For new artist Julie Elias, 2012 has been a watershed year as the multi-faceted performer prepares to release A Wild Rose, the singer/songwriter's debut full-length CD of all-original music, on November 13. The independently-released project follows Holy Night, the singer/songwriter's 2011 Nativity-themed CD.

Elias has spent the past year writing and recording the songs for her CD after a stint in Hollywood, where she added TV, film and stage credits to her resume. In addition to songwriting and time in the studio in recent months, Elias has promoted her new music at numerous Christian music festivals and at Disney's popular Night of Joy, where she performed on the Talent Spotlight Stage.

"These songs are the stories of my life, spanning good and bad times," Elias says.

For A Wild Rose, Elias teamed with acclaimed producer Robert White Johnson, whose body of work includes songwriting and production credits with such artists as Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Larnelle Harris, Johnny Van Zant and Michael Bolton. Elias credits Johnson with bringing her vision for the project to life.

"Throughout this project, Robert has been a true mentor, an enthusiastic collaborator and a visionary producer," says Elias. "I could not have asked for a better person to produce my debut album."

Elias admits her taste in music tends toward the eclectic, so finding a producer who could help her meld a multitude of divergent styles into a musical amalgam that was uniquely 'Julie Elias' was essential.

"I love classic rock, and part of its appeal is the fact that it is classic," Elias says. "I also love musical theatre - I know, quite a contrast, right? I like music that is dramatic and moving, complemented by interesting lyrics. It's important to me that great lyrics enhance great melodies. On this album you'll hear some B3, accordion, a lot of guitar and big drums. The instrumentation is quite varied."

Take for instance the album's sunny, title cut "A Wild Rose," that places Elias's pristine vocals front and center over organic production and radio-ready melodies. On "Breathing Room," she turns towards a more contemplative, ethereal tone across the verses, eventually building to a crescendo with ramped up passion on each memorable chorus. Other highlights include the prayerful, string-soaked ballad "I Am Yours," the gorgeously theatrical "Breathe In Me," the fiery barnburner of resolution "Here I Am," the harmony-heavy rocker "Freedom In Love" and the tender, piano-flanked promise "Peace I Leave With You."

"Recording the tracks was surreal and I will never forget it," Elias says, "I was floored by the creativity and expertise that the musicians brought to the project. To have experienced not only their immense talent but their humble, kind spirits is something I will always be thankful for."

A Wild Rose doesn't just stir the soul rhythmically, but also showcases both the triumphs and challenges throughout Elias's spiritual and artistic journey, while simultaneously inspiring others as they search for their place in this world.

"I have been there," Elias confesses. "I am there. I face challenges every single day and try to make good decisions, but admit freely that I am not perfect. We are all on a spiritual journey. Mine just happens to be chronicled by music. It's not always easy to expose your vulnerabilities and share your heart with people, but God has given me this opportunity and it is my sincere wish that people become encouraged to delve deeper into their own faith upon hearing my songs."

The release of A Wild Rose marks the culmination of a whirlwind year that has seen the singer/songwriter sharing the stage with some of Christian music's top artists at major festivals including Spirit West Coast, AtlantaFest, Ichthus, Creation NE, Cornerstone, Lifest, Sonshine and Creation NW. She also earned a coveted spot at Walt Disney World's popular Night of Joy, where she performed on the Talent Spotlight Stage, and was selected for a soloist role in Ruth Graham's musical, Fear Not Tomorrow.

"I've always believed you can hear words, but you can feel music," says Elias. "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."

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

About Julie 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 November 13, 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."