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Building 429
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Key Information
Building 429 is an American Christian rock band from Fayetteville, North Carolina. The band's name refers to Ephesians 4:29, a Biblical passage that (in the New International Version of the Bible) reads: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."[1]
Building 429 was named the Gospel Music Association 2005 New Artist of the Year. The band is known for its hit songs "Glory Defined" (2004) and "Where I Belong" (2012).
History
[edit]In late 1999, bassist Scotty Beshears and guitarist/vocalist Jason Roy met in North Carolina at the final performance of Roy's band All Too Familiar. Beshears had formerly been involved with Elijah's Ride, another independent band. They teamed up with drummer Christian Fuhrer to form a new band which blended modern pop-rock music with Christian-themed lyrics. The trio began to perform under the name "Building 429".[2][better source needed]
According to Roy, the band's name originated from a youth group. Roy's wife Cortni had once belonged to a youth group that had a system called the "429 Challenge,"[3] based on Ephesians 4:29.[4]
Throughout the year 2000, Building 429 held a relentless touring schedule, with over 100 shows played and 3,000 copies of their first (self-titled) CD sold.[5]
"Glory Defined", Building 429's first nationally serviced radio single, rose to No. 1 on eight combined Christian AC and CHR charts in early 2004, remaining No. 1 on Christian Radio Weekly's (CRW) AC chart for ten consecutive weeks and claiming the spot faster than any single in the history of the publication.[6] The song was the title track from the Glory Defined EP, released April 6, 2004. On July 27, 2004, Building 429's national debut, Space in Between, was released. Produced by Jim Cooper, the album gave three more radio hits: "Above It All", "The Space in Between Us" and "No One Else Knows".[citation needed]
Building 429 received four Dove Award nominations[7] and was honored as New Artist of the Year in 2005.[8] An expanded edition of Space in Between was released in August 2005, which included the full original album plus two tracks from the Glory Defined EP ("All You Ask of Me" and "Free"), the AC mix of "Glory Defined", a radio mix of "No One Else Knows" and a cover of Chris Tomlin's "Famous One".[3]
Rise (released March 14, 2006) included the singles "Searching For a Savior", "Fearless" and "I Belong to You".[citation needed]
Building 429's third major studio release was entitled Iris to Iris.[citation needed]
On July 3, 2008, the band released Glory Defined: The Best of Building 429, a greatest hits collection from the albums under the Word Records label. The CD contained all previously released tracks.[citation needed]
A press release dated September 10, 2008 stated that Building 429 had moved to INO Records after almost five years with Word Records.[9] The self-titled album Building 429 was released on October 21, 2008 to mark the "new beginning" of the band with the new label.[10][better source needed] "End of Me" was the first single from the new album to be released to Christian AC and CHR radio outlets, followed by "Always". Soul-Audio, a Christian music publication, granted the album an average score, speaking highly of the band by saying "Forget the future—the present is pretty bright for this trio."[11]

Building 429 started out with Essential Records by releasing Listen to the Sound.[12] Throughout 2011 and 2012, Building 429 released new singles "Listen to the Sound", "Right Beside You" and "Where I Belong". The single "Where I Belong" was No. 1 on the Billboard NCA charts and was named the 2013 Billboard Magazine Christian Song of the Year.[13] "Where I Belong" has been certified as a gold record.[8]
On June 4, 2013, Building 429 released We Won't Be Shaken, their eighth studio album.[14] The CD debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart.[15]
Discography
[edit]- 2004: Space in Between Us
- 2006: Rise
- 2007: Iris to Iris
- 2008: Building 429
- 2011: Listen to the Sound
- 2013: We Won't Be Shaken
- 2015: Unashamed
- 2018: Live the Journey[16]
Awards
[edit]In 2005, Building 429 was nominated for four Dove Awards at the 36th GMA Dove Awards.[17] The band won the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year.[18]
At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, the band's We Won't Be Shaken album was nominated for "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album".[19]
References
[edit]- ^ "Ephesians 4:29 NIV - Do not let any unwholesome talk come". Bible Gateway. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ^ "Building 429 - The True Voice you can Hear". Retrieved June 25, 2013.
