Hi, I'm an independent artist named Joseph Schertz from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I’m excited to share a brand-new release that just dropped: Sweet Nothing and Other Weapons — a record that pulls from the raw, melodic urgency of Green Day and K. Flay while grounding itself in the bruised, poetic storytelling and roots-driven grit of Lucinda Williams and Jason Isbell... all with an indie/pop sensibility.

The album blends sharp hooks and forward momentum with deeply human, lived-in narratives — songs that know how to punch fast and linger long. There’s a restless energy threaded through the record, balanced by weathered storytelling textures and emotionally unguarded lyrics. Think heart-on-sleeve choruses, road-worn confessionals, and melodies that hit hard without losing their soul.

Highlights from the album include:

  • The Gold Medalist – An honest confession just in time for the Olympics. A stripped-back, slow-burn track that leans into vulnerability and lyrical weight.

  • 11 Steps – An upbeat, driving cut that pairs melodic punch with bittersweet perspective and self defeat.

  • Giddy Up! Let's Go – A high-impact entry point with immediate hooks and emotionally charged storytelling.

Sweet Nothing and Other Weapons fits comfortably within AAA, Triple A/Non-Comm, Indie, and Alternative programming that favors strong songwriting, energy, and authenticity over polish for polish’s sake.

You can listen and download wav files here:

SoundCloud

Dropbox

All songs are FCC Clean (detailed song info below)

Best regards,

Joseph Schertz

Spotify

Apple Music

Bluesky

Sweet Nothings & Other Weapons song list:

  1. Giddy Up! Let’s Go 2:24 ISRC uscgh2679582

  2. Can’t Pray This Away 2:15 ISRC uscgh2679583

  3. The Gold Medalist 3:01 ISRC uscgh2679584

  4. Share a Cell 2:48 ISRC uscgh2679585

  5. Who’s Gonna Die off Next 3:03 ISRC uscgh2679586

  6. 11 Steps 2:36 ISRC uscgh2679587

  7. Aim to Kill 2:53 ISRC uscgh2679588

  8. El Caminos 2:08 ISRC uscgh2679589

  9. Leaving Hurts, Staying’s Worse 2:31 ISRC uscgh2679590

  10. My New Orleans 2:32 ISRC uscgh2679591

  11. Donate Me to a Good Cause 3:12 ISRC uscgh2679592

  12. Gotta Be 2:15 ISRC uscgh2679593


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