Wil Martin Isn’t Holding Back—And Neither Is the New Earshot Album

November 07, 2025 - 979 views If you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when an artist sets his soul on fire and lets the tape roll, just listen to Wil Martin’s voice. The frontman of Earshot joins Press Play Radio’s Don and Tina in a raw, no-fluff conversation that doubles as a therapy session, creative deep-dive, and personal manifesto rolled into one. And just like his new record, Wil holds nothing back. From the first moments, the tone is set. There’s mutual admiration, high expectations, and an undercurrent of vulnerability running just beneath the surface. Don praises the new tracks “Where Were You” and “Out of My Hands,” calling them “phenomenal” and a return to form that hits as hard—if not harder—than Earshot’s breakthrough with Weight. Wil’s response? Grateful but grounded. “We haven’t released the big singles yet,” he reveals. “We’re just chumming the waters—letting people know we’re back.” And back they are, in full form. The two tracks already dropped are far from filler. They’re deeply personal, thunderously produced (thanks in part to longtime collaborator Johnny K), and loaded with emotional weight. The record, as Wil explains, was born out of heartbreak, disappointment, and an intense personal reckoning. “Every single song on this record is about that relationship I was in—and others too. It’s like a diary of what I was going through emotionally, moment to moment.” What’s most compelling about Wil’s insight isn’t the heartbreak itself—it’s his evolution. He talks about being “the bigger person,” walking away quietly when it hurts. But this time, he didn’t. “I’ve learned that being the bigger person doesn’t mean staying silent,” he says. “This record was me finally saying, ‘No, I’m going to speak. I’m going to feel this. I’m going to write it.’” The result is a body of work that’s less about rage and more about truth-telling. A sonic reckoning, not a revenge album. Tina doesn’t hold back either, calling Wil’s voice “one of the best in rock,” even going so far as to say—on record—that she prefers it to Chris Cornell’s. “That’s a bold statement,” Don interjects, half-joking. But she doubles down. “There’s just something in Wil’s voice—it’s equal parts ache and power.” And she’s not wrong. His delivery is precise, emotional, and deeply human. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence. Wil also reveals that Johnny K—who produced Weight—returned to help bring this new record to life. After reconnecting in Nashville, the two reignited their creative chemistry. But it wasn’t just nostalgia. Johnny became a rock-solid partner while Wil wrestled through one of the darkest periods of his life. “There were days I didn’t sleep, didn’t eat. I was overthinking everything. I needed someone I trusted to help finish what I started. Johnny was that guy.” Don and Tina dig further, drawing out stories that most artists keep tucked away. Like Wil’s struggle to define himself not just as a singer, but as a coach—someone who uses music as a vehicle to help people process their own experiences. “Singing is what I’m good at, but it’s not who I am,” he explains. “My purpose is to help people navigate life—and music just happens to be how I do it.” The conversation turns lighter toward the end, as Wil reveals his first concert (W.A.S.P. and Dokken) and his first album purchase (Metallica’s Master of Puppets or ...And Justice for All). Tina shares stories from her work with Jeff Pilson and George Lynch. They swap memories of high notes and backstage antics, but there’s a weight that lingers—because this isn’t just an interview. It’s a timestamp on the journey of a man coming out of the dark. Before they wrap, Wil teases their upcoming tour with Saliva and the hope that more dates will be added across the Midwest and Southeast. He even invites Don and Tina to help pick the next single. “I’ll send you the record,” he says. “You tell me which one should come next—just not the ones we already marked as singles. I want to know which ones hit for you.” It’s rare these days to hear an artist speak with this much honesty. No filter. No PR gloss. Just a man who nearly burned out, choosing instead to burn brighter. Earshot is back. And this time, the fire is personal. For more information on Wil Martin and Earshot, including tour dates and new music, visit www.earshotband.com or follow the band on social media @earshotband. Their upcoming tour with Saliva kicks off this fall — don’t miss it.