Building 429 Biography

Though accolades look nice on a shelf, it’s how an artist manages its success that really matters. The members of Building 429 all agree that with success comes added responsibility – to whom much is given, much is required. Jason Roy (vocals/guitar), Scotty Beshears (bass), Michael Anderson (drums) and Jesse Garcia (guitar/keyboards), are eager to use their newfound influence to serve God fearlessly, as reflected on the band’s sophomore release, Rise.

Debuting in 2004 with “Glory Defined,” a song that hit No. 1 on eight different charts and became BMI’s 2005 Song of the Year for Christian music, Building 429 received four Dove Award nominations and was named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year. During its short time on the Christian music scene, the band has already toured with Jeremy Camp, BarlowGirl, Todd Agnew and received a special invitation to join Casting Crowns on its “Lifesong Tour” last fall. Frontman Roy has additionally been in the spotlight as a spokesperson for 2004’s Redeem the Vote, appearing on “Fox News Live,” CNN and ABC’s “Nightline.”

It’s everything the band might have hoped for since its inception five years ago. “When you come in as a new artist, you’re excited about the record deal and playing on the same stage as bands like Third Day” says Roy. “Then you settle into the realization that this is your life now, this is what you do for a living.”

“The key is to keep it all in perspective,” says Beshears. “The awards are all fine and good, but it’s really about being thankful that God has chosen to use you for His purpose. You don’t have to play music to be used, certainly – you just have to be willing. In that regard, we are on an equal playing field with everyone else.”

Applying life lessons and addressing pressing topics on its new project, Building 429 is greatly invested in Rise. “With our first album we didn’t know what the recording process was going to be like,” Beshears says. “This time we knew what we were trying to accomplish. We knew what direction we wanted to go and how we wanted to get there.”

To satisfy fans looking for the band’s energizing modern rock heard in its live show, Building 429 gives a passionate performance on Rise, shaped by the prowess of gifted producer Monroe Jones. “Monroe is big on making sure that you put everything you’ve got into every take,” says Anderson. “As a result, there is a lot more heart on this record.” Roy adds, “A passionate performance translates differently than a technically perfect performance. People hear the honesty in that. This record is very much the heart of the band on display.”

Building 429 determined that the written content of Rise deserved similar heartfelt treatment. Tackling serious and timely issues, the band touches on many subjects that concern youth. “The record’s themes are wide,” says Roy. “We initiated talk-back sessions with Interlinc all summer and specifically asked youth pastors what they wanted Building 429 to write about. I remember one saying, ‘Please remind our students that they are God’s, that they have accepted Christ, and they are His no matter what.’ The song ‘Because You’re Mine’ is on the record, written very much about that need.”

On “Home,” Building 429 addresses the problem of teen suicide after receiving a letter from a disturbed young man. “A kid was ready to commit suicide – he had already written his letter and placed it on his dresser. His mom walks by his door and tosses our CD on his bed. He listens to it, and it changes his mind,” says Beshears. Speaking to others in such a situation, “Home” promises that as long as we are here and alive, God has a plan for us.

Title track “Rise” stems from the story of a young man Roy knew in junior high school. “He was good at everything, but he was a kid that was out there by himself. People picked on him and pushed him around; I became the guy that took up for him. This song comes from the idea that no one could ever see him the way that I saw him and the way that God saw him.” With meaning enough to represent the whole album, “Rise” compels listeners to realize that when it seems no one sees them, God does.

Featuring guest vocalist Michael Tait, the gritty and hopeful “Empty” talks about God’s sufficiency. “We spend so much time walking around with a big weight on our shoulders because we are imperfect,” Roy says. “One of the lines on ‘Empty’ says, ‘The world would like me to believe that it revolves around me but I can finally see.’ Satan wants us to focus on our sin and stupidity. If we could only take ourselves out of that mindset and realize it’s not about us.”

A call to action as well as its mission statement, “Fearless” declares Building 429’s decision to stand before the crowd and speak God’s truth. The song comes at a time when Building 429 readies for its first headlining tour with venture missionaries Travel the Road. “These missionaries travel the remote regions of earth to present the gospel to people who have never heard it,” says Beshears. “I know that I’ve been afraid to admit that I’m a Christian because of what someone might think. Yet, if there’s anything worth fighting for, it’s my faith. At this point in our career, the partnership is perfect for us. It’s time to stretch our wings and go for it – be fearless.”

Building 429 pushes on unapologetically with clear, honest and open faith through songs like “Searching for a Savior,” “I Belong to You” and “Alive.” Advancing musically, Rise showcases the band members’ growth as musicians and songwriters. It also represents a natural progression of the meaning behind the name Building 429, taken from Ephesians 4:29. Concludes Roy, “It’s not enough to not say something bad. It’s about going out of your way to lift people up when everything else is beating them down. It’s about rising to that occasion. We want young people to know that yeah, life is tough, but God is there; He loves you and He has a plan.”

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