Who’s Really ‘Not Country Enough’? The War and Treaty Have Some Ideas

The husband-and-wife duo, The War and Treaty, have observed a stark double standard in country radio. While they have been praised by critics and fellow artists, their music—rooted in soul, gospel, and traditional country—has been largely ignored by mainstream country radio. Meanwhile, they note that artists who produce pop-heavy, crossover country music are embraced by the same stations.

Key points from the article:

  • Double standard: The duo, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, have watched pop-leaning country acts receive heavy radio play, while their own authentic blend of genres is deemed “not country enough.”
  • Industry disconnect: Despite critical acclaim, Grammy nominations, and high-profile collaborations, country radio remains resistant to their sound, which defies easy genre categorization.
  • Authenticity vs. formula: The Trotters argue that radio programmers favor a polished, pop-influenced formula over genuine roots music, even when that formula is far from traditional country.
  • Fan support: Their audiences—at festivals and on tour—show strong demand for their music, suggesting radio’s gatekeeping does not reflect listener taste.

The War and Treaty’s experience highlights a persistent tension in country music: who gets to define the genre, and why some artists are welcomed while others are left out. Their story is a call for broader inclusion and a reexamination of what “country” truly means.

Source: Rolling Stone – Who’s Really ‘Not Country Enough’? The War and Treaty Have Some Ideas