Biography

Carl Marah is an Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter (by way of Dunbar, East Lothian) whose music blends classic storytelling with a modern, cinematic edge. After years as a driving force in psychedelic pop band Logan’s Close, Marah has additionally stepped forward as a solo artist with a distinct voice of his own - rooted in tradition but unafraid of colour, warmth and experimentation.

His songwriting nods to figures such as Rodriguez, Donovan, Richard Hawley and Paul Simon, filtered through a contemporary lens marked by lyrical honesty, melodic invention and an instinctive emotional pull. Marah’s songs move fluidly between intimate, reflective moments and more expansive arrangements, building a sound that feels both timeless and quietly modern.

Released in 2025, "Siren Song" unveiled a darker, more cinematic edge to Marah’s songwriting, balancing hushed intimacy with a haunting sense of build. It marked a clear shift into his solo world, where mood and narrative lead the way.

Follow-up single "Roll The Dice", produced by Rod Jones (Idlewild), brought a playful, off-kilter energy with its 5/4 groove and bright rhythmic pulse. The track featured in The Skinny’s Scottish New Music Round-Up playlist and received airplay on BBC Radio Scotland. The accompanying video - filmed across Edinburgh as a Monopoly game played through the city - captured Marah’s creative spirit and strong sense of place.

In 2026, Marah released the singles "You’re Always Right" and "Stags and Hens" ahead of his debut solo EP "Me, Myself, and I", a Creative Scotland-supported project recorded at Edinburgh’s Knockwood Studio. While "You’re Always Right" offered a warm-hearted reflection on relationships and compromise, "Stags and Hens" drew inspiration from Marah’s life as a working pub musician, painting a vivid portrait of Edinburgh nightlife through references to venues including Stramash, Whistlebinkies and The Fox & Faun.

The same year saw Marah reach a significant international audience when he progressed to the semi-finals of Polish television phenomenon Mam Talent!, performing "You’re Always Right" to an audience of millions. His appearance prompted praise from the judging panel, with presenter and judge Marcin Prokop describing him as “a spiritual brother of Paul Simon” who performs at a “world-class level”.

Alongside his releases, Marah has continued to build a reputation as a compelling live performer, undertaking headline shows across the UK including dates in London and Liverpool, culminating in the launch of his debut EP at Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms.

The EP marks the beginning rather than the conclusion of a prolific period of activity. Throughout 2026, Marah continues to tour across Scotland with appearances at Heartland Festival, McChuills in Glasgow and Market Bar in Inverness, while developing new material for future releases. With a growing audience in both the UK and Poland, and a steadily expanding catalogue of songs, he is already at work on the next phase of his solo career.

As both a songwriter and performer, Marah combines traditional craftsmanship with a modern perspective, creating music that feels deeply personal while resonating far beyond the places and stories that inspire it.

“Carl performs at a world-class level. Like a spiritual brother of Paul Simon.” — Marcin Prokop, Mam Talent Judge

“I respect you very much.” — Agnieszka Chylińska, Mam Talent Judge

“Carl walked onto the stage and lit it up like the sun.” — Julia Wieniawa, Mam Talent Judge

“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

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