- The War and Treaty were nominated at Thursday’s ACM Awards for Duo of the Year
- Michael Trotter, Jr. said that while he and his wife, Tanya, “get a lot of applause,” their songs don’t get airplay on country radio
- “Everybody needs to try harder and show up and do their part and that’s why we’re here,” he explained.
The War and Treaty are grateful to be recognized among the nominees for the 2024 ACM Awards, but the trailblazing pair wants the country music space to embrace even more artists of color in the future.
On Thursday, May 16, powerhouse husband-and-wife duo Tanya and Michael Trotter Jr. hit the red carpet at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and spoke with PEOPLE about the buzz surrounding their rise to fame and recent accolades — which include two Grammys and an ACM Award nomination for Duo of the Year.
In doing so, Michael (41) used the moment to draw attention to the lack of inclusivity that still exists in the country music genre.
“I want to say something about that. I think until everyone embraces us, then no,” he said when asked if the couple felt welcome among industry and country fans.
“It’s very important to realize that until more women get played on the radio,” he continued, “until more black and Hispanic female artists get played on the radio with country music, or at least given the opportunity. Today I spoke with Brittney Spencer and [she] said: ‘Give me a chance to hear ‘no’. Give me a chance to hear it.’”
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“You know, other guys, they get a chance to hear no, and they go back to the drawing board — that’s what men do,” Michael added. “But then it’s like, give me a chance to hear no [too].”
The singer went on to say that The War and Treaty “got a standing ovation” at the Country Radio Seminar — a three-day educational event — for one of their songs, which he did not specify, “they won’t play on country radio.”
“So just give us a chance,” he said. “Give country music fans a chance to say no, we don’t like it, or yes, we do.”
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty at the ACM Awards on May 16, 2024 in Frisco, Texas.
Jason Kempin/Getty
Check out PEOPLE’s full coverage of the ACM Awards here.
The “Blank Page” artist concluded speaking of the country music space: “It’s time for us to take more steps. You know, I can invite you to my home, but if I don’t feed and drink you, then I’m just checking the field,” he added. “I feel like we’re in a big moment where everyone is trying. That’s a big part. So everybody needs to try harder and show up and do their part, and that’s why we’re here.”
Earlier this year, The War and Treaty spoke to PEOPLE about the range of their eclectic music and lyrics, with Michael saying, “We have a sound that can fit any moment in life.”
His wife, Tanya, 50, also stressed how important it is that their marriage remains central to everything they achieve, especially when it comes to music.
“Being a solo artist and then going into a duo—not only with an incredible genius artist, but an incredible person you’re married to—I think you learn what life is all about,” she said. “And life is a balance. Life is a partnership.”
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This summer, the duo will open for The Rolling Stones at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium as part of legendary rock band Hackney Diamonds’ tour. Tanya excitedly told PEOPLE that the couple “manifested the moment” when they were chosen as special musical guests.
“We wanted to play at SoFi Stadium,” she said. “We were driving by California about a month ago, and I looked and said, ‘Wow, what’s this place like? I’d love to play it.’ And not five minutes later, we were actually outside celebrating Mavis [Staples]and we got to our dressing room and our agent called us and said, ‘Hey guys, how would you like to play SoFi Stadium with the Rolling Stones?'”
“So, I mean, it’s a moment,” adds Tanya. “It’s going to be fantastic.”
The 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards are broadcast live on Prime Video from the Ford Center at The Star in Texas.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education