Emily Osment to release first album

NEW YORK, July 14 (UPI) -- U.S singer-songwriter and television actress Emily Osment has signed with Wind-Up Records, the label announced Tuesday.

Osment, 17, is a Teen Choice Award nominee and one of the stars of TV's "Hannah Montana."

She has already begun recording her first album, for which she co-wrote all the songs. The album is expected to be released in 2010, her label said.

"We have been closely following Emily's music career, through music promoted in films and on television. After meeting her and listening to her demos, it was very clear that she is extremely passionate about her music, is a talented songwriter and has a certain edge to her vocals that will distinguish her from her contemporaries," Edward Vetri, president of Wind-Up Records, said in a statement.

"I am so excited I am getting the chance to finally share my music with everyone," Osment added. "I have been playing guitar and writing songs since I was little, so it seems like this album has been in process for years. The opportunities and amazing people I have been so fortunate to work with have literally been a dream come true. I can't wait for all of my very patient fans to hear the music that's been such a huge part of my life for the past two years."