Across the Sky was a Dove Award-nominated Christian band formed in Nashville, Tennessee, during 2001 by singer-songwriters Ben Kolarcik and Justin Unger, with a music style combining light rock, pop, and folk. Their self-titled debut was released in 2003, spawning a top ten song and three wide release singles. The group toured and recorded for two years under the Word Records Label before disbanding in 2005 and deciding to follow separate career paths. Early life Ben Kolarcik's earliest performances were in his home church of Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville. These experiences led him to decide 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. Justin Unger had similar experiences. Raised on Christian music, Unger began playing piano at age 10 and trumpet in the school band, and 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. Musical career Across the Sky was formed when solo artists Kolarcik and 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