"How Long" features production by American electro-house musician Steve Aoki while Rise Against's Tim McIlrath supplies the vocals. McIlrath got the gig thanks to a speedy response via text.

"Tim's tremendously talented and he and I have played dozens of protest shows together," Morello explained to Kerrang. "Steve and I were talking about who we'd like to approach to do vocals. He suggested Tim or Dave Grohl, so I texted them both and the first one to hit me back would get the gig. Tim was quick on the draw. I think he did a great job."