Understanding What We've Grown to Be was recorded throughout the corse of May 16 through June 23, 2011. On June 22, the first single "Mis//Understanding" surfaced through Equal Vision' official YouTube channel. A day later, the title track was also released for free listening. "Mis//Understanding" was released as an official single on iTunes on July 5, 2011, both of these tracks feature Josh Wells, guitarist of Close to Home. On July 14, 2011, the album's cover art was released via puzzle on the band's homepage. By August, the record's production was completed and distribution began shortly. On August 22th the length of each song was announced.