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.
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. 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. Their debut album and tours garnered the duo a GMA Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year in 2004. 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. 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. 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. Their song "Everywhere She Goes" was featured in the first season of "One Tree Hill" on the WB network.
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.
