Celebrated Word Records’ recording artist Building 429 returns with its third and most compelling full-length release to date, Iris to Iris, in stores May 1. Filled with vertical rock worship songs that point straight to the Creator, Iris to Iris encourages listeners to be drawn in closer, in awe and wonder at the beauty of our God.
After much thought and prayer, the members of Building 429 set out to create an album which they hoped would redirect the focus from them to a place where listeners could meet God face to face. This resulted in a collection of songs whose vulnerability is unprecedented for the band.
“I’ve never been one to hear audibly from God,” says frontman Jason Roy, “but during the time I spent in prayer and preparation for this record, God spoke to me. He said simply, ‘sing to me,’ and that’s what we did.”
Produced by Brown Bannister (MercyMe, The Afters, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day) and mixed by F. Reid Shippen (India.Arie, Johnny Lang,) the project is already having an impact on all those involved. “If I had to use one word to characterize working on the new Building 429 record, Iris to Iris, it would be ‘joy,’” says Bannister. “These are a great group of guys, wonderful spirits, great hearts, and great talent. I am proud of these guys. I am so pleased that they are figuring out who they are, and discovering the vision of what God has called them to. If you are familiar with their discography, I would describe this record this way: If ‘Glory Defined’ had an entire album recorded to compliment the quality of that song, it would be this album.”
The first single from Iris to Iris, “You Carried Me,” will be released to radio March 2. Also, the band will be touring in support of its new album alongside headliner tobyMac this spring. For tour dates, visit www.building429.com.
Currently comprising Jason Roy (lead vocals, guitar), Jesse Garcia (guitar, keyboard), and Michael Anderson (drums), Building 429 released its national bow, Space In Between Us, in 2004. The project’s debut single, “Glory Defined,” set multiple radio records and hit the No. 1 position on eight different radio charts. The song climbed to number one on Christian Radio Weekly’s Adult Contemporary chart faster than any other single in the publication’s history, remaining there for ten consecutive weeks. On Radio & Records, “Glory Defined” was the first single from a debut artist to hold 100% of the Adult Contemporary panel all at the same time, and only the second time for any artist, debut or veteran.
Building 429 was also involved in 2004’s “Redeem The Vote” campaign with member Jason Roy acting as spokesperson for the organization, garnering support through appearances on Fox News Live, CNN, ABC’s “Nightline,” and other major network affiliates. In 2005, Building 429 was voted the Gospel Music Association’s New Artist of the Year, and “Glory Defined” received additional recognition as BMI’s 2005 Song of the Year. The band has toured with Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew and Casting Crowns, among others.