- ^ a b "Building 429 : A Fly On the Wall in A Thai Restaurant : Soul Shine Magazine". Soulshine.ca. June 23, 2005. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ^ "Ephesians 4:29 Confession". Believers.org. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ^ Jones, Kim (May 19, 2019). "Building 429 - Christian Pop/Rock Band Biography". Learn Religions. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ "Christian Music Central: Christian Forum, Christian Music News, Christian Rock, Worship Music, Christian Artists, Christian Community". Cmcentral.com. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ^ "Dove Awards 2005". cmnexus.org. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "NEWS: Building 429 Launches The I Am Unashamed Webpage - The Gospel Music Association". gospelmusic.org. March 15, 2016.
- ^ "Building 429 Launches into a New Season with New Label and New Record, Jesus Freak Hideout". Jesusfreakhideout.com. September 10, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ^ "Building 429 website". Archived from the original on October 21, 2008.
- ^ Mr WordPress. "Just another WordPress site". Soul-Audio. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
- ^ "BUILDING 429 TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM 'LISTEN TO THE SOUND' ON ESSENTIAL RECORDS, SET FOR MAY 10". ProvidentPress.com. March 15, 2011. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
- ^ "Building 429's "Where I Belong" Named 2012 Billboard Christian Song of the Year". ProvidentPress.com. December 21, 2012. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
- ^ "Building 429". Christian Broadcasting Network. October 16, 2013. Archived from the original on August 1, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ "Christian Albums : Jun 22, 2013". Billboard. June 15, 2013. Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
- ^ CCM News (August 15, 2018). "Building 429 to Release New Album 'Live The Journey' Sept. 7th". CCM Magazine. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
- ^ Sickler, Linda. "Hit Christian rock group Building 429 to perform in Richmond Hill". Savannah Morning News.
- ^ Gerome, John (April 16, 2005). "Switchfoot wins Dove Award for artist of the year". spokesman.com.
- ^ "Building 429". grammy.com. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
External links
[edit]Building 429
View on GrokipediaFormation and Early Career
Band Origins
Building 429 was formed in late 1999 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Roy and bassist Scotty Beshears.[11][12] Roy, who was attending college at the time, drew inspiration from his experiences there to pursue music that reflected his faith, leading him to collaborate with Beshears after they connected through local church circles.[7] The duo soon expanded their lineup with guitarist Paul Bowden and drummer Christian Fuhrer, solidifying the initial quartet dedicated to contemporary Christian rock.[13] The band's name, Building 429, originates from Ephesians 4:29 in the Bible, which encourages speech that builds others up rather than tears them down, aligning with their mission to deliver uplifting, faith-centered messages.[14] This concept was influenced by a "429 Challenge" from a youth group Roy's wife had participated in, emphasizing positive communication as a core theme in their music and identity.[14] By adopting the name, Roy and Beshears aimed to create a platform for honest, encouraging songs that resonated with young audiences navigating life's challenges through a Christian lens.[14] Starting in 2000, Building 429 committed to building a grassroots following in the Christian music scene through relentless independent touring, performing nearly 200 shows per year across small venues and church events.[15] These early gigs, often in intimate settings with modest crowds, allowed the band to refine their sound and connect directly with fans, fostering a dedicated local base in North Carolina before gaining wider attention.[16]Independent Albums
