Daily Inspiration: Meet Joshua Dela Rama

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Dela Rama.

Hi Joshua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My dad taught me guitar when I was 10 and immediately knew what I wanted to do the rest of my life. At first a metalhead, eventually gravitated towards 90s alternative rock and pop punk, mainly Nirvana, Green Day, and blink 182. I started writing songs at 13, taught myself drums and bass in high school. 2 weeks before graduating high school I self-recorded my first set of songs which made up my 6-song demo. I gave it out to my friends and teachers before we go on to college.
I started my solo indie/alternative pop-rock project in 2018 and named it Side Show Stereo because I thought it’d sound cooler than just going by my government name.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. When I started gigging I’ve played to lots of restaurants and bars with 1-2 people in the audience, sometimes none at all. I’d just be playing to the employees. And best believe I tried to give them a fire performance regardless. I’d do 2 hour drives just to play a 3 song set. Any place that would have me perform, I signed up for. Being a solo artist also means having no one to share the hardships with. Also there’s the negative comments or dms on social media, which of course comes with being a musician. One of my favorite hate comments said like “I don’t know why you would post this, you can’t sing for sh** and it’s a shame no one around you told you you lack talent, do everyone a favor and quit now”
I was like damn what did I do to you LOL. That being said, 99% of my comments/DMs are very positive and I can’t let that hating 1% get to me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a musician, I make indie alternative pop-rock music as Side Show Stereo. I play guitar and sing and write my own songs, I also play all instruments including drums and bass when I record my songs which are found on all streaming platforms.
What sets me apart from others is my versatility and artistry, I feel like my catalog has an expansive range of sounds and emotion.
What I’m most proud of is maintaining consistency in putting out music even through the tough times. Losing my dad to cancer in 2024 made me want to work harder and put out more music.

What matters most to you?
The art of making music. It’s a beautiful thing. The thought of using AI to replace human musicians disappoints me because you can hear and feel it. There’s no human touch here, there’s no authenticity here. The best part of creating art is you get to put a piece of yourself in it. It’s true to you and unique to you. People shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves into their art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/SideShowStereo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideshowstereo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sideshowstereo
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sideshowstereo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideshowstereo

Image Credits
1. 7713 Photography – Justin Gill
2. Six Paths Photography – Alvin Rumbaoa