We’d hate to be any act that had to follow a performance by The War and Treaty. Their exceptional harmonies were on display at the 2023 Country Music Association Awards during a powerful rendition of “That’s How Love Is Made.”
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The duo—the wedded Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter—sing from somewhere deep within them. Every word they belt out oozes with soulful edge.
[RELATED: The War and Treaty Release Cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Cold”]
Their performance at the CMA Awards was even more of a gut punch than the recorded version of this track. The pair took turns wailing on the verses. During the choruses, they became more than the sum of their parts, singing so powerfully that it’s a wonder Bridgestone Arena managed to contain it.
‘Cause that ain’t how love is made / That ain’t how love is made / It’s all or nothing / Gotta give to get something / That’s what it takes / That’s how love is made, they sang in the affecting refrain.
Their bond as husband and wife is deeply apparent each time they step on stage together. They rarely break eye contact and often hold hands, giving the lyrics even more weight. Can’t want from you heaven / Giving you hell, they sang to one another, seemingly forgetting the audience was there.
The duo was up for one award at this year’s CMAs: Vocal Duo of the Year. Their fellow nominees included Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne (who won), Dan + Shay, and Maddie & Tae.
Find a full list of winners–which American Songwriter is updating in real-time HERE.
Their appearance at the CMA Awards follows the release of their latest record, Lover’s Game. Since sharing that project back in March 2023, the duo has delivered a number of stand-alone tracks including a cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Cold.”
Trek through the course of The War and Treaty’s musical marriage HERE.
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
