New American Shame was put together in Seattle by founder/guitarist Jimmy Paulson (who had previously worked with the Lemons) and vocalist Johnny Reidt (often credited as the one-named Johnny) in 1998. Bassist Kelly Wheeler, drummer Jack Stringham, and second guitarist Terry Bratsch were soon slotted into the group's lineup. Almost immediately, New American Shame began making a name for themselves with their powerful live performances. After building up a small but rabid fan base, the band entered the studio to record their self-titled debut for Will Records. Produced by Paulson, New American Shame was also given a solid hard rock studio treatment by engineer and Seaweed guitarist Clint Werner and mixer Brett Eliason, whose services also appear on recordings from fellow Seattle artists Pearl Jam and Mad Season, Screaming Trees, and at least honorary Northwestern rocker Neil Young.