Carl Marah
About this event
Carl Marah, the Edinburgh singer-songwriter and former driving force behind psychedelic pop outfit Logan's Close, brings his distinctive solo vision to The Black Bull. Blending classic storytelling with cinematic flair, Marah's sound draws inspiration from legendary artists like Rodriguez, Donovan, and Paul Simon, yet feels entirely contemporary. His recent singles "Siren Song" and "Roll The Dice" showcase his gift for memorable melodies, emotional depth, and playful creativity - a promise of an evening rich with musical character.
Expect a set that moves fluidly across decades of influence, from rock and blues to britpop and beyond, all filtered through Marah's own lyrical honesty and warmth. Whether you're familiar with his work or discovering him for the first time, this promises to be an intimate, engaging performance from an artist unafraid to wear his influences proudly whilst carving out something fresh and distinctly his own.
Join us at The Black Bull, right in the heart of the Grassmarket, for a night of storytelling and song with one of Edinburgh's most compelling emerging artists.
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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
