Zoli appeared on the 2007 edition of Hungary’s spin on the “Pop Idol” TV franchise with an original jazz-infused composition entitled “Mondd, Mennyit Er” (translated as “Tell Me How Much Stronger”). Though not advancing to the final round, Zoli was nevertheless chosen for that year’s tour of the show’s performers. After fronting with the band The Freak, Zoli decided to make the jump to the U.K. in 2011 in hopes of greater exposure and a possible record deal.

In London, Zoli met producer Brad Runge, an American interested in music production. The two decided to take the shortest possible path to the professional music world and simply form their own independent record label, Z Music Entertainment, with a third party. Zoli then took his act to the U.S., where he performed in seven American cities and subsequently went on to start recording new tracks.

Zoli and Runge’s resourcefulness was enough to bring in Rudy Haeusermann, a sound engineer whose studio credits include work with Tupac Shakur, Ke$ha and En Vogue. The result was an EP’s worth of tracks that are currently in post-production and are set for worldwide debut as early as August 15.

Said Zoli on the prospect on breaking through in the music game, “It’s a daunting prospect starting out in the US, Australia and UK when I have an established fan base back home, but I’m positive the audience will believe in my passion for music and performing.”