Mo Sounds: Tasha LaRae’s ‘Light,’ St. Beauty’s ‘Running To The Sun’ + more new music

Tasha LaRae: “Light”

Atlanta-based singer Tasha LaRae is known by many in music circles as an acclaimed collaborator: She’s a member of the legendary Arrested Development crew, recently provided vocals for DJ Kemit’s “Together” EP, etc. But in January, LaRae is stepping into the spotlight with the release of her new solo project, “Light.” She describes the six-track EP as a “blend of soul, house and R&B music with lyrics that echo real life situations of love, loss, and living the human experience” — but we see “Light” as a fitting showcase for a talent deserving way more shine. More info: tashalarae.com/light-project.

St. Beauty: “Running to the Sun”

The latest group from Janelle Monae’s Wondaland camp, St. Beauty is finally dropping its first full-length album, “Running to the Sun.” On the project, the duo — made up of Alex Belle and Isis Valentino — get a chance to dig in and stretch the boundaries of their sweet-but-beat-heavy soul sounds. More info: www.stbeautyband.com.

Nicki Monty: “Blended Souls”

On Nicki Monty’s debut four-song collection, the rising DJ/ producer presents an offering of Afro-house instrumentals that are so ethereal, they almost sound like spirituals. Still, she keeps the beat pumping enough that the tracks will undoubtedly find their way to the DJ booth … and the dance floor. More info: nickimonty.bandcamp.com.

Kai Martin: “All My Life”

Sultry-voiced singer Kai Martin is another one of the ATL’s consummate collaborators, having lent her voice to dozens of tracks by some of house music’s biggest producers. But on her new solo EP, “All My Life,” she’s branching out to jazz, soul and other styles (but still managed to sneak one house track in the mix). More info: kaimartin1.bandcamp.com/album/all-my-life.