Country and roots duo The War and Treaty, made up of married couple Michael and Tanya Trotter, have publicly criticised how the country music industry judges authenticity, arguing that they have repeatedly been told their music does not "sound country enough" while artists such as Morgan Wallen top the country charts with what Michael regards as country-pop. The comments, made on Rolling Stone's Nashville Now podcast, highlight ongoing tensions over who is deemed to belong within the genre, particularly for Black artists.

Feeling unwelcome has prompted the duo to change how they operate: their latest album, The Story of Michael and Tanya, was released last month on a new label, they have set up their own management company, and they are focusing on spaces where they feel valued, framing Americana and roots music as their foundation. Despite releasing the Nashville-focused album Plus One in 2025, they were not nominated at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards, though they have previously been multiple nominees at both the CMAs and ACMs.