impact, Billboard recognized The War and Treaty with its esteemed Groundbreaker Award at the 2024 Country Power Players event. This award celebrated their "boundary-busting musical appeal," acknowledging their versatility and ability to captivate audiences across a wide spectrum of musical settings. Their performances have been lauded everywhere from the CMA Awards stage and the Newport Jazz Festival to their participation in a tribute to Jon Bon Jovi at MusiCares, demonstrating an unparalleled artistic range.
A Look Ahead: Album Themes and Tracklist
The Story of Michael and Tanya is available for pre-order, and the tracklist reveals a carefully curated collection of songs. The album’s exploration of "sacred sounds and secular desires" suggests a narrative arc that delves into the complexities of human experience, faith, love, and societal pressures. The inclusion of guest artists like Whoopi Goldberg, Valerie June, and Wynonna Judd hints at a rich tapestry of vocal harmonies and diverse musical perspectives.
The complete tracklist for The Story of Michael and Tanya is as follows:
- Litty (featuring Whoopi Goldberg)
- Don’t Say Goodbye
- You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore
- Shouldn’t Have
- Forgive Me
- Darlene & Gene
- Reclaim All of Your Time (featuring Valerie June and Wynonna)
- Lay This Bottle Down
- Don’t Give Up Now
- Holy Ghost Fire
The single "Don’t Say Goodbye" serves as the initial offering from this new body of work. Its release today, May 7th, provides listeners with a first glimpse into the album’s thematic and sonic landscape. The title itself suggests a song that may grapple with themes of separation, longing, or the profound impact of cherished relationships. Given the duo’s history of delivering emotionally resonant music, "Don’t Say Goodbye" is likely to be a powerful and moving track.
Live Performances and Future Engagements
In conjunction with the album’s release and the new single, The War and Treaty have announced a significant headline performance. They are set to grace the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 13th. This iconic venue, often referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music," provides a fitting backdrop for a duo with such strong gospel and soulful roots. Tickets for this highly anticipated concert will go on sale to the general public on May 15th through AXS.com, ensuring ample opportunity for fans to secure their attendance.
The timing of the album release, June 19th, places it strategically within the summer music calendar, a period often associated with new releases and festival circuits. The duo’s consistent touring and performance schedule, coupled with their recent accolades and label signing, suggest a busy and impactful period ahead. Their ability to connect with audiences across diverse platforms, from intimate venues to major award shows, positions them for continued success.
The partnership with Atlantic Outpost, a label known for its commitment to artist development and diverse musical offerings, signals a strategic move for The War and Treaty. This collaboration is expected to provide them with enhanced resources and a broader reach, allowing their music to connect with an even wider global audience. The label’s reputation for nurturing unique artistic voices bodes well for the duo’s future endeavors.
The War and Treaty’s career trajectory, from their independent beginnings to their current standing as critically acclaimed artists with major label backing and chart success, is a testament to their talent, perseverance, and the authentic connection they forge with their music. The Story of Michael and Tanya and the release of "Don’t Say Goodbye" are poised to be significant milestones in their ongoing journey, promising to deliver the passionate and soul-stirring performances that have become their hallmark.
