Carl Marah

Carl Marah, an Edinburgh native by way of Dunbar, East Lothian, is an emerging singer-songwriter whose music combines classic storytelling with a modern cinematic edge. After years as a driving force in the psychedelic pop band Logan’s Close, Marah has additionally stepped forward as a solo artist, with a sound and vision entirely his own. Marah’s songwriting nods to greats like Rodriguez, Donovan, and Paul Simon, yet his approach feels refreshingly contemporary - marked by lyrical honesty, melodic inventiveness, and a warmth that connects instantly with audiences. His debut solo single, “Siren Song,” released on 14 February 2025, introduced listeners to a dreamlike sound world that balances atmosphere and emotional depth. The track set the tone for what would become Marah’s signature style: cinematic, melodic, and deeply human. His second single, “Roll The Dice,” released on 27 June 2025 and produced by Rod Jones (Idlewild), brought a playful energy with its 5/4 groove and bright, rhythmic pulse. The accompanying video - filmed around Edinburgh as a Monopoly game across the city’s landmarks - highlighted Marah’s creative spirit and connection to place. The song was featured in The Skinny’s Scottish New Music Round-Up playlist and received airplay from Roddy Hart on BBC Radio Scotland. Over the past year, Marah has embarked on a series of UK promotional tours that saw him perform in venues across the country, steadily building a following through his engaging live shows and evolving sound. These tours showcased both his storytelling roots and his growing ambition as a performer. Marah’s sound moves easily between reflective acoustic moments and more expansive arrangements. That development came into sharp focus at his recent Voodoo Rooms show in Edinburgh, where he performed with a full band for the first time - on electric guitar alongside bass and drums. The show revealed a bigger, bolder sound that may signal the next direction for his live performances. Carl Marah continues to build a reputation as a thoughtful and dynamic artist - one who draws from tradition but refuses to be bound by it. His songs blend narrative depth with a strong sense of atmosphere, earning him recognition as one of Scotland’s most distinctive emerging voices. “Carl Marah carries a traditional feel that remains timeless… familiar yet fresh.” - SNACK Magazine “Lyricism, consciousness, musicality, seamless vocal, guitar and looping dexterity - all rolled up into his uniquely intimate, genial story.” - Medicine Show Radio

b-EAT at St James Quarter Edinburgh Discover a delicious mix of live music, big flavours and great food at St James Quarter, Edinburgh's most exciting destination to shop, dine, play and stay. Throughout August, St James Quarter will play host to over 30 live music performances, on busking spots across all levels. We're looking for talented artists spanning all musical genres to entertain guests, enliven the Galleria and create a vibrant and welcoming experience.