The initial line-up of the band formed in 1989, with guitarist Andy Switzky, guitarist Matt Talbott, bassist Akis Boyatzis, and drummer Jeff Kropp. Matt and Andy met at a cafe named Treno's where Andy worked. Discussions about music led to the two forming the nucleus of a Hum. Matt had previously played in the local group We Ate Plato and was presently a member of Honcho Overload; Andy had performed in the semi-serious live band Obvious Man and had studio experience with Designer Mustard Gas.