Building 429's entry into the music scene began with their self-released debut album, Building 429, issued in 2000.[1] This independent project featured early compositions that laid the groundwork for the band's signature Christian rock sound, including precursors to later hits like "Glory Defined" through thematic explorations of faith and perseverance. Produced on a low budget by the band themselves, the album was distributed primarily through live performances and local Christian networks, with the group playing nearly 200 shows annually to reach audiences.[17] By 2003, it had sold approximately 6,000 copies, reflecting the grassroots efforts required in the indie landscape.[16] In 2002, the band followed up with the EP Preflight, another self-released effort designed to promote their forthcoming full-length album.[18] Containing three rough-mixed tracks, it highlighted their evolving style and was circulated via regional Christian music channels and concerts, helping to build buzz in Southern U.S. rock circles.[1] Like their debut, Preflight faced typical independent hurdles, including constrained funding and distribution limited to show sales and small networks, yet the band's relentless touring—over 100 performances that year alone—demonstrated their commitment to organic growth.[17] This persistence paid off, as the EP's reception sparked interest from major labels, paving the way for their transition to a broader platform.[16]Major Label Era
Breakthrough with Essential Records
Following their independent releases and growing regional buzz, Building 429 signed a record deal with Word Label Group in late 2003 after opening for Sonicflood on the Cry Holy Tour, which exposed them to a national audience.[16] This partnership marked their transition to the major label scene within the contemporary Christian music (CCM) industry, providing access to professional production resources, including collaboration with producer Jason Powell on their debut.[19] The band's major label debut, Space in Between Us, originally developed from earlier independent efforts, was re-released nationally on July 27, 2004, under Word Records.[20] Incorporating tracks from their prior limited-edition EP, the album benefited from enhanced marketing and distribution support, achieving sales of over 130,000 units and establishing a foothold in CCM radio and retail.[16] The lead single "Glory Defined" propelled their breakthrough, topping Radio & Records' Christian CHR chart for four weeks and Christian Radio Weekly's AC chart for 12 weeks while securing No. 1 positions across eight combined AC and CHR formats.[2] This radio success amplified their visibility, leading to expanded touring opportunities where they opened for prominent CCM acts such as Casting Crowns on the 2005 Lifesong Tour and shared stages with artists like Jeremy Camp, BarlowGirl, and Todd Agnew.[21][16] With label backing, Building 429 transitioned from playing modest venues to headlining small- to mid-sized shows nationwide, steadily building a dedicated fanbase and solidifying their presence in the competitive CCM landscape.[16]Lineup Changes and Key Releases
In the mid-2000s, Building 429 navigated key personnel shifts that reshaped its sound during the major label phase. Bassist Scotty Beshears departed in 2007, prompting the use of temporary bassists to maintain touring and recording momentum.[22] Guitarist Paul Bowden exited in early 2006, prior to subsequent releases, allowing the group to refocus on a streamlined quartet configuration.[22] These changes facilitated the integration of new members who helped solidify the band's identity. Guitarist Jesse Garcia joined in 2005, bringing additional keyboard and vocal support, while bassist Aaron Branch came on board around 2010, forming a stable core alongside lead vocalist Jason Roy and drummer Michael Anderson.[7] This lineup emphasized collaborative songwriting and live energy, contributing to the band's evolution toward more polished productions. Key releases during this era marked Building 429's growth, with a pivot to radio-friendly rock anthems that blended uplifting melodies and faith-based narratives under Word Records initially, followed by Essential Records and its imprints from 2008 onward. The 2006 album Rise built on their breakthrough momentum with tracks like "Home," exploring themes of perseverance.[22] In 2007, Iris to Iris followed as a studio album with introspective songs such as "Power of Your Name," bridging their earlier intensity with emerging maturity.[22] The self-titled Building 429 (2008) captured the post-transition vibe, featuring hits like "You and I" that highlighted the refreshed ensemble.[22] Subsequent albums reinforced their commercial footing. Listen to the Sound (2011) delivered anthemic tracks emphasizing communal worship, while We Won't Be Shaken (2013) achieved a No. 1 debut on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, propelled by the resilient title single. The era culminated with Unashamed (2015), a bold collection including "Impossible," underscoring unyielding faith amid challenges.[22] Throughout, the band's association with Essential Records from 2008 until 2015 enabled consistent output focused on accessible, high-energy rock that resonated on Christian radio.[22]Musical Style and Themes
