About

Tondo, Manila is a place where people struggle on a daily basis.  It is well known as one of the poorest regions in the Philippines.  Born and raised here, singer/songwriter Otan Vargas spent his formative years surrounded mostly by poverty and despair.  It is this humble background which helps motivate him to this very day.  Vargas’ music is a powerfully simplistic combination of melancholy vocals accompanied by a brooding acoustic guitar.  He writes songs about man’s struggle, sorrow and pain and finding the strength to continue on.  What started out simply as a means of personal therapy for himself has transformed into an inspirational beacon for adoring fans worldwide.

Featured Albums

Origins [EP]

released April 14, 2014

Produced by Johnny April
Associate Producer - Todd Poulson

Guest Musicians:
Bass Guitar - Rich Mollo
Drums & Percussion - Dom Barranco
Electric Guitar - Cody Bryden

Music & Lyrics by Otan Vargas

Selected Sorrow [Ep]

released November 24, 2012

Produced by Steve K. & Otan Vargas
Recorded and Mixed by Steve K. at Rogue Studios in Long Island NY
Dom Barranco on Drums

Music & Lyrics by Otan Vargas

Alone [Album]

released December 15, 2009

Alone with his acoustic guitar and indescribable melancholic voice, the theme of the album centers in the anonymous feeling of desertion, but Otan Vargas' music differs in that it enigmatically brings sanguinity despite of its evoking sadness.

Recorded at Hole in the Ground Studios in Long Island, NY 2009

2009 Otan Vargas Debut Album

Music & Lyrics by Otan Vargas

Upcoming Dates