NO DEPRESSION SESSIONS at MerleFest: The War and Treaty

No Depression set up the temporary studio in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to capture a joy-filled session during MerleFest 2025. Held each year on the campus of Wilkes Community College, MerleFest remains one of the most celebrated roots music festivals in the country, offering an annual blend of tradition and reinvention in memory of Merle Watson, son of famed bluegrass picker Doc Watson. Tucked inside one of the campus buildings, away from the bustle of the main stage, No Depression was given the opportunity to film an intimate, full-band session with The War and Treaty, the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter.

Recorded in front of a small but enthusiastic live audience, the session gave Michael and Tanya the chance to showcase their new material, described as a “bridge” between genres like blues, gospel, country, and Americana. Before the first tune even started, the duo invited the audience to participate in the music—not just to listen, but to become part of the set. The set was full of joyful moments where Michael and Tanya encouraged the room to clap, sing along, or echo lines back at them.

Each song in the short set was its own statement. The first song, “We Sure Do Have it Made” is a self-aware song, expressing gratitude for the simple joys in life, such as enjoying a drink with the people you love. The second song, “Find My Way to You,” was a comforting and heartwarming tune, with Michael and Tanya taking every opportunity to encourage each other as well as the band. The third song, “Feels Like Home,” described as “spankin'-brand-new” by Michael, perfectly rounded out the session as an appreciation of love, community, and familiarity. As performers, The War and Treaty embody generosity and connection. Their chemistry—both musical and personal— radiates from every song that was played, and it was obvious that the audience enjoyed it.  

Please enjoy this performance, and stay tuned for more No Depression x MerleFest '25 sessions in the pipeline. Special thanks to everybody who made this series happen: MerleFest director Wes Whitson and his team of aces including artist relations manager Lindsay Craven, production managers Jim and Katherine, Carrie and Lauren for keeping us fat and happy, Danielle and the Victory Lap family for bringing us together in the first place, and of course to the team at Window World for making it all possible!

Setlist:
"Boy, We Sure Do Have It Made"
"Find My Way To You"
"Feels Like Home"

Michael Trotter Jr. - Vocals, keys
Tanya Trotter - Vocals
Max Brown - Acoustic guitar
Terrance “Slim” Holmes - Keys
Tom Davis - Bass
Jonathan “Bam” Homes - Drums
Chris Collier - Electric guitar
Taylor Shuck - Banjo