Genre and Influences
Building 429 is primarily classified within the Christian rock genre, blending pop-rock melodies with alternative rock edges to create accessible contemporary Christian music (CCM) suitable for radio and worship settings. Their sound features energetic rhythms, anthemic structures, and a balance of gritty guitars and melodic hooks that emphasize emotional depth and communal uplift.[12][23][24] The band's musical influences draw from mainstream rock acts like the Goo Goo Dolls and Stone Temple Pilots, infusing their work with a raw yet polished rock sensibility adapted to faith-based themes. Lead singer Jason Roy has highlighted how his personal faith journey profoundly shapes their sonic choices, viewing music as an extension of ministry that reflects personal vulnerability and spiritual growth.[16][16] Building 429's style evolved from a slick, acoustic-tinged approach in their early major-label debut to a fuller, high-energy rock format in later releases, responding to audience demand for recordings that captured their dynamic live performances. This progression is evident in their 2006 album Rise, which adopted a grittier rock 'n' roll edge after over 400 concerts honed their energetic delivery.[16][16][25] Production techniques have played a key role in this refinement, with collaborations alongside co-producers such as Jason Ingram yielding layered guitars, driving rhythms, and radio-friendly polish on albums like Listen to the Sound (2011). Ingram's involvement helped craft high-energy tracks with catchy, anthemic elements that maintain CCM appeal while amplifying the band's rock foundation.[26][25]Lyrical Content
Building 429's lyrics center on themes of hope, redemption, and perseverance, often drawing from biblical references to inspire positivity and spiritual encouragement. The band's name itself derives from Ephesians 4:29, which calls for words that build others up, reflecting their commitment to edifying messages that uplift listeners through faith-based narratives.[27] Lead singer Jason Roy has emphasized that these themes emerge from real-life struggles and triumphs, aiming to address personal doubts while affirming God's faithfulness.[28] Song structures typically feature uplifting choruses that confront personal and communal challenges, weaving in assurances of divine constancy to foster resilience. For instance, choruses often pivot from depictions of trials—such as loss or uncertainty—to declarations of unshakeable trust, reinforcing community faith and perseverance. Roy, as the primary songwriter, incorporates autobiographical elements, including his own experiences with family hardship and spiritual questioning, to create authentic portrayals of doubt evolving into triumph.[29][28] A representative example is "We Won't Be Shaken" from their 2013 album, which emphasizes steadfast faith amid adversity, inspired by Psalm 62:2's imagery of God as an unshakable rock. Roy described the track as a call to boldness, stating, "His strength is made perfect in our weakness," highlighting perseverance through trials.[30] Similarly, "Always" draws from Roy's personal reconciliation with his father's absence and stories of profound loss, affirming God's enduring presence in choruses like "You are always, always, always with me."[31] These elements underscore the band's focus on redemption, transforming individual vulnerabilities into collective testimonies of hope.[29]Band Members
Current Members
The current lineup of Building 429 as of 2025 centers on founder Jason Roy and longtime bassist Aaron Branch, who provide the core of the band's sound and continue to drive its musical direction through live performances and recordings. This duo, supported by touring musicians for drums and guitar, maintains the group's commitment to Christian rock with an emphasis on inspirational themes and energetic delivery. Their collaboration has been instrumental in the band's recent singles, reflecting a streamlined yet resilient approach following lineup adjustments. Jason Roy founded Building 429 in 1999 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and has remained the band's lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist ever since. As the primary songwriter, Roy is renowned for his emotive vocal delivery that conveys deep personal faith and resilience, drawing from his experiences to craft lyrics that resonate with audiences seeking encouragement.