Across the Sky

Across the Sky was a Dove Award-nominated Christian band formed in Nashville, Tennessee, during 2001 by Ben Kolarcik and Justin Unger. Both musicians are of the singer-songwriter style. Their self-titled debut was released in 2003, spawning a top ten song and three wide release singles. Across the Sky's music is a style combining light rock, pop, and folk. The group toured and recorded for two years under the Word Records Label before disbanding in 2005 when both artists decided to pursue different career paths.

For the album by Space Cowboy, see Across the Sky (album).
Across The Sky
OriginNashville, TN
GenresCCM
Worship
Pop
Years active2000–2005
LabelsWord/Curb/Warner Bros. Records
Past membersBen Kolarcik, Justin Unger

Early life

Ben Kolarcik's earliest performances were in his home church of Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville. These experiences led him to the decision to be a full time independent artist. After high school, he married Melissa Strandell. Opportunities came about to perform consistently, nationally and internationally, including such places as Australia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Poland. A self-taught guitarist, he also learned to play piano and lap dulcimer. Kolarcik references his influences as being The Beatles, The Police and Jeff Buckley to Keith Green, Rick James, Jimi Hendrix and Rich Mullins.[1]

Justin Unger had similar experiences. Unger was raised on Christian music. Justin began playing piano at age 10, and trumpet in the school band. Unger began writing music at 17 for his grandfather, who was a pastor. He also started a Christian band called "Emmaus," performing as lead vocalist on the songs that his grandfather and he had written.[1]

Musical career

Across the Sky was formed when solo artists, Ben Kolarcik and Justin Unger, who were under consideration by Word Records, met and began collaborations in Nashville. Both artists had a history of performance and music ministry in their hometowns and in regional tours. After deciding on becoming a duo act, the pair sat down to work on music together. After composing 50 or so titles, they settled on 12 for their first album. The pair was assisted along the way by such notable Contemporary Christian musicians and writers as Cindy Morgan, Scott Krippayne, Matthew Gerrard, Jeff Borders, Kyle Matthews and Tony Wood.[1]

Their self-titled album was released in 2003. Much of the music on this project is artist composed. During their run they toured extensively around the US and internationally. They toured with major established artists such as Michael W. Smith, Mark Schultz, Avalon, and MercyMe.[2] Their debut album and tours garnered the duo a GMA Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year in 2004.[3] Also in 2004 their song "Masquerade" was included on the Platinum Album WOW Hits 2004, an annual compilation CD of top artists of the previous year.[3]

While still together they received radio play throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. During this period, their single "Found By You" peaked at number 5 on the AC Christian Charts in the United States.[4] Across the Sky disbanded in 2005.

The songs "Broken World" and "Give it all Away" were released as singles and received airplay in the US and radio stations in Australia, Canada, South America, and Europe.[5] Their song "Everywhere She Goes" was featured in the first season of "One Tree Hill" on the WB network.[6]

Personal lives

After the disbandment of Across the Sky in 2005, Justin Unger moved to Prescott, AZ with his wife and children where he is a music minister at an alternative style megachurch called The Heights. Unger continues song-writing and composition. He released a solo CD titled "Disengage" on October 30, 2007, followed by 4 other albums in 2009, 2012, and 2016.

Ben Kolarcik resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and children where he has pursued a career as a writer and composer. Kolarcik tours as well. He still performs nationally with occasional bookings in other countries.[7]

Discography
  • Across The Sky (2003)
  1. Found By You
  2. Give It All Away
  3. Everywhere She Goes
  4. When I Open My Eyes
  5. Broken World
  6. Shooting Star
  7. Exciting Times
  8. Masquerade
  9. Persistence
  10. First Love Song
  11. Do You Dream Of Me?
  12. Not So You Will Love Me
  • CCM Top 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music "When God Ran (Tribute Recording)" (2004)
  • Found By You (Studio Series Performance Track) (2005)
  • Broken World (Studio Series Performance Track) (2005)

Compilation contributions

References
  1. "Music".
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 12, 2006. Retrieved March 30, 2007.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. "The Envelope: Hollywood's Awards and Industry Insider – Los Angeles Times".
  4. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2007. Retrieved March 28, 2007.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "CRW Radio Promotions".
  6. TV.com. "One Tree Hill: The Living Years".
  7. "BEN KOLARCIK".
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