New artist Julie Elias, fresh off her U.S. summer tour of Christian music festivals, attended the annual convention of the International Christian Retailers Association (ICRS) held recently in Orlando, Fla., to promote her upcoming debut CD, A Wild Rose. Elias was interviewed by numerous media outlets and ministries, including Charisma Magazine, Campus Crusade for Christ, CBN.com, and On Course Magazine.

"ICRS was my first experience talking to media since my new record has been completed and it's been wonderful to hear people's response to the music," Elias says. "It was great to have some interviews with new and familiar faces, to meet some other artists and authors, and it was a blast to share a laugh with Donna Douglas, who's as 'Elly May' as ever!"

ICRS, featuring approximately 300 exhibits, brings together more than 5,000 attendees and exhibitors from the United States and more than 50 countries. The most recent show was held July 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center.

For more information about Elias and A Wild Rose, visit julieeliasmusic.com, or follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/julieeliasmusic) or Twitter (@julieeliasmusic).

Photo caption: During ICRS, Julie Elias, left, met with Donna Douglas, right, the Beverly Hillbillies actress who made Elly May Clampett a household name. (McCain & Co. Public Relations photo)

About Julie Elias:
Elias' career spanned various facets of the arts - from leading worship to musical theater - before the singer/songwriter fully embraced her calling to become a recording artist. Though she's wholeheartedly committed to help listeners tap into their God-ordained purpose, she didn't arrive at her current calling overnight. In fact, her performance path looked completely different just two years ago when the Nevada native found herself in Hollywood pursuing work in film and television. "I studied musical theater in college and there's something fascinating - and downright fun - about immersing yourself in a character. To participate in the preparation and rehearsal that goes into a performance is hugely enjoyable and gratifying. Making the move to Hollywood to pursue work in film and television seemed like a great way to make something I was passionate about into a career," says Elias.

After making the networking rounds in Hollywood, Elias was well on her way to becoming an up-and-coming actress thanks to various extra roles on Grey's Anatomy (where she was a regular for two seasons), CSI: New York, Bones, Flash Forward, Community, Parks and Recreation, Weeds and Dexter. She also appeared in several films as an extra, including Due Date, starring Robert Downey Jr., and Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

A Christmas trip to her hometown in 2010 caused Elias to reexamine her career options. During the holiday, she performed in her home church's praise and worship band and sang in some local concerts.

"It took a seemingly routine Christmas concert that year for me to realize what I've been called to do. In fact, Christmas of that year was the most clear-cut, obvious message I've ever received from God, period! It was as if He said 'I am spelling it out for you, in bold caps: PAY ATTENTION,'" Elias says.

At the beginning of 2011, Elias began making regular pilgrimages to Nashville to collaborate with Music City's top songwriters and producers. The trips resulted in her national debut CD, A Wild Rose, set to release Summer 2012, which features 10 fresh tunes that chronicle her journey thus far.

As Elias gears up to make her mark on the modern day music scene with her engaging songwriting style and fresh pop/rock sound - influenced by Amy Grant, Natalie Merchant, Carrie Underwood and Sheryl Crow - she's committed to spreading faith-affirming messages that are just as uplifting to believers as they are inspiring to seekers.

"We are all constantly on a spiritual journey and mine is chronicled by music. I've always believed you can hear words, but you can feel music," Elias says. "What is a relationship with God without feeling His presence through your entire being? Sometimes songs can touch you in a way that words cannot."