[29][32] His leadership has guided the band through over two decades of releases, including key contributions to 2020s output such as the 2023 single "You Keep Hope Alive," where he handles lead vocals and co-writes to emphasize themes of perseverance.[24] Roy's multifaceted role also extends to production elements in recent tracks and collaborations, such as the 2023 re-recording of "I Believe" with Blessid Union of Souls.[33] Aaron Branch serves as the band's bassist and backing vocalist, joining in 2010 to provide a solid rhythmic foundation and harmonic depth. His contributions enhance the groove in live settings and studio recordings, adding layered harmonies that complement Roy's leads and amplify the emotional impact of the music.[34][35] Branch's steady presence has been vital to the band's stability, particularly in the 2020s, where he helped shape singles like "Worry" (2022), infusing the track with a driving bass line that underscores its message of overcoming anxiety through faith.[24] His role extends to touring, where he supports the band's dynamic performances, maintaining the energetic interplay that defines Building 429's concerts.[36]Former Members
Building 429's lineup has evolved over the years, with several members contributing to the band's sound during its independent phase and major label era. Scotty Beshears co-founded the band in 1999 alongside Jason Roy and served as bassist from 2000 until 2007. His role was pivotal in establishing the group's initial pop-rock style on their early independent releases.[16][11] Paul Bowden joined as an original guitarist in 1999 and remained with the band through 2008, providing key instrumental support during the transition to major label success, including contributions to their breakthrough album.[13][7] Christian Fuhrer handled drums from 2000 to 2002, anchoring the rhythm section during the band's formative touring years and debut independent efforts.[11][13] Saul Johnson briefly served as drummer from 2002 to 2003, offering interim stability as the band navigated increasing performance demands.[11][7] Jesse Garcia joined in 2005 as guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist, contributing to numerous albums and tours until his departure in 2022.[37] Michael Anderson served as drummer and percussionist from 2002 to 2022, providing the rhythmic backbone for the band's major label releases and live performances. These members' involvement shaped Building 429's evolving sound, while their departures facilitated lineup adjustments that refined the band's approach for ongoing success.[16]Discography
Studio Albums
Building 429 released their debut independent studio album, Building 429, in 2000, which sold approximately 6,000 copies through grassroots efforts and touring.[16] The band's major-label debut, The Space in Between Us, came in 2004 via Essential Records (distributed by Word), establishing their presence in Christian rock with hits like "Glory Defined." Rise followed in 2006 on Word Records, continuing their momentum with themes of perseverance. In 2007, they issued Iris to Iris on Word Records, showcasing matured production.[38][39] The self-titled Building 429 album emerged in 2008 through INO Records, featuring polished tracks that solidified their lineup. Listen to the Sound (2011, Essential Records) emphasized worship elements and peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, while We Won't Be Shaken (2013, Essential Records) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and No. 53 on the Billboard 200, marking a commercial peak.[40] Unashamed (2015, Essential Records) re-entered the Top Christian Albums chart at No. 2 upon wider distribution, selling 10,000 copies in its first tracked week.[41] The band concluded their Essential era with independent ventures, releasing Fear No More in 2019 on their own 3rd Wave Music label, a concise studio project centered on the title track.[42]| Album Title | Release Year | Label | Peak Chart Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building 429 | 2000 | Independent | N/A | Debut indie release; sold ~6,000 copies. |
| The Space in Between Us | 2004 | Essential/Word | No. 8 (Billboard Christian Albums) | Major-label breakthrough. |
| Rise | 2006 | Word | N/A | Second major release. |
| Iris to Iris | 2007 | Word | N/A | Full-length release. |
| Building 429 (self-titled) | 2008 | INO | N/A | Sixth studio album. |
| Listen to the Sound | 2011 | Essential | No. 23 (Billboard Christian Albums) | Worship-focused. |
