After the release of their third album 3D Country (2023), Geese shifted from a five-piece to a four-member lineup following the departure of founding guitarist Foster Hudson in December 2023, who left to pursue academic work. The remaining members—Cameron Winter, Emily Green, Dominic DiGesu, and Max Bassin—continued as the band’s core lineup, with Winter taking on a greater role in the guitar arrangements. The lineup change was later described by the band as a motivating force that strengthened their collaborative approach.

Geese began working with producer Kenny Beats in mid-2024 after he discovered the band’s music and later met Winter at Austin City Limits. Drawn to an approach that embraced imperfections, the band spent time in November 2024 developing demos at Beats’ Los Angeles studio. Although initially unsure about the material, Beats became convinced of the project’s potential after hearing Winter’s solo work.

The release of Winter’s solo album Heavy Metal in December 2024 exceeded expectations, gaining critical attention and a cult following. Its success renewed interest in Geese and influenced Winter’s goal of making Getting Killed a louder and more forceful album than its predecessor.