Podcast Summary: "The Joyful Beauty of The War and Treaty"
Released on February 18, 2025 | Host: Buzz Knight | Podcast: takin' a walk
Introduction
In this heartfelt episode of "takin' a walk," host Buzz Knight welcomes Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty. The conversation delves into their musical journey, their latest album "Plus One," personal stories, and the profound impact of music on healing and community.
Guest Background and Personal Stories
Taking a Walk Down Memory Lane
Buzz Knight opens the episode by inviting Michael and Tanya to share a personal story about whom they'd like to take a walk with from the music world. Michael expresses a desire to walk with the legendary Nat King Cole, stating, "I walk with Nat up the Sunset Boulevard or I'll take a walk with him on Route 66" (03:37). Buzz shares a touching moment about walking with his late mother, highlighting the deep personal connections that influence their music.
Describing The War and Treaty
Introducing The War and Treaty to the Unfamiliar
When asked to describe The War and Treaty to an alien unfamiliar with their music, Buzz articulates their unique blend:
"We are a mixture of every genre of music we love and somehow musically are able to tell the story with all those sounds without it being complicated or compromising what each genre means." (04:50)
Michael adds, "I believe the War and Treaty represents some folk, some Americana, some country, some soul," emphasizing their versatility and genre-blending prowess (05:25).
Service and Community Outreach
Supporting Veterans and Mental Health
Michael discusses his commitment to supporting veterans through organizations like Home Base, a collaboration with Mass General and the Boston Red Sox:
"Veterans community is a very unique community. Anytime we hear of organizations like Home Base who just get it, I like to go ahead and tell that veteran to go on and trust them, let them in." (06:23)
Tanya shares her personal experience supporting Michael during challenging times:
"I think what I would say to the person that is the caretaker is to be compassionate, really lead with empathy... it's just a safe place for your loved one to be able to express themselves and let out those feelings." (07:42)
The Healing Power of Music
Music as a Source of Healing and Strength
Lynn Hoffman, the companion podcast host of "Music Saved Me," probes into the therapeutic aspects of music. Michael affirms:
"Music is the voice of God in my life...music hasn't failed me when it comes to getting the message of healing the cross." (08:40)
Buzz echoes this sentiment, noting, "It's a soothing balm, you know, and it has always been since I was a little girl." (09:00)
Highlights from "Plus One" Album
Exploring Key Tracks and Collaborations
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"Carried Away"
Michael describes the song as a musical journey blending country and R&B:
"We start off with our love for country music... then we get to the intentional switch to R&B... it's like D'Angelo or Joe walking out of a Hank Williams song." (13:23)
Lynn adds, "There's a sense of elegance to it as well." (14:37)
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"Save Me"
Buzz touches on the romantic and redemptive themes:
"Everybody in their own way wants to be saved... in our relationship, we kind of did save each other." (14:55)
Michael elaborates on how their love has been a mutual saving grace:
"When my mom passed, Michael saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life... now we're traveling the world doing what we love." (16:07)
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"Skyscraper"
A deeply personal track where Michael shares his struggles with self-esteem and weight:
"Skyscraper is a very personal journey... realizing that skyscrapers don't get beautiful overnight. There's a process." (20:01)
The recording experience is highlighted by the raw emotion captured in Tanya’s vocals during a sick session, showcasing the authentic feel of their music (25:41).
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Collaboration with Billy Strings
Buzz and Michael discuss their collaboration with bluegrass artist Billy Strings:
"The song is just talking about the moments where we were thirsting for something, and we found out that the drink was inside each other." (22:31)
This collaboration showcases their ability to blend genres seamlessly, enriching their musical tapestry.
Studio Experience in Muscle Shoals
Creating Magic Amidst Legends
Buzz reminisces about recording in the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, highlighting the inspiration drawn from icons like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett:
"When you walk into that room, you have to suspend all logic because there's an expectation. You don't bring anything but your heart and soul." (24:38)
Michael shares a lighthearted moment about preserving authentic takes, even when facing challenges like illness:
"There's something beautiful about the rawness of your vocal cord, the pure honesty." (26:12)
Their time in Muscle Shoals was not just about recording but also about connecting deeply with musical heritage and authenticity.
Maintaining a Balanced Relationship and Humor
The Secret to a 15-Year Marriage
Lynn Hoffman explores the dynamic between Michael and Tanya, who attribute their successful 15-year marriage to humor and consistency:
"Sense of humor is a major part of it. Just being able to laugh through good and bad." (30:14)
Buzz praises Michael's evolving sense of humor in the studio, fostering a lighthearted environment amidst the serious work of producing an album:
"He's very funny... we're having a good time. This is our 9 to 5." (27:24)
Future Collaborations and Aspirations
Dream Collaborations and Genre Expansion
When asked about future collaborations, Michael shares a diverse list including legends like Ray Charles and contemporary artists like Josh Groban and Mumford & Sons:
"If I could have collaborated with anyone in the past, I would have loved to have done something with Ray Charles. Currently, I'm excited to work with Chris Stapleton and Morgan Stable." (31:06)
This reflects their commitment to exploring and blending different musical genres.
Conclusion
Buzz Knight closes the episode by celebrating Michael and Tanya’s authenticity and musical genius, emphasizing that their genuine interactions and collaborative spirit have a profound connection with audiences.
"This is who you are. This is your reality, your real thing." (29:07)
Michael and Tanya express gratitude for their journey and the opportunity to share their music and life with listeners, reinforcing the episode’s central theme of music’s joyful beauty and healing power.
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