| We Won't Be Shaken | 2013 | Essential | No. 1 (Billboard Christian Albums); No. 53 (Billboard 200) | Grammy-nominated album. |
| Unashamed | 2015 | Essential | No. 2 (Top Christian Albums, re-entry) | 10,000 first-week sales on wide release. |
| Fear No More | 2019 | 3rd Wave Music | N/A | Independent label debut. |
Live Albums
Live the Journey was released in 2018 on Essential Records, capturing high-energy live performances.[10]Singles and EPs
Building 429 has released numerous singles throughout their career, many achieving significant success on Christian radio and sales charts. Their breakthrough single, "Glory Defined," released in 2004, topped the Billboard Christian Songs chart and reached No. 1 on eight combined Adult Contemporary (AC) and Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) Christian charts, while also earning BMI's Christian Song of the Year award in 2005.[43][2][1] Following this, "The Space In Between Us" served as a follow-up single in 2005 from their album of the same name, contributing to the band's early radio presence.[44] In the 2010s, Building 429 continued their chart dominance with "Where I Belong" in 2011, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard National Christian Audience (NCA) chart for a record 15 weeks, was named the 2012 Billboard Christian Song of the Year, and received RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units sold.[45] The 2013 single "We Won't Be Shaken" also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart for two weeks and remained atop the Hot AC/CHR chart, amassing over 73 million audience impressions.[46][47] By 2015, the band had surpassed one million single sales across their catalog, marking a major career milestone.[9][48] Transitioning to independent releases under their 3rd Wave Music label starting in 2019, Building 429 issued "Fear No More," which became one of the largest independent artist singles on Christian radio with 35 adds in its debut week.[49][35] More recent singles include "Not Finished Yet" in 2021, a pop anthem emphasizing themes of redemption and God's pursuit, released via 3rd Wave Music; "Worry" in 2022; "I Believe" and "You Keep Hope Alive" in 2023.[50][51] The band has also produced several EPs, often featuring acoustic, worship, or remix versions of their material. The Preflight EP, released independently in 2002, marked early experimentation in their sound. The Glory Defined EP, a limited edition release in 2004 on Word Records, highlighted their debut single and helped launch their national profile.[22] In 2007, they issued the Selections From Iris to Iris 3-song EP on Word Records, offering preview tracks from their upcoming album.[22] The Listen to the Sound Advanced EP followed in 2011, providing extended content around that album's themes.[52] Later EPs shifted toward worship-oriented collections under 3rd Wave Music. The Remember: A Worship Collection EP, released on May 29, 2020, includes reimagined covers and originals such as "It Is Well" and "Another in the Fire," focusing on declarative worship.[53][54] The Fear No More EP in 2019 features the title track in multiple formats, including a ballad version, dance remix, Spanish adaptation, and live recording, expanding its radio and streaming reach.[55][56] Additionally, the A Thrill of Hope EP arrived in 2019, delivering holiday-themed worship tracks.[22]| Key Singles | Release Year | Peak Chart Position | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glory Defined | 2004 | No. 1 (Billboard Christian Songs) | Word Records |
| Where I Belong | 2011 | No. 1 (Billboard NCA, 15 weeks) | Essential Records |
| We Won't Be Shaken | 2013 | No. 1 (Billboard Hot Christian Songs) | Essential Records |
| Fear No More | 2019 | Top independent add week (35 adds) | 3rd Wave Music |
| Not Finished Yet | 2021 | N/A (streaming focus) | 3rd Wave Music |
| Worry | 2022 | N/A | 3rd Wave Music |
| I Believe | 2023 | N/A | 3rd Wave Music |
| You Keep Hope Alive | 2023 | N/A | 3rd Wave Music |
| Notable EPs | Release Year | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preflight | 2002 | Independent | Early promotional EP. |
| Glory Defined EP | 2004 | Word Records | Limited edition previewing debut single |
| Selections From Iris to Iris | 2007 | Word Records | 3-song promotional release |
| Listen to the Sound Advanced EP | 2011 | Essential Records | Extended album companion |
| Fear No More EP | 2019 | 3rd Wave Music | Multi-format versions of title track |
| Remember: A Worship Collection | 2020 | 3rd Wave Music | Worship covers and originals |
| A Thrill of Hope | 2019 | 3rd Wave Music | Holiday worship collection |