Across The Sky
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| Across The Sky | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Origin | Nashville, TN | |
| Genre(s) | CCM | |
| Years active | 2003-2005 | |
| Label(s) | Word/Warner/Curb records | |
| Former members | ||
| Ben Kolarcik, Justin Unger | ||
| Notable instrument(s) | ||
| Guitar | ||
Across The Sky was a Christian band formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2003 by Ben Kolarcik and Justin Unger both singer/song writers. Their self-titled debut was released the same year. Much of their music is artist composed.
Contents |
[edit] Early life
According to an interview given by the duo in Christianity Today, Ben Kolarcik is originally from Louisville, KY,his father was in the military he is the fourth of five children. Kolarcik was the only one in his family to pursue music full time. He was raised in Christian schools; his earliest performances were in this setting and in his home church of Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville, Ky. These experiences led him to the decision to be a full time independent artist. After high school, opportunities came about to perform consistently, nationally and internationally, including such places as Australia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Poland. A self-taught guitarist, the multi-talented artist also has learned to play piano and lap dulcimer. Kolarcik references his influences as being The Beetles, The Police and Jeff Buckley to Keith Green and Rich Mullins. [1]
Per the Same interview Justin Unger had some similar experiences. Unger was raised on Christian Music. He was Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, and is the middle of three brothers. His father was a self taught musician and a roofer by trade and his mother a stay at home mom. Justin influenced by his Fathers musical pursuits began playing piano at age 10 and playing 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 the songs that he and his grandfather had written. [2]
[edit] Musical career
Across the sky was formed when solo artists, Ben Kolarcik and Just Unger, who were under consideration by Word Records met and began colaborations in Nashville Tennessee. 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 some odd titles they settled on 12 for their first ablbum. 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. [3]
Their self titled album was released in 2003. They toured around the US and internationally, touring with major artists such as Michael W. Smith, Mark Schultz, Avalon, and Mercy Me. [4][5]
Other career points are.
- Song "Found by You" peaked at #5 on the AC Christian charts in the U.S. [6]
- 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 [7]
- Across the Sky received a 2004 GMA Dove Award Nomination for New Artist of the Year [8]
- Their music was featured in WOW Hits 2004 (Certified Platinum) [9]
- Their song "Everywhere She Goes" was featured in the first season of "One Tree Hill" on the WB network [10]
[edit] Personal Life
Across the Sky disbanded in 2005. Justin Unger is now living in Prescott, AZ with his wife and children, now a music minister at an alternative style megachurch. [11]
Ben Kolarcik still lives in Franklin, TN with his wife and son where he has launched a career as a writer and composer. [12]
[edit] References
- Across The Sky @ Christianity Today Magazine
- Christian Radio Weekly
- The LA Times
- Across The Sky in the Christian Top Ten
- Wow 2004 platinum
- Dove Award Nomination
[edit] Discography
- Across The Sky (2003)
- WOW Hits 2004 "Masquerade" (2004)
- Found By You (Stuio Series Performance Track) (2005)
- Broken World (Studio Series Performance Track) (2005)
