On An On was formed by Scattered Trees members Nate Eiesland, Alissa Ricci and Ryne Estwing in March 2012.

[3] The threesome discussed the idea of reforming Scattered Trees, but decided to go with the risk and excitement of forming a new band.

[1] The trio utilised a previously-booked three-week block of studio time to work on new material with producer Dave Newfeld in Toronto.

[2][4][5] The three were tired of the more traditional songwriting and recording methods they had used in Scattered Trees and followed their desire to use electronic elements and drum machines.

[6] Nate Eiesland later revealed that his writing was a reaction to touring Scattered Trees' 2011 album Sympathy, during which he "left the stage every night on the verge of tears.

[5] Recording began with producer Joe Chiccarelli and engineer David Schwerkolt at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in mid-September 2014 and wrapped three months later.