Following years of successful solo projects, soundtrack work, and collaborations across multiple genres, Robert Fleischman returned to his rock roots in 2009 with the formation of The Sky. Inspired by a renewed passion for live performance after Journey's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Fleischman relocated from Los Angeles to Richmond, Virginia, to build the band with a new group of musicians. The move marked the beginning of one of the most creatively satisfying chapters of his career.
The Sky's sound blended classic American rock with modern British influences, combining melodic songwriting, soaring vocal hooks, layered guitars, and atmospheric production. Rather than chasing contemporary trends, the band focused on timeless songwriting, reflecting Fleischman's long-held belief that great songs transcend genre. The group's self-titled debut introduced this fresh musical direction, while their sophomore release, Majestic (2014), expanded the band's sonic palette with orchestral textures, psychedelic undertones, acoustic arrangements, and more adventurous production. The album was widely praised by melodic rock fans for its maturity, musicianship, and songwriting.
Fleischman has often described The Sky as more than simply another band. It represented a creative home where he could write without commercial expectations and collaborate with musicians who shared his artistic vision. The project allowed him to unite the melodic instincts that had defined his work with Journey, Channel, and his solo recordings while continuing to evolve as a songwriter. In interviews, he has called The Sky his "main project" and one of the finest rock records he has ever written, underscoring the personal importance the band holds within his extensive career.